Mayor's Advisory Commission on Housing - July 9 ,2026

The City of Carmel, Indiana's Mayor's Advisory Commission on Housing convened on July 9, 2026, to discuss the ongoing Missing Middle Housing Study and related zoning considerations. The meeting focused extensively on reviewing progress with the Opticos Design study, which includes a housing scan and test fit site analysis, aimed at informing future housing policy and zoning recommendations. Key procurement-related discussions involved clarifying building code applications, cost assumptions, and impact fees associated with various housing types. The commission deliberated on potential zoning revisions, particularly in R3 and overlay districts, to facilitate diverse missing middle housing options such as duplexes, triplexes, cottage courts, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). There was significant emphasis on balancing market feasibility, architectural compatibility, and community acceptance, with plans to gather further builder feedback and updated financial data from Opticos before the next meeting. The commission also discussed the importance of public education and outreach to explain housing initiatives and address concerns. The next meeting was tentatively planned for late August or September, with objectives to review updated data, builder input, and to further explore ADU policies and potential zoning adjustments.