Fishers' Property Maintenance Code (Chapter 157) requires owners and occupants to keep structures and exterior premises from debasing the neighborhood's appearance or reducing property values. Code Enforcement now reviews neighborhoods proactively rather than only on complaint.
The City of Fishers regulates blight through Chapter 157 of its Code of Ordinances (Property Maintenance Code). Under the residential maintenance provisions (Section 157.09.10), the owner, occupant, or operator must maintain structures and exterior premises so they do not deteriorate or debase the appearance of the neighborhood, reduce surrounding property values, or adversely alter the general character of the area. Common issues include peeling paint, broken windows, deteriorating fences, accumulated junk, and outdoor storage; outdoor storage of certain items must be kept behind the front setback of the home and screened from view of neighboring properties and rights-of-way. Fishers Code Enforcement has shifted to a proactive model, conducting routine neighborhood reviews on a rotating schedule throughout the year to catch small concerns early. Most issues begin with a non-punitive 'Friendly Notice' letter that explains the problem, how to correct it, and a timeline, with no fine attached. If the issue is not resolved, an officer documents the violation by visual observation, written report, and photographs, and the property owner is formally notified. For severely neglected or abandoned property, the city can declare it abandoned and place a lien to recover abatement costs.
Enforcement runs through the Building Commissioner under Section 157.11 (Enforcement and Correction). A first contact is typically a Friendly Notice with no fine; unresolved problems escalate to a documented notice of violation and can lead to abatement at the owner's expense with a lien. Report concerns to Fishers Code Enforcement at 317-595-3120.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Fishers has no ordinance prohibiting backyard composting. Indiana exempts an individual composting vegetative matter on their own property from IDEM composti...
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Fishers has no ordinance banning artificial turf, but its UDO will not credit it toward required landscaping: § 6.7.3.G states 'dead, diseased or artificial ...
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Fishers actively encourages native planting: its UDO landscaping standards (§ 6.7.1) aim to 'encourage native planting that protect biodiversity,' draw plant...
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Fishers has no ordinance restricting residential rainwater harvesting, and Indiana places no statewide limit on collecting rainwater for non-potable use. Non...
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Fishers Code Chapter 52 lets the Mayor declare a water warning or water emergency for the Citizens Water / Indiana American system. Under § 52.05, restrictio...
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Fishers Code §§ 95.20-95.25 require owners to cut weeds and rank vegetation over eight inches tall, plus any noxious plants listed in IC 15-16-7-2. The Depar...
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