Project Description
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.
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.
Phase 2 - Housing Options Zoning Ordinance Amendment
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 Accessory Dwelling Unit Amendment. See the tabs below and the timeline for additional information on this phase.
Phase 1 - Accessory Dwelling Zoning Ordinance Amendment
The Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Ordinance Amendment 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.
Phase 2 - Hearings & Legislative
Phase 2 - Public Hearings and Legislative Meetings
Meeting Dates TBD
Phase 1 - Hearings & Legislative
Phase 1 - Public Hearings and Legislative Meetings
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 5:30 pm
Fort Wayne City Council Meeting
200 East Berry Street, Room 035
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 5:30 pm
Fort Wayne City Council Meeting
200 East Berry Street, Room 035
Monday, January 27, 2025 5:30 pm
Fort Wayne Plan Commission Business Meeting
200 East Berry Street, Room 035
Monday, December 16, 2024 5:30 pm
Fort Wayne Plan Commission Business Meeting
200 East Berry Street, Room 035
Friday, December 13, 2024 10:00 am
Allen County Commissioners Meeting
200 East Berry Street, Room 035
Phase 1 & 2 - Public Outreach
Phase 1 & 2 - Public Outreach
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Southeast Area Partnership
Legacy Office Center, 7840 Southtown Crossing, Fort Wayne, IN 46816
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Northwest Area Partnership
Northridge Baptist Church, 1300 E Cook Road, Fort Wayne, In 46825
Monday, September 16, 2024
Neighborhood President's Meeting
200 East Berry Street, Council Chambers Courtroom, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Allen County Neighborhoods Meeting
Citizens Square, 200 East Berry Street, Omni Room 030, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Southwest Area Partnership Meeting
Fort Wayne Sport Club, 3102 Ardmore Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Phase 1 Questions & Answers Archive
Housing Options Project Overview
WHAT: Staff are conducting public outreach on draft zoning ordinance amendments to facilitate the development of Accessory Dwelling Units and Zero Lot Line Single Family Residential.
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 related to encouraging the development of more diverse housing options in Fort Wayne and Allen County. Increasing housing options in our community is one way to increase housing affordability and accessibility. This need is confirmed by census and housing market study data.
Approximately 1 in 4 households in Fort Wayne and Allen County are cost burdened, spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing
Approximately 2 out of 4 renters are cost burdened, spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing.g.
Between 2010 and 2022, median home value have increased between approximately 51 and 53 percent, whereas income has only increased between approximately 3 and 7 percent.
Between 2010 and 2022, median mortgage payments have increased between 63 and 65 percent, and median rent has increased between 45 and 47 percent.
In Allen County, 65% of households are considered nontraditional with either no children or childless couples, with 35% being either traditional or nontraditional families with children.
A recent Potential Housing Market study shows that many of these nontraditional households are seeking housing options outside of typical for-sale single family home, with a majority seeking multiple family or single family for rent options.
Between 2010 to 2022, in Allen County and Fort Wayne, the number of households in Fort Wayne and Allen County with someone under the age of 18 has fallen from 35 to 30 percent. The overall population of people under the age of 18 has decreased from 21 to 18 percent.
PDF Download
Zero Lot Line Dwellings
Zero Lot Line Dwellings
A zero lot line dwelling is a unit placed on a lot or parcel so that it is positioned along one or more side lot lines and attached to one or more similar units.
Proposed Permitted Uses
If development standards are met, a public hearing would not be required for:
- Up to two connected single family dwelling units: Permitted in R1 (Single Family Residential)and R2 (Two Family Residential) zoning districts
- Up to two connected two family dwelling units: Permitted in R2 (Two Family Residential)zoning district
- Up to ten connected units: Permitted in DE (Downtown Edge) zoning district
- Unlimited connected units: Permitted in R3 (Multiple Family Residential), RP (PlannedResidential) and UC (Urban Corridor) zoning districts
PDF Download
Accessory Dwelling Units
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.
Document Library
Zoning FAQ
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
DPS Staff Contacts
Chris Beebe - Permits & Enforcement - [email protected]
Sarah Jones - Board of Zoning Appeals - [email protected]
Dave Schaab - Special Projects - [email protected]
Michelle Wood - Plan Commission, Development Plans, & Rezoning - [email protected]
