Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC): Bloomington vs Minneapolis
How do transit-oriented communities (toc) rules compare between Bloomington, MN and Minneapolis, MN?
Bloomington and Minneapolis have similar restriction levels.
Bloomington, MN
Hennepin County
Hennepin County supports transit-oriented development along METRO Blue, Green, Orange, and future Blue Line Extension corridors with grants, station-area planning, and affordable housing tools.
View full Bloomington rules →Minneapolis, MN
Hennepin County
Minneapolis 2040 Plan designates Transit 30 and Transit 20 zones along Metro Transit BRT (A, C, D Lines) and LRT corridors, allowing taller buildings, no parking minimums, and mixed-use development by right.
View full Minneapolis rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bloomington | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Funding tool | Hennepin County TOD grants | - |
| Major corridors | Blue, Green, Orange lines | - |
| Coordination | Met Council Livable Communities | - |
| City overlays | Minneapolis, Bloomington, Hopkins | - |
| Lines | - | BRT A, C, D and LRT |
| Heights | - | 4-6 stories by right |
| Parking minimums | - | Eliminated citywide 2021 |
| Plan | - | Minneapolis 2040 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bloomington FAQ
Can homeowners apply for TOD grants?
TOD grants typically fund developers and cities; homeowners benefit indirectly through new housing, jobs, and transit access.
Does TOD reduce parking?
Many station-area overlays reduce or eliminate minimum parking, especially in Minneapolis and along the Green Line corridor.
Minneapolis FAQ
Do I have to provide parking for new units?
No. Minneapolis eliminated minimum parking requirements citywide in 2021. Developers may still build parking voluntarily, but it is no longer mandated by zoning.
What is Transit 30 versus Transit 20?
Transit 30 is the higher-density designation along the most-frequent corridors. Transit 20 is moderate density. Both allow mixed-use buildings with reduced setbacks and design standards.
Compare other topics
See how Bloomington and Minneapolis compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool