Bloomington, IL Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting department
- Engineering Department / City Engineer
- Max sidewalk coverage
- 50% of frontage width
- Required clear path
- 5 feet, ADA/PROWAG compliant
- Temporary permit term
- Up to 9 months, renewable
- Unpermitted encroachment fee
- Double the normal permit fee
- Penalty
- $50 to $500 per offense
Summary
Placing steps, awnings, planters, signs or sidewalk sales on a Bloomington sidewalk next to your building requires a sidewalk encroachment permit from the Engineering Department. The permit sets size, clearance and location limits so a five-foot ADA-compliant path stays open, and unpermitted encroachments draw double the normal fee.
The following items may be allowed to be placed on, or encroach on, the sidewalk adjacent to a private property line, subject to a sidewalk encroachment permit pursuant to this section. Any permitted encroachment shall not inhibit the ingress and egress from buildings nor the free flow of pedestrian traffic ... Permits may be issued for variable durations, depending upon the kind of encroachment requested. Those of a temporary or seasonal nature, not to exceed nine months, may be, but are not guaranteed to be, granted in succession. Permits for encroachments of a permanent nature shall not be issued without prior permission from the City Engineer, in consultation with the Zoning Administrator. ... Penalty. ... Whoever shall violate or fail to comply with any of the requirements of this section shall be subject to a penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $500; each day a violation continues after notice shall constitute a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
Bloomington City Code § 38-208 lets a property owner place certain fixtures on the public sidewalk in front of a business, but only under a sidewalk encroachment permit issued by the Engineering Department. In the Central Business District, outswing doors are allowed if they leave a five-foot clear ADA/PROWAG path and are flanked by cane-detectable barriers 18 to 24 inches from the door frame. In other business districts, and residential districts next to a commercial use, permit holders may occupy up to 50% of the sidewalk fronting their building with planters, hanging planters, sidewalk sales displays, advertising signs, awnings and canopies, and street furniture, provided the encroachment stays at least 18 inches off the back of curb, at least 10 feet from any crosswalk, and leaves a five-foot clear path.
Temporary or seasonal permits run up to nine months and may be renewed in succession; permanent encroachments need the City Engineer's approval in consultation with the Zoning Administrator. The City charges a permit fee set in the Schedule of Fees, and anyone who encroaches without a permit is charged double that fee. Newspaper boxes are a narrow carved-out exception and do not need this permit if they meet separate size and placement standards. Violating any requirement of § 38-208 carries a penalty of $50 to $500, with each day a violation continues after notice a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Encroaching on a sidewalk without the required permit lets the City charge double the normal permit fee, and violating any requirement of § 38-208, such as exceeding the 50% sidewalk coverage limit or blocking the required five-foot ADA path, carries a penalty of not less than $50 nor more than $500, with each day the violation continues after notice counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put planters or a sign on the sidewalk in Bloomington?
How long does a Bloomington sidewalk encroachment permit last?
What happens if I encroach on a sidewalk without a permit?
Sources & Official References
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