Landscaping Rules in Porter County, IN (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Porter County, Indiana.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Porter County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

When a developer opts into Porter County's UDO tree-conservation credit, no tree with a trunk over six inches DBH or evergreen over eight feet may be cut from the designated conservation area without meeting a listed exception. The limit only applies to sites that elect this optional protection method, not every property countywide.

Porter County Tree Conservation Removal Limits

Some Restrictions

Porter County UDO §5.27 LA-06(B)

B. Tree Conservation: If preserving the natural landscape is chosen, prior to construction on or removal of trees from a wooded area, the following standards apply. 1. Provide a Tree Conservation Plan outlining strategies for retaining, protecting and replanting trees on a site. DNR can provide guidance. Prepare a Tree Conservation Map that outlines existing tree cover, priority protection area...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Native Plants

Porter County's Unified Development Ordinance requires native landscaping only inside the Scenic Roadway Overlay (SRO) District: UDO §3.09(C)(1)(d) says landscape materials there 'shall be comprised of species native to Porter County or of species otherwise approved by the Executive Director.' The same section protects existing tree stands and hedgerows and favors naturalistic planting patterns over formal rows. Outside the SRO, the county's general landscaping rule requires only non-invasive plant material.

Porter County Scenic Roadway Native Species Rule

Some Restrictions

Porter County Unified Development Ordinance § 3.09(C)(1)(d)

c. Planting Patterns: Landscape Plans are encouraged to utilize natural patterns rather than formal arrangements. d. Native Species: Landscape materials shall be comprised of species native to Porter County or of species otherwise approved by the Executive Director.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Porter County ordinances

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