Project Description
This rezoning satisfies the goals and policies outlined in the Bluffton Road Lower Huntington Road Corridor Improvement Plan adopted by Common Council in 2017. This plan recommends rezoning areas to a more appropriate zoning districts to encourage more compatible land uses and development patterns.
The current rezoning study area includes areas along Bluffton Road between Waynewood Drive and Reservation Drive and along Lower Huntington Road between Bradbury Avenue and Koester Drive.
Many adopted neighborhood and sub-area plans include recommendations to rezone areas to a more appropriate zoning district for the actual land uses or to encourage more compatible land uses and development patterns. The City of Fort Wayne Planning and Policy Department and the Allen County Department of Planning Services have formed a Proactive Rezoning Work Group to rezone corridors and other areas identified as part of these neighborhood and community-based plans.
Staff will review and evaluate the rezoning recommendation and then meet with property owners and the public to discuss the rezoning changes. A rezoning request is then filed with the Fort Wayne Plan Commission following standard practices administered by the Plan Commission staff.
A formal public hearing is held before the Plan Commission for review of the request, at which time property owners and the public can provide input and ask questions. Letters and emails can also be sent to the Department of Planning Services before the public hearing. One week later, the Plan Commission will meet to make a recommendation to send to City Council. The council usually meets a few weeks later to make their final decision.
What is zoning?
Zoning is how a city divides land into different areas or "zones," each with its own rules about what can be built there. These rules cover things like the size and height of buildings and how land can be used.
What are zoning districts?
Zoning districts are delineated areas within a planning jurisdiction as shown on the adopted zoning maps, in which the regulations of the zoning ordinance apply.
What is a zoning map?
A zoning map shows the zoning classification for each property. These classifications are typically residential, commercial, or industrial. Any changes to this map are reviewed by the Fort Wayne and Allen County Plan Commissions and approved by City Council and the Allen County Commissioners. You can view the Fort Wayne - Allen County zoning map online at https://www.acimap.us/dps.html.
What is a zoning ordinance?
A zoning ordinance is a set of rules about how land can be used in each zone shown on the zoning map. These rules cover things like permitted uses, building heights, setbacks, parking, landscaping, and other land use details. Changes to the Fort Wayne Zoning Ordinance are reviewed by the Fort Wayne Plan Commission and approved by City Council. Changes to the Allen County Zoning Ordinance are reviewed by the Allen County Plan Commission and approved by the Allen County Commissioners.
Why is zoning important?
Zoning promotes organized growth and efficient land use, supports the community's comprehensive plan, and protects public health, safety, and welfare. For example, zoning protects residential neighborhoods by separating them from heavy industry and high-traffic businesses.
What is a comprehensive plan?
A comprehensive plan outlines a community's vision for future development, including land use, transportation, utilities and other topic areas. A comprehensive plan is created through an extensive community engagement process. According to Indiana law, a community must have an adopted comprehensive plan to create a zoning ordinance. Allen County and the City of Fort Wayne along with the communities of Grabill, Huntertown, Monroeville and Woodburn have a joint comprehensive plan adopted in 2023 called All In Allen, ALLINALLEN.org.
How is zoning implemented in the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County?
Indiana law provides the framework for local planning and zoning. The Department of Planning Services (DPS) manages zoning and land use for Fort Wayne, Allen County and surrounding areas. They review zoning map changes, land subdivisions, development permits, zoning appeals, and enforcement.
The Department of Planning Services (DPS) employs professional land use planning staff that serve the Fort Wayne and Allen County Plan Commissions and Fort Wayne and Allen County Board of Zoning Appeals.
- DPS oversees the review processes and procedures for zoning map changes, land subdivision and development permitting, zoning appeals, and enforcement related to ensuring compliance with zoning ordinance requirements for the City of Fort Wayne, Allen County as well as Huntertown, Grabill, Monroeville and Woodburn.
- The City of Fort Wayne and Allen County have an Inter-local Agreement which establishes a Joint Land Use Department within DPS for these services.
- The Joint Land Use Department is overseen by the Joint Land Use Governing Board which is responsible for hiring the Executive Director and overseeing the work of the department.
The Fort Wayne Plan Commission and the Allen County Plan Commission are responsible for the All In Allen Comprehensive Plan, and its implementation through the City of Fort Wayne and Allen County Zoning Ordinances, the Subdivision Control Ordinance, and various policies and practices.
The Fort Wayne Board of Zoning Appeals and the Allen County Board of Zoning Appeals can grant exceptions to zoning rules and approve special uses. They meet monthly to review applications and make decisions based on specific criteria in Indiana law and the zoning ordinance.
Where can I get additional information?
Department of Planning Services
Phone: (260) 449-7607
General Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.allencounty.in.gov/281/Department-of-Planning-Services
Key Dates
Monday, May 12, 2025 5:30 pm
Plan Commission Public Hearing
Citizens Square Rm 035
Monday, May 19, 2025 5:30 am
Plan Commission Business Meeting
Citizens Square Rm 030
All 11 petitions received unanimous Do Pass recommendations.
Rezoning Area
An interactive display of the proposed zoning is available below, allowing you to slide a bar to see current zoning (on the left) and proposed zoning (on the right). If you wish to have a printable version of this map, please see the PDF link below the interactive display.
Contact Us
Have questions about Proactive Rezoning, please contact us here:
| Name | Fort Wayne - Allen County Department of Planning Services |
|---|---|
| Phone | 260-449-7607 |
| [email protected] |
