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Fishers, IN Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

Code Section
UDO Sec. 6.18.2(B) Walls & Fences
Primary front yard (residential)
4 ft max, 50% open minimum
Side/rear yard (1-2 family)
6 ft max
Commercial/non-residential side & rear
6 ft max
Institutional/industrial enclosure
8 ft (may be open mesh)
How height is measured
Topmost point to adjacent grade

Summary

Fishers regulates fence height by location under Unified Development Ordinance Sec. 6.18.2. A fence in a required primary front yard of a residential district maxes out at 4 feet and must be at least 50% open. Side and rear yards of a one- or two-family lot allow up to 6 feet. Fences enclosing an institutional/industrial use may reach 8 feet.

Within a required primary front yard of a residential zoning district... Max Height 4', Openness 50%. Within a required or established side or rear yard of a one- or two family residential lot... 6'. Enclosing an institutional industrial use... 8', May consist of open mesh.

Full Breakdown

Fishers sets fence height by yard location in UDO Sec. 2(B). Height is measured from the topmost point of the fence to the grade of the ground adjacent to it. Within a required primary front yard of a residential district (and the required front yard of any district except industrial), the maximum height is 4 feet and the fence must be at least 50% open. Within a required non-primary front yard of a one- or two-family residential lot, a 6-foot opaque fence is allowed, but it must be paired with landscaping (the ordinance specifies trees and shrubs at set spacings; a fence over 50% open needs less landscaping).

Within a required or established side or rear yard of a one- or two-family residential lot, and for a perimeter wall or fence around a residential subdivision, the limit is 6 feet. The same 6-foot limit applies to side and rear yards in mixed-use, commercial, and non-residential districts. A fence enclosing an institutional or industrial use may be up to 8 feet and may consist of open mesh. Fences for ball diamonds, tennis courts, and similar athletic uses are exempt from the height limit but must still meet the district's minimum setback standards (Sec. 2(G)).

Violations & Fines

Fence height is enforced as a UDO violation through Chapter 11 (Enforcement & Penalties). A fence exceeding the limit for its yard location, or a front-yard fence that is not at least 50% open, can trigger a notice of violation and a compliance order requiring the owner to lower or alter the fence. Although fences do not require a building permit, they remain fully subject to these standards and to abatement if non-compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a backyard fence be in Fishers?
Within a required or established side or rear yard of a one- or two-family residential lot, the Fishers UDO (Sec. 6.18.2(B)) allows a fence up to 6 feet. The same 6-foot limit applies in side and rear yards of mixed-use, commercial, and non-residential districts.
How tall can a front-yard fence be in Fishers?
In a required primary front yard of a residential district, a fence may be no more than 4 feet tall and must be at least 50% open. A non-primary front yard on a one- or two-family lot can have a 6-foot fence, but it must be accompanied by the landscaping required in Sec. 6.18.2(B).

Sources & Official References

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How Fishers compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Fishers to another location·View the Indiana fence regulations overview

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