Fishers, IN Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Photos + affidavit = probable cause
- No warrant needed
- If owner allows voluntary entry
- Coordination
- 4 officials coordinate to avoid duplicate visits
- Exception
- Vacant unsecured structures: unrestricted inspection
Summary
Fishers investigates a suspected property-maintenance violation only with probable cause, usually photos from public or neighboring property plus a supporting affidavit, to get a search warrant, unless the owner allows a voluntary inspection.
Such search warrant shall be requested from a court upon the submission of any photographs obtained from public property or neighboring property, an affidavit supporting a reason to believe a violation exists of this chapter or the code of record, and/or any other supporting evidence justifying the issuance of the search warrant in compliance with Fourth Amendment requirements. If an owner, occupant, or operator of the property voluntarily allows entry in to the property, no such warrant shall be necessary. The inspection shall be limited to areas and purposes authorized by the person in control of the premises or the administrative search warrant. This chapter shall not be construed to require or authorize inspections where there is no cause to believe a violation exists. Vacant structures and premises shall be subject to unrestricted, complete and thorough code inspections, including legal right of entry into those structures found unsecured. (Ord. 120114B, passed 12-1-14; Am. Ord. 061625, passed 7-21-25)
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
Under City Code § 157.12, the Building Commissioner, Zoning Administrator, Director of Planning and Zoning, or Health Department Director inspects a property only with probable cause that the Property Maintenance Code has been violated. To get an administrative search warrant, they submit photographs taken from public or neighboring property, an affidavit supporting a reason to believe a violation exists, or other supporting evidence. No warrant is needed if the owner, occupant, or operator voluntarily allows entry. Vacant, unsecured structures get unrestricted inspection. Section 157.11 requires these officials to coordinate so an owner isn't hit with duplicate or conflicting inspections.
Violations & Fines
Inspectors can't enter without either a warrant backed by photos and an affidavit, or the owner's consent; vacant unsecured structures are the exception and face unrestricted inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get Fishers to investigate a property code violation?
Who enforces the Fishers Property Maintenance Code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fishers
Compare Fishers to another location·View the Indiana code violation reporting overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.