Resources

Check out these general resources or keep scrolling for information about the historic districts and resources for making changes to your home. 
  • My Bloomington - provides information about City services available to addresses in the vicinity of Bloomington, IN. Trash pick up day? check. City Councilperson? check. Polling place? check. Parks, parking, road closings...all this and more.
  • City of Bloomington HAND Department - assistance for buying a home, organizing a neighborhood association, preserving historic property, resolving concerns about housing code violations or rental grievances, and much more.
  • Council of Neighborhood Associations (CONA) - hosts speakers on neighborhood topics and supports neighborhood associations in Bloomington
  • Other Bloomington Neighborhood Associations - our peers in the Bloomington Neighborhood scene
  • ​Homefinder.org - local MLS database for properties for sale in Bloomington and Monroe County​
  • Property Transfer Database - Want to know who bought that house - and for how much? Simply type in the address. (HT Online Subscription Required)​​

Historic DistrictS

GREATER PROSPECT HILL HISTORIC DISTRICT
​The Greater Prospect Hill Historic District was named to distinguish it from Bloomington's earliest local district, which it geographically surrounds. Beginning as a Conservation District in 2008, Greater Prospect Hill is now a full historic district.

https://bloomington.in.gov/neighborhoods/historic/greater-prospect-hill​

PROSPECT HILL LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT
​This area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in March 1991.  Within the year, Prospect Hill residents were also successful in establishing it as Bloomington's first locally designated historic district.

https://bloomington.in.gov/neighborhoods/historic/prospect-hill

GREATER PROSPECT HILL HISTORIC DISTRICT (GPHHD) DESIGN GUIDELINES 

The objective of the GPHHD Design Guidelines is to preserve the overall distinctive character of the Prospect Hill neighborhood by conserving its historic architectural fabric. We seek to assist new and existing property owners, architects, and contractors who wish to live and/or work in the Greater Prospect Hill Historic District. The intent of the historic district is to protect our neighborhood by regulating the demolition of properties and by creating design guidelines for new construction (including additions), some modifications to existing houses, and removal of original materials.

Greater Prospect Hill Historic District generally follows neighborhood association boundaries; most of this area is zoned for residential use. Some of it is zoned commercial and is covered by other guide-lines described in Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and Plan for West Kirkwood, available from Housing & Neighborhood Development (HAND).
​
View the complete GPHHD Design Guidelines on the City website.

DESIGN GUIDELINES AND home modifications

​Some home modifications are subject to design guidelines related to the historic districts. The following details are for the Greater Prospect Hill Historic District. If your home is in the local historic district review those guidelines here.  Use this tool to check your address. 

When in doubt, reach out to HAND. 

The Bloomington Municipal Code requires that a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) be issued for certain changes in historic districts. Owners within the district must apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from HAND staff or the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission (BHPC) before certain work may begin on the property. The COA review process is much like a regular building permit application. 

A COA is not required for: 
  • Routine repairs or replacing “in-kind” (for example, the re-glazing of a broken window pane or repairs done in-kind) 
  • Exterior paint color 
  • Change to the interior of your home 
  • Environmental aspects (landscaping, accessory structures less than 80 square feet, decks, etc.) 

Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission review required for a COA:
  • Demolition
  • New construction
  • Additions 
  • Moving of a structure 

Review by HAND staff required for a COA:
  • Changes to public-way façade (street-facing portions of a structure)
  • Removal of original materials (elements first used on the structure or in subsequent updates) 

Applicant Checklist for Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Review: 
  1. Consult with City Staff (BHPC/ HAND/ Planning) to start process and learn of any zoning or variance issues that may apply
  2. Familiarize yourself with GPHHD Design Guidelines, available from HAND or Web. 
  3. If your project requires BHPC review: 1) Prepare proposal packet for GPHHD Design Review Committee 2) Schedule a meeting with the committee 3) Present your plan for review 4) Present to BHPC for COA approval 
  4. Apply for a building permit. If a variance was required, you may apply for your building permit from the Monroe Co. Building Dept. after variance has been granted. 
​

HOME MODIFICATION FAQ

Q: Can I make changes to my windows?
A: Fenestration recommendations are on page 20 of the greater historic district guidelines doc.

Q: Can I install a fence?
A: Fences can be installed but are subject to design restrictions from the city (not specific to the historic district). Please reach out to HAND .

YOUR GPHHD CONTACTS


Greater Prospect Hill Historic District Design Review Committee
The GPHHD Design Review Committee exists to 
  1. Assist our neighbors through the review process, acting as a liaison to HAND and BHPC and providing neighborhood support 
  2. Recommend or comment on the homeowner’s design plans before they meet with BHPC; and 
  3. Help inform the neighborhood about projects. 

​The Design Review Committee can review and provide recommendations before a project goes to BHPC, which has authority to approve or deny the request. The committee can be contacted via the neighborhood association at [email protected] 

Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND)
Develops programs, services, and partnerships to preserve community character, promote affordable housing, and encourage neighborhood vitality – including code enforcement, inspection of rental housing, affordable housing, workforce housing, neighborhood services, and historic preservation. 
Website: https://bloomington.in.gov/departments/hand 

Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission (BHPC)
Works to educate the public concerning the goals and methods of historic preservation. 9 volunteer local commissioners, local residents experienced in historic preservation, are appointed by the mayor. They are assisted by a HAND staff member.
Website: https://bloomington.in.gov/boards/historic-preservation

Department of Planning & Transportation 
Review of zoning and variance issues. 
Website: https://bloomington.in.gov/planning