B-1 General Commercial District. The intent of this B-1 General Commercial District is to facilitate the development of community and regional commercial areas. Customers in this district will generally use a motor vehicle to reach a desired establishment. The development contemplated in this district has such distinguishing characteristics as unified site planning and development that promotes a safe and conducive atmosphere for large volumes of shoppers; site accessibility such that the high volumes of traffic generated create minimal congestion and adverse impact upon surrounding land use; and unified architectural treatment of buildings rather than an assemblage of separate, conflicting store and structural types.

B-2 Local Commercial District. The intent of this B-2 Local Commercial District is to provide retail, commercial and service establishments, including retail stores and personal service facilities, which serve the frequently recurring needs of surrounding local employment areas and residential neighborhoods. In addition to serving commercial purposes, this district encourages a mix of land uses, continued community investment through infill and site renovations, and a development form that supports mixed transportation modes, such as bicycle, pedestrian, and public transportation in addition to personal vehicles. Neighborhood shopping centers, particularly with a supermarket as a principal or anchor tenant, are appropriate at prominent intersections. The protection of surrounding residential properties from adverse impacts is a primary focus of this district.

C-1 Office District. The intent of this C-1 Office District is to accommodate office buildings primarily. Related retail, service, institution, and multiple-family uses commonly associated with office uses are allowed to a limited extent. This district may be applied as a transitional use buffer between residential uses and uses which would be incompatible with residential districts. The prime characteristics of this district are the low intensity of land coverage and the absence of such nuisance factors as noise, air pollutant emission, and glare.

D-1 Central Business District. The intent of this D-1 Central Business District is to provide for a variety of retail, office, service, residential and cultural amenities in the central business area of the City. This area has historically served as Bloomington's major retail and community center and will continue in this capacity moving forward. In addition to commercial and governmental functions, arts and establishments supporting the arts are emphasized. Residential uses, particularly mixed-use or multifamily residential development at a high density, are recognized as essential to the vitality of the district. While visitors are likely to access the D-1 district by vehicle, pedestrian access and circulation is prioritized in the downtown core. Recognizing the essential importance of building proximity to the public sidewalk and adjoining structures, provisions are made for the development of collective off-street parking facilities by public and private interests.

D-2 Downtown Transitional District. The intent of this D-2 Downtown Transitional District is to complement and support the uses located in the D-1 Central Business District. Office, service and civic uses, as well as residential apartments and multifamily dwelling units, are appropriate in this district. Due to its transitional location between the central business district and outlying residential areas, the D-2 District permits development at a lower intensity and density than the downtown core. Pedestrian circulation is prioritized. To this end, buildings should be located close to the sidewalk with on-site parking located to the rear of the parcel and accessed from secondary roadways or alleys, though modest setbacks for courtyards, gardens and other similar amenities may be provided.

D-3 Downtown Warehouse and Arts District. The intent of this D-3 Downtown and Arts District is to facilitate entrepreneurship and innovation by accommodating mixed uses that complement the downtown and support various parts of the value-added chain. Uses permitted in this district support Bloomington's artist community and small scale "craftsman" industries with little to no noxious by-products. Although not the focus of this district, live-work studios, multifamily residential buildings, and loft-type residences above the first floor, are permitted. Due to the intended use of this district, the urban form may include buildings with larger footprints and greater setback distances than would be acceptable in the central business district. Pedestrian safety is emphasized in the context of increased truck and other vehicular traffic that may be present in the area.

Land uses. Uses are allowed in the Business Districts in accordance with Table 502A. The following key is to be used in conjunction with the Use Table.

Allowed Uses Table.

Site Dimensions Table. All development in Business Districts must comply with the requirements in Tables 503A and 503B and Diagram 503A, unless otherwise expressly stated.

On-site development standards. See Article IX, General Provisions, for various on-site development standards such as exterior lighting requirements, permitted encroachments, temporary sales, accessory uses and structures. In addition to the requirements of Article IX and Table 503A, the following regulations apply.

Use provisions. See Article X, Use Provisions, for standards governing permitted and special uses.

Off-street parking and loading. See Article XII, Off-Street Parking and Loading, for standards governing off-street parking and loading. In addition, the following regulations apply:

Landscaping. See Article XIII, Landscaping and Screening, for standards regarding landscaping and screening.

Signs. See Article XIV, Signs, for standards governing the type, placement, size and scale of signs.

Site plan review. Development proposals meeting the following criteria shall be subject to Site Plan Review in accordance with the requirements of Article XVII.

Regulations Applicable to the D-1, D-2 and D-3 Districts.