Businesses who wish to participate in the 2024 Parklet Program as outlined in Bloomington Ordinance 22-01, must complete an application, provide a site plan, and provide any additional documentation. 2024 Outdoor Dining applications will close on April 15, 2024 at 11:59pm. City staff will review site plans and approve applications by April 26, 2024. Businesses may submit applications in advance of the deadline.

Note: To apply, must register for a Survey Apply account here. See instructions here.

Applicants must remit payment to the City of Bloomington Parking Services Department by check or card no later than April 29, 2024. The fee includes an engineering fee plus a participation fee based on the number of parklets. Payment can be made to Parking Services. 

In-person @ Parking Services 206 S Walnut St, Bloomington, IN 47404

By card: 812-349-3436.

By Mail: PO Box 100 address.

• Fees:
  • $50 Engineering review fee (assessed for each business)
  • $250 per parklet (may be shared)
• Timeline:
  • Applications available to businesses: April 4, 2024
  • Deadline for submitting applications: April 15, 2024
  • Final staff determination of number and location of parklets: April 26, 2024
  • Implementation of outdoor dining program:  April 29-30, 2024 (weather permitting)
  • Take down of graduation weekend parklets only:May 6-10, 2024
  • End of seasonal outdoor dining program:  November 4, 2024

NEW THIS YEAR: Businesses may request a temporary parklet during Indiana University graduation weekend. The parklet will be installed by April 30, and removed between May 6 - May 10, 2024. Same price as full seasonal program cost.

Parklet Program Guidelines  

• Costs to participating businesses:

  • Cost to businesses will be $250 per parking space for the 2024 season, payable to Parking Services. A two-space parklet will cost $500 plus the permitting fee(s).

  • Businesses which share a parklet may split the cost between them.

  • Businesses are responsible for any direct costs associated with utilizing a parklet, such as furniture.
    
    

• Eligibility:

  • Eligibility is limited to any food service establishment adjacent to metered parking in downtown Bloomington. 

  • All participating businesses must agree to cease alcohol sales in parklets by midnight. 

  • Eligible businesses must complete the application and payment process as outlined.

•  Implementation:

  • The Parking Services division in the Department of Public Works will install and remove the orange jersey barriers at the beginning and end of the 2024 season. 

  • City staff will fill the jersey barriers with water on the day they are installed. Participating businesses will be required to top off the barriers with water as needed, and the barriers must remain sufficiently full for safety reasons. 

  • If the weather in early April 2024 is not conducive to outdoor dining, City staff may exercise discretion on the exact dates that the parklets are installed.

  • If a parklet is removed, either by request of the business or by determination of City staff, it may not be reimplemented in the same calendar year. Any fees paid by the business will not be refunded.

• Requirements for participating businesses:

  • Participating businesses are required to provide their own furniture, decorations, etc.

  • Participating businesses are required to invest in beautification of parklets through art or décor that meets safety standards

  • Participating businesses must meet all requirements for their extended outdoor seating, including from the Indiana Alcohol Tobacco Commission (ATC), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Health Department, safety, and insurance requirements.

  • Tents and heaters are not allowed for use in the Parklet Program.

  • Participating businesses must comply with Indiana Fire Code regulations.
  • Businesses must remove all seating, furniture, decorations, and any other property from the parklet before the end of the program on November 4, 2024, when the water-filled barriers are set to come down or face fines in accordance with Title 12 of the Bloomington Municipal Code.

• Beautification Options:

  • Additional seating platforms: Outside of their uses associated with outdoor dining, parklet installations may include wooden or metal benches, platforms, ramps or additional forms of seating to compensate for increased customer capacity and general community interactions

  • Adornment of art: Parklet program participants are encouraged to use a variety of art sources to beautify parklets. E.g., collaboration with local artists and the utilization of murals

  • Parklet greenery options

  • Additional lighting

  • Further cosmetic and logistical improvements: More options for cosmetic improvements include use of budget-friendly space dividers, use of outdoor rugs/flooring, temporary installations of menu/special boards, spaces dedicated for bike parking, and inclusion of interactive features

  • Accessibility alterations (requirement if not ADA compliant): To ensure inclusive accessibility, parklets can be made to include various features to increase overall accessibility. Possible additions include wooden ramps, accessible entry and flattened deck surface, while guaranteeing enough space for inclusive mobility.