Fishers, IN Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Retail-to-daycare change of use
- Requires
- Building permit and final inspection
- Before occupancy
- Certificate of occupancy required
- Fees
- Set in City Code Chapter 35
- Liable party
- Property owner, not tenant
Summary
Converting retail or other commercial space into a daycare in Fishers triggers a building permit, inspection, and certificate of occupancy under the city's Chapter 154 change-of-use rule.
When applicable a permit shall be obtained, final inspection made, and certificate of occupancy issued prior to occupancy of any Class 1 (commercial) structures as defined in IC 22-12-1-4 within the city. ... Depending on the change of use (i.e. retail space to daycare; retail space to restaurant, an increase of seating or number of children within a daycare, etc.) additional building code requirements may need to be implemented to be in compliance. In any case, the property owner is the ultimate responsible party for compliance and any fees and/or fines.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinance No. 051826E, passed 5-18-26; and Resolution No. R051826C, passed 5-18-26; and State legislation current through Indiana Legislative Service, 2026 Acts, Pamphlet #1).
Full Breakdown
Before a Fishers business converts retail or other commercial space into a licensed daycare, the property owner must obtain a building permit, pass final inspection, and receive a certificate of occupancy under City Code Chapter 154. The code specifically flags daycare change-of-use, including retail-to-daycare conversions and increases in the number of children served, as triggering additional building code requirements beyond the base permit. Applications go through the Mayor's designee, with fees set in Chapter 35. The property owner, not the contractor or tenant, remains the responsible party for compliance and for any resulting fees or fines.
Violations & Fines
Occupying converted daycare space without the required permit, inspection, and certificate of occupancy violates City Code Chapter 154; the property owner is liable for fines and compliance costs, plus criminal penalties under § 154.99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does opening a daycare in a former retail space require a new permit in Fishers?
Who pays for daycare permit compliance in Fishers, Indiana?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fishers
Compare Fishers to another location·View the Indiana building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.