Fort Wayne Released Pre-Reviewed Home Design Catalog
Local builders can now access six city-approved housing plans to help speed up construction on small urban lots.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Interior Decorating
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Fort Wayne has launched a new catalog featuring six pre-reviewed home designs ranging from 560 to 2,368 square feet. The initiative aims to reduce construction delays by providing developers with plans already vetted by the Allen County Building Department and the Department of Planning Services.
Why it matters
The program seeks to address the local housing shortage and revitalize neighborhoods by returning vacant land to productive use. By streamlining the permitting process, the city intends to create new development opportunities for emerging builders.
The catalog includes six residential plans approved by local authorities, with design sizes varying from 560 square feet to 2,368 square feet. Since March 2025, the city has committed 25 vacant lots to development partners, with 20 homes already built or under construction.
The players
Allen County Building Department
A local regulatory body responsible for verifying that construction plans meet residential safety and code requirements.
Flintlock LAB
An architecture firm based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, that developed the standardized home designs for the city.
The details
The city contracted Flintlock LAB to create the catalog, ensuring the designs meet local safety and zoning standards through a pre-review process. Builders participating in the A Lot to Love program receive these plans for free, while those building on private land can access them for a nominal fee. This standardized approach allows developers to bypass some of the early design and regulatory hurdles typically associated with small-scale infill construction.
Timeline
March 2025 marked the launch of the A Lot to Love program.
October 13, 2026 was the official release date of the HOME Catalog.
The Home Front
This program aligns with the national trend of municipal design catalogs intended to lower entry barriers for residential infill projects. By offering pre-reviewed plans, the city is shifting the burden of early regulatory compliance to help increase housing stock on urban lots.
If you are a local developer or property owner interested in these designs, visit the official city portal to review the specifications for the six available floor plans. Homeowners considering small-scale development on their own vacant lots should check with the Department of Planning Services to confirm which plans qualify for their specific zoning classification.
The takeaway
This initiative offers a simplified pathway for developers to increase housing density in vacant neighborhood spaces. Builders should consult the official catalog documentation to identify which design size best suits their specific lot requirements.
Further reading
Learn more about local design standards and resources in the Interior Decorating section.
More information
View the complete set of residential building plans at the Engage Fort Wayne online catalog.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOWO 1190 AM | 107.5 FM.
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