Changing the city and county zoning ordinances is just one step in an overall plan to encourage diverse housing developments.

The changes, if approved, will support and pave the way for two other programs currently in the works: a housing design catalog and a pilot program called Lots to Love aimed at attracting infill development on vacant lots scattered throughout the city.

In August, the City Council approved a $120,000 contract with Arkansas-based architectural firm Flintlock LAB to develop a catalog of residential designs. The goal, Paul Spoelhof said, is to have the first tranche of designs available for developers next summer.

“We know that what gets built in suburban Allen County and Fort Wayne doesn’t always fit on the size of lots and typically doesn’t fit the character of the

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