FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — The Fort Wayne Planning Commission discussed a proposed amendment to the current zoning ordinance that would allow homeowners more flexibility when building on their property at Monday's meeting The amendment refers to accessory dwelling units or ADUs. These structures are described as secondary living units with their own cooking, sleeping, and bathroom facilities apart from the main building on the property. The amendment may offer more affordable housing options. Homeowners can currently choose from two different types of ADUs to build, an integrated ADU or a freestanding ADU. However, a homeowner looking to add a detached or freestanding ADU must meet with the Board of Zoning Appeals to get approval. This amendment would get rid of this process, which Fort Wayne Planning Commission President, Connie Haas Zuber said has only had 19 ADUs brought to the Board of Zoning Appeals since 2014. Of the 19, 16 ADUs were approved. Previously at these Board of Zoning Appeal meetings, neighbors could comment on the construction proposals. A homeowner association (HOA) would not need to give their approval unless specified in their covenant's guidelines. This has led to mixed reviews from some local HOAs and neighborhood associations. You can see some of their reactions here. "It gives your neighbors a voice in what their neighborhood looks like, what they think is appropriate in their neighborhood what you think is appropriate to be on either side of your house," said Fort Wayne Plan Commission member, Karen Richards. There is concern as to how the amendment could impact historic neighborhoods and their property values. Richards says this is a significant issue because the value of these neighborhoods is based on their history and maintaining that aesthetic. If a multi-story building was put up in someone's backyard, it could be an eyesore. Richards shared what some cities like Nashville, Denver, and Louisville are doing to protect the integrity of their historic districts. "Some of the safeguards that they have put in place with the ADUs is the ability to review them to make sure that they are compatible, that they match the structure in front of them, that the windows are similar, the buildings are similar, the style, so basically it looks like it was put there to begin with." Karen Richards Richards expects the commission will discuss these possible safeguards and vote on the amendment at their meeting on January 27. It will then move forward to City Council.