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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I received a postcard in the mail – why and what does it mean for my property?

The Indiana State Statute requires that we send notice to all property owners within Monroe County jurisdiction, 1/8 mile into the Town of Ellettsville, 1/8 mile into the City of Bloomington, and 1/8 mile surrounding the Monroe County boundary. If you received a notice, it is letting you know we are changing the zoning and subdivision control ordinances, as well as the zoning map. If you are in the County jurisdiction, please look to the draft zoning map and call our office (812-349-2560) with any questions.

What does a “County Development Ordinance” mean?

Monroe County adopted a county-wide 20-year Comprehensive Plan in February 2012, and subsequent amendments to the plan in the form of an Urbanizing Area Plan in 2015 and a Framework Zoning Plan and Code Diagnostic in December 2016. We are now implementing a strategy to rewrite the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance for consistency with these adopted Plans; this will create a County Development Ordinance or CDO. The last complete rewriting of the zoning regulations was in 1997.

2. Who are the consultants creating the CDO?

McBride Dale Clarion is the consultant working on the CDO.

3. I live in Monroe County – outside of the City of Bloomington and the Town of Ellettsville. How will this plan impact my property?

Monroe County, Indiana, is governed under Title 8 of the Monroe County Code, which includes zoning for all properties in the unincorporated areas of the County. Currently there are 45 zones in Monroe County; to simplify and update the code, the Planning Department is working with a consultant team to consolidate this into 16 zoning districts. As a result, your property will be rezoned. Many of the properties further away from the City of Bloomington will not experience a shift in the allowable uses and the zoning will likely be comparable to what is in place today. Go here to see what your property is zoned currently, and call the Planning Department to help answer questions you may have.

4. How is this different than the current ordinance?

The current zoning ordinance works by allowing certain uses in certain zones. The future CDO will streamline the uses allowed in the County and consolidate the number of zoning districts. The subdivision ordinance is currently separate from the zoning code. This CDO will combine the chapters into one cohesive document.

5. Would I be able to subdivide my property?

The subdivision control ordinance will be altered in the CDO. However, many subdivision requirements – like access to sewer service – will still be drivers for density.

6. How will this Plan take into account the prior City of Bloomington’s annexation proposal?

The zoning map was created in review of the existing and planned infrastructure for areas around the City of Bloomington. Access to sewer or other private sewage treatment may be a pre-requisite for certain types of development and will be a requirement for subdivisions.

7. What is the timeline for completing the CDO?

The anticipated completion date for the ordinance adoption process is Fall 2024. Stay tuned for more updates.

8. Where can I find how my property will be rezoned?

The draft zoning map has both the current zoning and draft zones.

9. What is zoning?

Zoning of land is a practice that assigns allowable uses to different pieces of land, based on the location, availability of infrastructure, and environmental conditions.

10. What are the goals with this new CDO?

A full list of the goals are on our home page.

11. How many zones are there currently? How many will there be under the new CDO?

There are 45 zones currently; the CDO will reduce this number to around 16 zones. Changes may be made by the public and Plan Commission, so this number may change over time.

12. What if I went through a rezone, variance, or conditional use for my property?

Check the “Transition Rules” under the draft CDO. Call a planner with any questions at 812-349-2560, or email us at PlanningOffice@co.monroe.in.us.

13. What can I do now if I want to get involved? How can I receive regular updates about what the CDO?

Join us for the public hearing on September 24 at 5:30 in person in the Nat U Hill Room (100 W Kirkwood Ave Bloomington IN 47404), or on Teams via our County Events Calendar, or go to this homepage to find ways to submit your comments/feedback in advance.

14. Will my structures/uses be “grandfathered” in if they do not fit the new standards?

Current structures/uses that are legal under today’s zoning code would be legal nonconforming if they do not conform to the new CDO. However, existing structures that were not built legally, or sites developed without prior approvals, would not be legal nonconforming under the new code. If you have questions you should call the Planning Department (812)-349-2560.

15. Will my tax assessment change due to changes in the CDO Zoning Map?

It is possible that a change in your zoning designation could impact a future property tax assessment. The main reasons property tax assessments can change is due to the property’s change in value (such as a sales disclosure) and it’s current use (existing and proposed development). Since a property’s zoning designation is tied to the value for which property can be sold for, whether it can be developed and to what extent, the use of the property, and whether land can be subdivided, it is possible zoning will impact your assessed value. Each of these aforementioned actions impact your assessed value. Therefore, the zoning designation of your property could be utilized to determine future tax assessment.

If you have questions about your assessed value (different from your tax bill) please call the Assessor’s Office at 812-349-2502. If you have tax bill questions, call the Treasurer’s office at 812-349-2530.

We Want to Hear from You!

We need to hear from residents about what opportunities you would like to see in your community! Check this page for a series of online surveys, social media updates, and notifications on public meetings. The project consultants and the Monroe County Planning Department want to make sure the new ordinance protects the resources and rights of residents to enjoy their property, while also building in the flexibility for people to create new jobs and other opportunities for the community to thrive. What would you like to see in Monroe County that is not here already, and what would you like to see less of in the County? These are questions we need answered to inform our new code.