Before You Build in Indianapolis, IN: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Indiana has no residential Good Neighbor Fence Act. IC §32-26-9 covers agricultural partition fences only. Boundary disputes resolved through common law.

Indianapolis adopts the Indiana Residential Code under Rev. Code Ch. 536, which requires a minimum 48-inch barrier around residential pools 24 inches deep or more, with self-closing and self-latching gates.

Indianapolis does not require a fence permit, but Rev. Code Sec. 744-510 caps front-yard fences at 42 inches and rear/side-yard fences at 6 feet and a separate improvement-location permit may apply for corner-lot situations.

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 treats above-ground residential pools as accessory structures subject to building and electrical permits administered by the Marion County Building Department under Title III, Chapter 536 (Buildings and Construction), with barrier protection required under the Indiana Residential Code adopted by reference. Pool placement must respect the side and rear yard setbacks of the underlying residential dwelling district in the 2016 Consolidated Zoning Ordinance.

Indianapolis (Unigov) regulates swimming pool safety through the Revised Code of the Consolidated City and County, Title II Chapter 321 (Beaches and Swimming Pools), administered by the Marion County Public Health Department. Public pool safety follows Indiana Administrative Code 675 IAC 20-2-26, which mandates a six-foot enclosure with a self-closing, self-latching gate where the latch sits at least 45 inches above the ground.

Building inground or large above-ground pools in Indianapolis requires drainage, structural, improvement-location, and electrical permits through DBNS, plus a Marion County Health Department construction permit.

Indianapolis-Marion County enforces residential swimming pool barrier requirements through the Indiana Residential Code (675 IAC 14, adopting the 2018 IRC with amendments) Appendix AG, which requires any pool with water depth greater than 24 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured on the exterior side, with no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere, and gates that are self-closing and self-latching with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the ground. Pools 24 inches deep or less and most spas/hot tubs with safety covers are exempt. Public and semi-public pools are separately regulated by the Marion County Public Health Department under 410 IAC 6-2.1 and the Health and Hospital Corporation pool ordinance.

ADUs are permitted in most Indianapolis-Marion County residential zones under the Consolidated Zoning Ordinance. Must be secondary to the primary dwelling; subject to setbacks, height limits, and design standards. No statewide IN ADU mandate — fully local. Permits required from DBNS.

Garage conversions to living space or ADUs in Indianapolis require building permits and must comply with the Consolidated Zoning Ordinance. No statewide ADU mandate in Indiana; local zoning governs. ADU provisions of Code Ch. 744 apply to converted garages.

Indianapolis-Marion County regulates carports as accessory structures under the 2016 Consolidated Zoning Ordinance, particularly Chapter 743 (Uses and Use-Specific Standards) and Chapter 744 (Development Standards). Detached accessory structures must be located in a side or rear yard, meet the underlying dwelling district's setbacks, and remain within accessory-structure height limits typically capped at 15 feet. Building permits are administered by the Marion County Building Department under Title III, Chapter 536.

Marion County permits tiny homes as long as they comply with the Indiana Residential Code; under Rev. Code Ch. 744 they require a permanent foundation, full utility hookups, and approved residential zoning.

Accessory structures in Indianapolis require permits for structures over 144 sq ft or those with electrical or plumbing. Governed by Indiana Residential Code (IRC 2018) and the Consolidated Zoning Ordinance. Setbacks per zoning district. DBNS: 317-327-2684.

Campfires, patio fire pits, and chimineas are permitted in Marion County as personal comfort fires, provided they do not create a nuisance. Prohibited materials (garbage, plastics) may not be burned in any fire pit.

Open burning in Indianapolis-Marion County is regulated by IDEM (IC §13-17-9) and local ordinance. Disposal burning of dried branches/limbs in a non-combustible container (mesh openings ≤1/4 inch) is allowed, kept 15+ ft from structures, attended at all times, extinguished by sunset. Preferred hours: 10 AM–3 PM. No trash, garbage, or prohibited materials.

Citizens Energy Group's seasonal odd/even outdoor watering schedule limits Indianapolis residents to two days per week from May through September, with no sprinklers between 10 AM and 5 PM.

Tree removal in Indianapolis governed by the Zoning Ordinance and Public Works requirements. Street trees require a permit from Indianapolis DPW. The city has a Tree Care and Preservation Ordinance for certain areas. Contact Indianapolis Urban Forestry for large tree removal.