5 rules for unincorporated St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Verified from official government sources
Where carts sit is a city matter. South Bend requires carts stored off the public way and returned the same day, set within two feet of the curb only on collection day, lid closed. Carts left standing out draw a code notice.
Blight is enforced hard. Under Indiana's Unsafe Building Law, IC 36-7-9-5, the enforcement authority can order an owner to remove trash and debris, repair, or demolish an unsafe building, backed by liens and demolition at the owner's cost.
IC 36-7-9-5
The enforcement authority may issue an order requiring action relative to any unsafe premises, including: ... (4) removal of trash, debris, fire hazardous material, or a public health hazard in and about the unsafe premises;
Neglected lots get cited. South Bend mows grass over 9 inches after 48 hours' notice under Ord. 16-59 and bills a $250 abatement. IC 36-7-9-5 lets the enforcement authority order debris removed from unsafe vacant premises.
IC 36-7-9-5
The enforcement authority may issue an order requiring action relative to any unsafe premises, including: ... (4) removal of trash, debris, fire hazardous material, or a public health hazard in and about the unsafe premises;
Snow clearing is a real duty here. South Bend's Sec. 18-7 and Mishawaka Code 58-527 both require the owner or occupant to clear snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends, a shovel-width path minimum.
South Bend Municipal Code Sec. 18-7
Owners or occupants of properties must remove snow and ice from the public sidewalk within 24 hours after the end of any accumulation of snow or ice.
Garage sales are lightly regulated. South Bend zoning allows residential garage sales as a temporary accessory use with no city permit or fee. Mishawaka treats a private rummage sale as one or two families selling household goods. No county cap applies.
See every category we cover for St. Joseph County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
St. Joseph County Ordinance Hub →