Indianapolis offers limited density bonuses through TOD overlay districts and planned development rezoning negotiations, allowing developers to exceed base zoning when projects deliver affordable units, public open space, or sustainability features.
Indiana statute does not provide a statewide density bonus framework like California's SB 35 or Oregon's HB 2001. Indianapolis instead negotiates bonuses through Planned Unit Development zoning under IC 36-7-4-1500 and the TOD overlay subdistricts. Typical concessions include 25% additional units in exchange for 10 to 15% deeply affordable housing, additional height for ground-floor retail activation, and parking reductions for car-share access. The Department of Metropolitan Development reviews each proposal through the Metropolitan Development Commission. Bonuses are not by-right and depend on petition merits and public hearing input.
Failure to deliver promised affordability or amenities tied to a density bonus violates the recorded PUD commitment, with enforcement through deed restrictions, certificate-of-occupancy revocation, and Ch. 731 fines per day of non-compliance.
Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis Marion County Plan is the consolidated comprehensive plan guiding land use, transportation, and neighborhood policy across the unified city-...
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis encourages transit-oriented development along IndyGo's Red, Purple, and Blue Bus Rapid Transit lines through TOD overlay zoning, density bonuses...
See how Indianapolis's density bonus law rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.