6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Marion County, Indiana.
Verified from official government sources
Indianapolis-Marion County fence heights set by the Consolidated Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. Front yard: maximum 3.5 feet (in residential districts). Side and rear yards: typically up to 6 feet without variance. Taller fences require a Variance of Development Standards from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Indianapolis-Marion County requires improvement location permits for fences over 6 feet. Fences 6 feet and under generally exempt per Consolidated Zoning Ordinance.
Marion County follows Indiana law with no residential cost-sharing for fences. UniGov areas follow Indianapolis fence ordinances. Excluded cities maintain their own fence regulations.
Marion County requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall under the Indiana Residential Code. Walls with surcharge loads need engineered plans regardless of height.
Marion County requires a minimum 48-inch barrier around residential pools per Indiana Residential Code Appendix G. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches 54 inches above grade. Enforced at DBNS inspection.
Indianapolis permits wood, vinyl, wrought iron, and chain-link (rear/side only). Barbed wire prohibited in residential districts. Historic districts restrict to wood/iron per IHPC.
1 cities in Marion County have their own fence regulations rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Marion County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Marion County Ordinance Hub →