Landscaping Rules in Indianapolis, IN (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Indianapolis, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Indianapolis-Marion County treats grass or weeds more than twelve inches tall as an environmental public nuisance (High Weeds and Grass) under Revised Code Chapter 575; both BNS and the Marion County Public Health Department enforce the twelve-inch standard on private property.
Grass and weeds must not exceed 12 inches
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Indianapolis Office of Audit and Performance, High Weeds and Grass Abatement Report (Dec. 2017), describing Revised Code Sec. 575-2 standard
It should be noted that MCPHD classifies HWG violations as trash. Trash violations include, but are not limited to: garbage; large rubbish and junk (i.e., appliances, furniture, mattresses, etc.); inoperable or unlicensed vehicles; animal manure; tree limbs or wood on the ground; weeds or grass more than twelve inches tall; and building materials on the ground.
Tree Trimming
A City of Indianapolis flora permit is required for any tree planting, landscaping, spraying, bracing, removal, or pruning work in the public right-of-way (the lawn strip between street and sidewalk); trees and flora are governed by Revised Code Chapter 701.
Flora permit required for tree work in the right-of-way
Some RestrictionsCity of Indianapolis, Registering a Native Planting Area (Flora Permit / Right-of-Way), implementing Revised Code Chapter 701 (Trees and Flora)
Planting in the Right-of-Way. What is the right-of-way? A right-of-way is city-owned property along streets extending beyond the edge of the road. Commonly, this is the lawn strip between street and sidewalk. A permit is required for any tree planting, landscaping, spraying, bracing, removal or pruning work in the city's right-of-way. To apply for a Flora permit, click HERE.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing a tree in the Indianapolis public right-of-way (the lawn strip between street and sidewalk) requires a City flora permit; trees and flora are governed by Revised Code Chapter 701.
Removing a right-of-way tree requires a flora permit
Some RestrictionsCity of Indianapolis, Registering a Native Planting Area (Flora Permit / Right-of-Way), implementing Revised Code Chapter 701 (Trees and Flora)
A right-of-way is city-owned property along streets extending beyond the edge of the road. Commonly, this is the lawn strip between street and sidewalk. A permit is required for any tree planting, landscaping, spraying, bracing, removal or pruning work in the city's right-of-way. To apply for a Flora permit, click HERE.
Weed Ordinances
Under Revised Code Section 575-11 of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County, it is unlawful for property owners and occupants to allow environmental public nuisances such as High Weeds and Grass (HWG) to exist; grass or weeds more than twelve inches tall are a violation.
High weeds & grass over 12 inches is a public nuisance
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Indianapolis Office of Audit and Performance, High Weeds and Grass Abatement Report (Dec. 2017), quoting Revised Code Sec. 575-11, 575-5, 575-10, and 131-501
Under the Revised Code of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana (Revised Code) Section 575-11, BNS has authority to enhance the environment and protect public health, safety, and welfare by making it unlawful for property owners and occupants to allow environmental public nuisances, such as High Weeds and Grass (HWG), to exist. ... BNS allows ten days for property own...
Water Restrictions
Indianapolis water is supplied by Citizens Energy Group, which asks customers to limit lawn watering to one to two times per week on a staggered odd/even address schedule; during severe droughts a Water Conservation Ordinance imposes mandatory bans on lawn and outdoor watering.
Citizens Energy odd/even watering and drought-stage bans
Some RestrictionsCitizens Energy Group, Water Conservation Tips and Guidelines for Drought Alert Conditions (Water Conservation Ordinance)
Properties with street addresses ending in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) should water on Monday and/or Thursday. Properties with street addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) should water on Tuesday and/or Friday. ... [Water Shortage Warning:] Mandatory restrictions via Water Conservation Ordinance. Bans lawn irrigation, with certain exceptions such as watering of vegetable ga...
Rainwater Harvesting
Indianapolis has no local ordinance restricting rainwater harvesting; under Indiana Code 14-25-4 collection is allowed for non-potable use as long as it does not interfere with public water supplies.
Rainwater Harvesting in Indianapolis
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
The City of Indianapolis encourages native planting areas and offers a free registration that exempts a properly maintained native planting area from a weed citation, even though such areas often have vegetation over twelve inches tall.
Free native planting registration exempts tall native areas
Few RestrictionsCity of Indianapolis, Registering a Native Planting Area (Native Plant Program registration form)
The City of Indianapolis encourages the use of native planting areas. However, since many native planting areas have vegetation over 12 inches tall, it is important to fill out and submit this form to avoid a weed citation. The registration is FREE. ... [Applicant agrees to have] Planted at least 70% of the planting area in native plant species ... Re-register my native planting area every thre...
Looking for Marion County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Indianapolis city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Marion County →