Indianapolis caps structural barriers (fences, walls, hedges) at 6 feet in height in residential dwelling districts, and at 42 inches in any required front yard. Posts may exceed by 1 foot, and topography drops may raise the fence to a hard maximum of 8 feet.
Fence height is governed by the Dwelling Districts Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 731 of the Code of Indianapolis and Marion County), section 731-219(b)(2)c. The height of any structural barrier may not exceed six (6) feet, but any structural barrier in the required front yard may not exceed forty-two (42) inches. Height is measured from ground level to the top of the fence, exclusive of posts; fence posts may exceed the maximum by one (1) foot. Grade mounding that increases the fence elevation is counted in the measurement, but the fence itself may exceed the maximum by an amount equal to a topographic drop along its run, never exceeding eight (8) feet. On corner lots in Development Area One, a fence up to 6 feet may be permitted in a front yard that does not serve as, and does not face, a dwelling's primary entrance; a fence over 42 inches may not encroach beyond the building line on the other street frontage. Game-court fences are exempt from these limits and may reach 10 feet.
Fences exceeding the height limits are zoning violations enforced by the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (DBNS) Code Enforcement. Owners may receive a notice of violation and an order to lower or remove the barrier, with continuing-violation penalties under the general penalty provisions of the Code of Indianapolis and Marion County (Title I).
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