INDIANAPOLIS — The most significant rewrite of Indianapolis's zoning code in more than 30 years is advancing through the public review process, with city planners proposing changes that would allow greater housing density across large portions of Marion County and streamline the approval process for new residential construction.

The proposed changes, developed over three years of study and community engagement under the Thrive Indianapolis comprehensive plan, include allowing duplex and triplex construction on all lots currently zoned for single-family residences, permitting four-story apartment buildings near bus rapid transit corridors without a special use exception, and reducing minimum lot size requirements in established neighborhoods close to the urban core.

"Indianapolis faces a housing shortage of roughly 30,000 units," said Metropolitan Development Director Scarlett Martin. "The only way to close that gap is to allow more housing to be built in more places. That requires updating rules written for a different era."

The proposal has drawn significant public comment. Proponents, including housing advocacy groups like LISC Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Housing Coalition, argue the changes are necessary to bring down housing costs and address decades of exclusionary zoning. Opponents, primarily organized through neighborhood associations in established residential areas, argue the changes will alter neighborhood character and strain parking and infrastructure.

Council Timeline

The Metropolitan Development Commission is expected to hold final public hearings in March before forwarding the revised code to the City-County Council, which must vote on the changes by June 30 to meet the city's comprehensive plan implementation timeline.