- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Carmel Today
By the People, for the People
Carmel Explores 'Missing Middle' Housing Options
City pays consultant to study potential sites for duplexes and courtyard apartments
Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:52am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Carmel's exploration of 'missing middle' housing options could reshape the city's residential landscape.Carmel TodayCarmel is paying a planning firm up to $55,000 to study where 'missing middle' housing like duplexes and courtyard apartments could fit into the city and how zoning might change. The consultant's recommendations have drawn both support and pushback from residents concerned about density, traffic, and affordability. No decisions have been made yet, and councilors are inviting public input.
Why it matters
As Carmel continues to grow, the city is looking at ways to diversify its housing options beyond single-family homes. This study could lead to zoning changes that allow for more medium-density developments, which proponents say can increase affordability and walkability. However, some residents are wary of the potential impacts on their neighborhoods.
The details
Consultant Daniel Parolek recently briefed the Mayor's Advisory Commission on Housing about the 'missing middle' housing study. Parolek identified potential sites around the city where duplexes, triplexes, and courtyard apartments could be developed. While some residents expressed support for adding more diverse housing types, others raised concerns about increased density, traffic, and the effect on property values.
- The city hired the planning firm in early 2026 to conduct the 'missing middle' housing study.
- Consultant Daniel Parolek presented his initial findings to the Mayor's Advisory Commission on Housing in March 2026.
The players
Daniel Parolek
A consultant hired by the city of Carmel to study potential sites for 'missing middle' housing developments.
Carmel Mayor's Advisory Commission on Housing
A city commission that received a briefing on the 'missing middle' housing study and heard feedback from residents.
What they’re saying
“We must be careful not to disrupt the character of our existing neighborhoods with increased density and traffic.”
— Carmel Resident
“Adding more diverse housing options could help make Carmel more affordable and walkable for young families and seniors.”
— Carmel Resident
What’s next
The city council will review the consultant's final recommendations and solicit additional public feedback before deciding whether to pursue any zoning changes related to 'missing middle' housing.
The takeaway
Carmel's exploration of 'missing middle' housing highlights the ongoing tension between preserving neighborhood character and increasing housing diversity and affordability. The outcome of this study could have significant implications for the future development and demographics of the city.
