Indianapolis requires a building permit for decks over 30 inches above grade or over 200 sq ft. Patios at grade do not need permits. Covered structures always need permits. Guardrails required on decks over 30 inches above grade.
Indianapolis requires a building permit for decks that are more than 30 inches above adjacent grade or exceed 200 square feet in area per the Indiana Residential Code. Small, low-level decks (under 200 sq ft and 30 inches or less above grade, not attached to dwelling) may be exempt. Uncovered concrete or paver patios at grade level do not require building permits. Covered patios, pergolas with roofs, and screened porches require a building permit. Deck plans must show footings, framing, guardrail details, and stairway specifications. Guardrails are required on decks more than 30 inches above grade — minimum 36 inches high. Permits are submitted through Accela or BNS. Inspections are required for footings, framing, and final approval.
Building without a permit: stop-work order and fines. May require retroactive permitting.
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis uses a plainly-audible standard combined with a 115 dB amplifier cap under Rev. Code Ch. 391, Article III rather than zone-based dBA limits.
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis does not impose specific leaf blower hours, but Revised Code Sec. 391-302 prohibits operating any blower or power fan in a way that makes unreas...
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Revised Code Chapter 391, Article III prohibits unreasonable noise from amplified sources and caps sound-producing instruments at 115 decibels m...
Indianapolis, IN
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...
Indianapolis, IN
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 separa...
Indianapolis, IN
Marion County Rev. Code Sec. 591-421 and Indiana Code 22-11-18-3.5 require working smoke detectors in every Indianapolis dwelling, with landlords responsible...
See how Indianapolis's deck & patio permits rules stack up against other locations.
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