The primary objective of this project is to implement housing related policies and action steps in the All In Allen Comprehensive Plan related to encouraging the development of more diverse housing options in Fort Wayne and Allen County. The work group has reviewed existing policies and ordinances, conducted research on other communities, determined policies and standards that may be limiting housing options and recommended amendments to those standards.

Zoning Ordinance amendments regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Zero Lot Line housing types have been developed by the Housing Options Review Work Group which is comprised of staff from the Allen County Department of Planning Services and the Fort Wayne Community Development Division.

Phase 2 - Housing Options Amendment - Underway

The Housing Options Work Group staff is proceeding with the Phase 2 Housing Options Zoning Ordinance Amendment. This amendment will primarily focus on Zero Lot Line housing types. Public engagement for this amendment was conducted at the same time as the public engagement for the Phase 1 Amendment. Housing Options work group staff will be conducting outreach on this amendment in June and July with Plan Commission Public Hearings planned for August 2025.

Phase 1 - Housing Options Amendment - Complete

The Phase 1 Amendment primarily focused on Accessory Dwelling Unit housing types. It was recommended for approval by Allen County Plan Commission on November 21, 2024, and approved by the Allen County Commissioners on December 13, 2024. The final redline document can be downloaded here. The updated Allen County Zoning Ordinance can be found here.

Fort Wayne Plan Commission recommended passage of a revised amendment at their January 27, 2025, Business Meeting. The revised amendment would allow Freestanding Accessory Dwelling Units as a Special Use to be approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals. The Fort Wayne City Council heard discussion on the amendment on February 25, 2025. The certified amendment came before the Fort Wayne City Council on March 25, 2025 and was approved. The final redline document can be downloaded here. The approved amendment can be downloaded here. The updated Fort Wayne Zoning Ordinance can be found here.

WHAT: Staff are conducting public outreach on draft zoning ordinance amendments to facilitate the development of innovative housing solutions to increasing housing diversity and affordability.

WHO: The amendments have been developed by the Housing Options Review Work Group which is comprised of staff from the Allen County Department of Planning Services and the Fort Wayne Community Development Division.

WHY: To implement housing related policies and action steps in the All In Allen Comprehensive Plan where goals recommend supporting and strengthening complete neighborhoods and enabling sustainable, diverse and accessible housing choices along with creative design and development solutions throughout Allen County to meet the needs of all residents.

Zero Lot Line Single Family

Proposed Permitted Use

Single Family Residential (R1) zoning district:

• Connected houses: 2 max

Downtown Edge (DE) zoning district:

• Connected houses: 10 max

Multiple Family Residential (R3), Planned Residential (RP), and Urban Corridor (UC) zoning districts:

• Connected houses: No limit

Up to two connected accessory buildings permitted when accessory to a permitted zero lot line single family development.

Zero Lot Line Two Family

Proposed Permitted Use

Two Family Residential (R2) zoning district:

• Connected duplexes: 2 max

Multiple Family Residential (R3), Planned Residential (RP), and Urban Corridor (UC) zoning districts:

• Connected duplexes: No limit

Up to two connected accessory buildings permitted when accessory to a permitted zero lot line two family development.

Additional Proposed Changes to Remove Barriers and Increase Housing Options

Low Intensity Residential (AR), Two Family Residential (R2), and Planned Residential (RP) zoning districts:

• Permit two detached single family dwellings on single platted lot or parcel.
• This update removes the need for a special use public hearing.

Single Family Residential (R1) zoning district:

• Permit two detached single family dwellings on a single platted lot or parcel as special use.
• This update simplifies the process for approval by taking this from a use variance to a special use.

Low Intensity Residential (AR), Single Family Residential (R1), Manufactured Home Subdivision (MHS):

• Remove "nonconforming use" language from the two family dwelling special use.
• This update removes administrative barriers and simplifies the special use process.

Update building separations standards to align standards for all types of multiple family complexes:

• This update streamlines standards for new development.

Minimum Lot Area & Lot Width Reduction Proposals

Accessory Dwelling Unit

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a second dwelling with separate cooking, sleeping, and bathroom facilities apart from the primary building of the property. An ADU may be:

• Integrated: a separate unit located within or attached to the primary building; or
• Freestanding: a separate unit in a new or existing structure that is physically detached from the primary building.

Content is designed only to represent general information on the proposed changes to the zoning ordinance. Private covenants and restrictions still apply.

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.