Our Community Agreements

Bloomington Cohousing Community Agreements

Updated October 2024

 

The summaries below represent the current community agreements developed by the Bloomington Cohousing community to reflect our values. Due to our neighborhood’s unique design, we have developed these agreements to ensure the comfort and safety of all residents while we work together to manage our shared resources and amenities.

 

As part of our system of dynamic governance, all agreements are and will be re-visited on a regular basis (typically annually) to ensure that the agreements remain equitable and accessible and address the current needs of the community. For further information on the full community agreement documents (including rationale), please contact the community at bloomingtoncoho@gmail.com or check the agreements section of our website at www.bloomingtoncohousing.org. 

 

COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION EXPECTATIONS:

As part of our commitment to build a community home rooted in the values of connection, intentionality, sustainability, and accessibility, each adult resident is invited and strongly encouraged to participate in the life of the community by contributing toward the care of the community on an ongoing basis. The time, place, and manner in which each resident supports the community will vary according to individual abilities and circumstances. Participation may include activities such as joining a circle/committee (Community Life; Common Structures; Plants and Animals; Technology, etc.), working in the shared garden, cooking or cleaning for community meals, or performing maintenance or administrative tasks.

 

GUEST CABIN USAGE:

Households may reserve a guest cabin unit for the use of their guests during available times by contacting the guest cabin manager. Residents pay only a cleaning fee based on length of stay and number of guests. The guest cabin is used as an AirBnB to raise funds for our community when not in use by residents’ guests.

 

SMOKING AGREEMENT:

Smoking is not permitted in indoor common property or outdoor common property, including but not limited to the common lawn, picnic shelter, and parking lots. Smoking is permitted on personal property as long as no other residents are adversely affected.

 

PARKING AGREEMENT (Preliminary - will go into effect once 20 households are occupied):

All households (except those with garages) are guaranteed one parking spot in the community parking lots. For the current evaluation term, parking spots are unassigned. 

 

 

FENCE AGREEMENT:

Private backyard fencing under 5 feet is allowed on private property. Fence construction materials must match neighborhood aesthetics (natural wood with mesh wire panels). 

 

PET AGREEMENT:

All pets must be leashed at all times, show appropriate (non-aggressive and non-damaging behavior), and be spayed/neutered. Residents are not allowed to keep pets over 50 pounds or pit bulls/pit bull mixes. Residents are not allowed to keep more than three dogs and/or cats. There are a maximum of five outdoor cats allowed in the community (we currently have three outdoor cats). 

 

Residents or potential residents may apply for an exemption to these pet limits for well-behaved, non-threatening pets who do not meet the above criteria. These pets must be unanimously accepted by a committee.

 

RENTAL AGREEMENT:

Long-term rentals of a full house or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) are allowed with basic guidelines to be followed. Some short-term rentals are also allowed with certain restrictions. Please contact the community for full details.