Fishers, IN Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

A garage conversion in Fishers is governed by the Unified Development Ordinance and the Indiana One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code. The UDO defines a garage as part of a dwelling for housing vehicles of the occupants, including carports, and defines a Structural Alteration as any change to supporting members or an increase in living space, including 'any change in the footprint or increase in the size of living space.' Converting garage space into conditioned, habitable area is therefore a Structural Alteration that requires a building permit and must meet the One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code (the mandatory statewide building code referenced in the UDO definitions). Critically, the conversion cannot create a separate, self-sufficient dwelling unit: the UDO Permitted Use Table does not list an accessory dwelling unit as an allowed use in residential districts, and a Dwelling Unit is defined as a self-sufficient unit with permanently installed sleeping, cooking, and sanitary facilities. Converting a garage into a second independent living unit (with its own kitchen for a separate household) would require a variance. Converting a garage into additional living space for the existing household - such as a den, office, or bedroom - is generally treated as interior remodeling, subject to building, electrical, and energy-code review and to lot-coverage and parking standards. Verify whether off-street parking requirements still must be met after removing garage parking.