Fence Regulations in Gary, IN (2026)
3 verified fence regulations for Gary, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
In Gary's residential (R) zoning districts, Municipal Code § 123-333(e)(1) caps open mesh fences at six feet in side and rear yards without special approval, while front yard fences top out at four feet and need board of zoning appeals authorization. Corner lots carry an added five-foot setback on the side yard fence, and any corner fence over 42 inches needs the traffic engineer's sign-off.
Gary Fence Height Limits by Yard
Some RestrictionsGary Municipal Code § 123-333(e)(1)a, f
Open mesh fences having a height of six feet or less may be used to locate property lines within the required side or rear yards in the R districts. Open mesh-type fences having a height of four feet or less may be used to locate property lines within required front yards in the R districts where authorized by the board of appeals in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. ... The locat...
Fence Permit Requirements
A fence that exceeds Gary's by-right height limit needs board of zoning appeals approval first. In business districts, Municipal Code § 123-333(e)(1)c caps front yard fences and walls at 42 inches unless the BZA authorizes something taller under this chapter's variance procedures.
Gary Fence Height Variance Approval
Significant RestrictionsGary Municipal Code § 123-333(e)(1)c
(c)In all business districts, fences and walls located in the front yard shall not exceed 42 inches in height above the finished ground level. Fences having a height of more than 42 inches may be used in business districts where authorized by the board of zoning appeals in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Material Restrictions
In Gary's business districts, Municipal Code § 123-333(e)(1)d bans any fence or wall containing barbed wire in the front yard or along a street or highway. Barbed wire is allowed elsewhere on a business-district fence only where the wire itself sits more than six feet above the ground.
Gary Barbed Wire Fence Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsGary Municipal Code § 123-333(e)(1)d
In all business districts, no fence or wall, any part of which is barbed wire, may be erected on the front yard or area adjoining and adjacent to any street or highway. Barbed wire may be used on fences or walls provided said wire is more than six feet above ground.
Looking for Lake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Gary city rules.
Fence Regulations in Lake County →