Fishers, IN Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Native and naturalized landscaping is treated favorably in Fishers' Unified Development Ordinance, Article 6.7 (Landscaping Standards). The stated intent (§ 6.7.1.A) is 'to preserve and protect natural areas and sensitive environments and encourage native planting that protect biodiversity,' and to promote prudent water and energy use through sustainable landscapes. Under § 6.7.3.D, plant material is selected from the 'City of Fishers Approved List of Recommended Species,' which owners may petition to supplement. Section 6.7.3.E directs that invasive and poor-characteristic species (Exhibit LA-B) be avoided and not counted toward landscaping requirements, while noting some may be 'suitable for naturalizing in natural areas on a limited basis.' For stormwater detention/retention areas, § 6.7.8.D.1 directs the use of 'low maintenance ground cover, native grasses and wildflowers as an alternative to turf,' and § 6.7.8.E.1 (and § 6.7.9.C) requires 'No mow' signs to protect approved native-grass, native-ground-cover, and prairie-grass areas. These UDO provisions apply primarily to development projects and approved landscape plans rather than to an individual homeowner's choice of garden plants. Fishers is a long-standing Tree City USA community. There is no Fishers ordinance prohibiting native-plant gardens, but the eight-inch height limit in § 95.21 still applies to ordinary lawn areas, and Indiana has no statewide law overriding HOA landscaping covenants, so private community rules should be checked separately.