ADU rules in Fort Wayne, IN — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Fort Wayne permits ADUs in certain residential districts under the UDO. ADUs must meet zoning, size, and owner-occupancy standards. A building permit and zoning approval are required.
Under Fort Waynes Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — sometimes called in-law suites or carriage houses — are allowed in several residential zoning districts subject to development standards. Typical UDO requirements include a maximum ADU size (often 800 to 1,000 sq ft or a percentage of the primary dwelling floor area), owner occupancy of either the main home or the ADU, a dedicated off-street parking space, and compliance with setbacks and lot coverage. Detached ADUs must meet accessory-structure setbacks; attached ADUs and garage-conversion ADUs must meet primary structure setbacks. A building permit issued by the Community Development Department is required in addition to zoning approval, and the ADU must meet the Indiana Residential Code. Short-term rental of an ADU is subject to Fort Waynes STR registration and Indianas STR preemption (IC 36-1-24).
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Fort Wayne's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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