Project Description
Zoning Ordinance amendments regarding Accessory Dwelling Units and Zero Lot Line Single Family Residential 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 spent the past year reviewing existing policies and ordinances, conducting research on other communities, determining policies and standards that may be limiting housing options and developing recommended amendments to those standards.
Information Meetings
Thursday, November 14, 2024 1:00 pm
Allen County Plan Commission Public Hearing
200 East Berry Street, Room 035
Monday, November 04, 2024 5:30 pm
Fort Wayne Plan Commission Public Hearing
200 East Berry Street, Room 035
Meeting Concluded
Southeast Area Partnership
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Legacy Office Center, 7840 Southtown Crossing, Fort Wayne, IN 46816
Meeting Concluded
Northeast Area Partnership
Thursday, August 08, 2024
Heartland Church, 1025 Vance Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805
Meeting Concluded
Southwest Area Partnership Meeting
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Fort Wayne Sport Club, 3102 Ardmore Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Housing Options Presentation
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.
Proposed Permitted Use
Integrated ADU
- Permitted in all zoning districts if there is no freestanding ADU on the lot.
- Separate utility metering permitted.
- No entrance on the front-facing façade of the building permitted.
Freestanding ADU
- Permitted in A1 (Agricultural), A3 (Estates), AR (Low Intensity Residential), R1 (Single Family Residential), R2 (Two Family Residential), R3 (Multiple Family Residential), RP (Planned Residential), MHS (Manufactured Home Subdivision), UC (Urban Corridor), and DE (Downtown Edge) zoning districts if there is no integrated ADU on the lot.
- Must meet same setbacks and locational standards as an accessory structure.
General ADU
- Max of one ADU per parcel or platted lot.
- Must be less than 700 square feet.
- No square foot minimum, but must still meet Building Department standards.
Content is designed only to represent general information on the proposed changes to the zoning ordinance. Private covenants and restrictions still apply.
Zero Lot Lines
Zero Lot Line Single Family Dwelling
A zero lot line single family dwelling is a single family dwelling 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 Use
If development standards are met, a public hearing is not required for:
- Up to two connected units in R1 (Single Family Residential) zoning districts,
- Up to ten connected units in R2 (Two Family Residential) and DE (Downtown Edge) zoning districts,
- And unlimited connected units in R3 (Multiple Family Residential), RP (Planned Residential), and UC (Urban Corridor) zoning districts.
Content is designed only to represent general information on the proposed changes to the zoning ordinance. Private covenants and restrictions still apply.
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]
