NOTICE: This page contain information about the Phase 1 (Accessory Dwelling Units) Amendment. For information about the overall project or for information on the current Phase, please visit the Housing Options Amendments page on Engage.

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.

For more information about this project, please visit the Housing Options Amendments page on Engage.

Phase 2 - Zero Lot Line Housing Types Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Underway

For information about the Phase 2 Amendment, please visit the Housing Options Amendments page on Engage.

Phase 1 - Accessory Dwelling Zoning Ordinance Amendment - Complete

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.

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.