Bloomington, IN Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

080(c)(1)(E) of Bloomington's Unified Development Ordinance singles out green infrastructure, defined by example as detention basins, bioswales and raingardens, for a native-only planting rule: these facilities shall be planted with only native seed and/or plugs, with no mixed-planting or ornamental substitute allowed the way other landscaped areas of a site permit. The rule grows out of the purpose statement opening the same section, which commits Bloomington's landscaping standards to protecting and improving Bloomington's biodiversity and the ecological services provided by native species and ecosystems, alongside the more familiar goals of appearance, screening and community character.

080(c)(2), which require all plantings to be living and healthy and bar species identified as invasive, detrimental or noxious from being planted anywhere on a site, including within a bioswale or raingarden. 080(d) directs that all plant material be selected from the permitted species tables in that subsection or from the list in the City of Bloomington Utilities Department Stormwater Design Manual, so a designer cannot substitute an unlisted native species without seeking approval from the Planning and Transportation Department. 080(c)(1)(F) bars the City from recommending final occupancy until the approved, native-seeded green infrastructure planting has actually been installed and inspected.