Bloomington Seeks Resident Feedback on Sign Code

The city is updating its 1979 advertising sign regulations to better reflect modern internet-based commerce.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of tiered urban zoning blocks and architectural volumes, representing a municipal urban planning project. — Bloomington officials are collaborating with McKenna to modernize a 1979 sign code, utilizing resident feedback to address evolving digital advertising standards. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local governments enact stricter design standards for business signage in your area?

Bloomington officials are working with consulting firm McKenna to overhaul a sign code that has not been updated since 1979. Residents are currently invited to provide feedback through an online survey that allows for pin-point mapping of specific signage issues.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to address outdated regulations regarding digital sign brightness and storefront advertising to better support current local business needs. Officials hope the resulting code could eventually provide a unified framework for both Bloomington and the Town of Normal.

The city is currently working to replace a sign code that was originally adopted in 1979. This update is designed to address modern signage concerns, such as digital brightness, which were not contemplated in the original standards.

The players

Bloomington

The city government is currently leading the regulatory review process for local commercial and residential signage.

McKenna

This Michigan-based consulting firm is partnering with the city to provide expertise on updated municipal sign ordinances.

Town of Normal

The municipal government could potentially adopt the final sign code revisions developed during this project.

The details

Participants in the survey can mark specific problem areas on a map to highlight concerns about business or residential signage. The consulting firm McKenna is assisting the city in drafting these new policies, with a potential future overlay district being considered for Veterans Parkway.

The original sign code was adopted in 1979.
The city hosted a public open house regarding the project in September 2026.
The feedback survey remains open to the public through late October 2026.

Market Landscape

This regulatory update follows the shift toward modern internet-based commerce that has outpaced the 1979 Bloomington Sign Code. By aligning standards across the area, the city aims to create a more consistent competitive environment for local businesses.

Residents and local business owners can directly influence the new signage rules by participating in the ongoing online survey. The final policy changes may alter how storefront windows and digital displays are regulated throughout the city.

The takeaway

The city is actively seeking public input to ensure the new sign code balances business visibility with community standards. Residents should utilize the mapping tool to highlight specific areas where current sign brightness or placement affects their local environment.