Please refer to bloomington.in.gov/udo to download the full RFP, including detailed submittal requirements.

Summary of Request

The City of Bloomington (the City) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to select a consultant (or team of consultants) to assist in the development and adoption of updates to the City's Unified Development Ordinance (the UDO). The UDO is the primary source of land use regulations for the City of Bloomington, including both zoning and subdivision control ordinances. The updated UDO is expected to be complimentary to the soon to be completed Bloomington Comprehensive Plan. The City anticipates that the new UDO will express a progressive vision that promotes thoughtful growth and protects the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Interested parties must submit proposals electronically by Friday, July 14, at 4:00 PM local time (EST).

Process Schedule

*Dates indicated are tentative and subject to change as needed

PROJECT DETAILS

Overview

The purpose of this project is to review and rewrite the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for the City of Bloomington, Indiana. The UDO is Title 20 of the Bloomington Municipal Code. The current Bloomington UDO was enacted in 2007 and has had numerous updates since that time. The UDO was based on the City's Growth Policies Plan (GPP) as adopted in 2002. The City is now on the verge of adopting a new Comprehensive Plan to replace the GPP and wishes to update the UDO to reflect the new vision and principles contained in the Comprehensive Plan. The current draft of the new Comprehensive Plan is available here: https://bloomington.in.gov/planning/cmp. It is envisioned that the new code will seamlessly combine conventional zoning districts (for most of the city) with form-based districts (for downtown and historic areas).

Objectives

The following objectives should be considered in developing the revised UDO:

• Ensure that the revised UDO implements the recommendations of the City's soon to be completed Comprehensive Plan.
• Review of all existing zoning classifications with recommendations for additions, deletions and modifications.
• Inclusion of innovative and user friendly graphics that illustrate regulations and make the codes easy to use.
• Inclusion of provisions that will help the City achieve high-quality infill and redevelopment projects that are consistent with the context of existing development in the area.
• Develop form-based portions of the code - targeted to specific areas that offer greater opportunities for redevelopment, primarily in the Downtown.
• Address development procedures – review and suggest improvements based upon compliance with the comprehensive plan, zoning requirements and standards and environmental and economic impacts.
• Incorporate steps to ensure that residential and commercial development is consistent with availability of infrastructure and the limitations of resources.
• Promote and support multi-modal transportation options including bicycles and pedestrians.
• Provide for and promote a sustainably built and natural environment.
• Preserve the character of neighborhoods and historic districts.
• Address and update overlay districts.
• Consideration of the impacts of land use on the environment and mitigation requirements for those areas prone to flooding.
• Provide for and promote incorporation of public spaces and art.

Process and UDO Completion

Process:

• The City wishes to develop and adopt several targeted, high priority updates to the UDO early in the process, then complete a more holistic revision of the remaining document. These priorities will be identified via consultation with the City and review of the soon to be adopted Comprehensive Plan.
• The initial, high-priority updates should be completed (adopted by Council) 3-4 months after the selected consultant is given notice to proceed with the project.
• The City would like the consultant to propose an overall project schedule. The process should involve public participation, stakeholders, analysis, the adoption process, etc.

UDO Completion:

• The overall UDO process will be complete when it is adopted by the City Council; however, if any edits are included with the adoption of the UDO, the process is complete when an updated version is provided to staff following UDO adoption.
• Assume approximately 4 months for the adoption process of the final, revised UDO.

Expectations:

• Staff will present and lead the adoption process, but expects the consultant to be present, provide presentation materials, incorporate feedback, etc.

Submissions must be emailed to Josh Desmond at desmondj@bloomington.in.gov. Submissions received after 4:00 PM local time on July 14, 2017 will not be considered.

Please refer to bloomington.in.gov/udo to download the full RFP, including detailed submittal requirements.