Indianapolis-Marion County has no comprehensive dark-sky ordinance. Exterior lighting is regulated through the Consolidated Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance (2016) requiring shielding for commercial and parking lot lighting to prevent glare onto residential properties.
Marion County does not have a formal International Dark-Sky compliant ordinance. The Consolidated Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance adopted 2016 regulates outdoor lighting primarily for nonresidential uses. Parking area lighting must be designed so that the source is not visible from adjacent residential properties and must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles at a residential property line. Pole-mounted fixtures in commercial zones are typically capped at 25 feet. Residential outdoor lighting has minimal regulation beyond nuisance standards. LED color temperature is not specifically regulated. Lighting plans are required for commercial site plan review by the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD).
Lighting plan violations: citation and required correction. Nonresidential glare onto residences: notice of violation, fines $100 to $500 through DBNS code enforcement.
Marion County, IN
Indianapolis/Marion County allows gas and electric leaf blowers. No model-specific ban. Operation subject to Code of Ordinances Chapter 391 noise limits and ...
Marion County, IN
Marion County requires vehicles parked in driveways not to block sidewalks. Parking on unpaved surfaces may be prohibited. Driveway modifications need permits.
Marion County, IN
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR may not park in front yard areas between the facade of a residential dwelling and the right-of-way, unless for activ...
Marion County, IN
Vehicles with GVWR over 10,000 lbs (including large RVs) may not be parked in front yard setback areas between the house and the right-of-way in residential ...
Marion County, IN
Abandoned vehicles in Indianapolis governed by state law IC §9-22 and local Code Ch. 611. A vehicle left on public property without being moved for 3 days is...
Marion County, IN
Indianapolis generally allows overnight on-street parking except in designated zones or during declared snow emergencies. No citywide overnight ban exists. S...
See how Marion County's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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