Indianapolis follows a notice-based encampment cleanup process led by the Department of Public Works with outreach by CHIP. Residents typically receive at least seven days' written notice before removal of belongings on public land.
There is no codified encampment ordinance in Indianapolis. Practice is set by an interagency protocol involving DPW, IMPD, the Marion County Public Health Department, and CHIP outreach teams. A typical cleanup begins with a wellness visit, posting of seven-day written notice, and offers of shelter beds and storage of personal property for at least sixty days. Cleanups under bridges or along the White River and Fall Creek often involve INDOT or Citizens Energy when utilities are affected. Tenants of encampments can request belongings stored at the city's contracted storage facility before disposal.
Property left after the seven-day notice may be removed and stored. Items deemed hazardous, including used needles or contaminated bedding, may be disposed of immediately for public health reasons.
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See how Indianapolis's encampment sanitation rules stack up against other locations.
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