Fence Company Serving Indianapolis, Indiana
No Permit, but the Rules Still Apply
Indianapolis is the capital of Indiana and the city at the center of the metro area we work in. The service area for Above the Rest Fence runs out about 50 miles from the northeast side of the city, and Indianapolis itself is the home market.
The city does not require a building permit for a fence that meets the zoning rules. That sounds simple, but it does not mean anything goes. The Indianapolis-Marion County Revised Code sets the height limits, where chain link is allowed, and what happens in a historic district. A fence that ignores those rules can be ordered changed or removed even without a permit to pull. Above the Rest Fence builds and repairs fences for homes and businesses across Indianapolis, and free estimates mean we look at the lot and the rules that apply to it first.
How Tall Can a Fence Be in Indianapolis?
In a dwelling district, a front yard is capped at 3.5 feet, or 4 feet if the fence is 30% opacity or less. A picket fence with gaps or an open aluminum fence can reach 4 feet in the front; a solid privacy panel stays at 3.5. Side and rear yards are capped at 6 feet, and fence posts may exceed the maximum height by one foot.
Fences may be located up to a lot line. Corner lots can have two front yards, which means the 3.5-foot front limit can apply on two sides. Other towns in the area set their own heights — see the fence rules for every town we serve for how they differ.
Chain Link in Indianapolis
Chain link is allowed in all yards on single-family and two-family lots. That makes it a straightforward choice for a dog run, a big back lot, or a simple boundary. See chain link fences for how we build them.
On multifamily, commercial and mixed-use property the rules tighten. Chain link is allowed in side and rear yards only, it must be coated in black, brown or dark green vinyl, and it may not use slats. A bare galvanized fence with privacy slats is not allowed on an ordinary commercial lot. See commercial fence for what does work on a business property.
Historic Districts
In a locally designated historic district, the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission must approve the fence before it goes up. That approval is called a Certificate of Appropriateness, and it covers the style, height and material of the fence. Ask the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services whether your lot is in a historic district before you plan the fence.
Commercial and Industrial Property in Indianapolis
Indianapolis sets separate fence limits for commercial and industrial property, and they are not the same as the limits for homes. The numbers below come from the city's zoning ordinance, Section 744-510.
| District | Front yard maximum | Side and rear maximum |
|---|---|---|
| C-1 and C-3 | 3.5 feet | 6 feet |
| C-4 | 3.5 feet | 10 feet |
| C-5 | 5 feet | 10 feet |
| C-7 | 6 feet | 10 feet |
| I-1 and I-2 | 3.5 feet | 10 feet |
| I-3 and I-4 | 6 feet | 10 feet |
Chain link has its own rule on business property. On multifamily, commercial and mixed-use lots it is allowed only in side and rear yards, it must be coated in black, brown or dark green vinyl, and it may not use privacy slats. Industrial districts are the exception — chain link is allowed in the front yard there too. If you are planning a fence for a business, see our commercial fencing and security fencing pages.
What We Build in Indianapolis
We build and repair every fence type for homes and businesses in Indianapolis: wood, vinyl, aluminum, privacy, pool and commercial fences, plus gates and fence repair.
Before We Dig
Call 811. Indiana law requires notice to Indiana 811 at least two full working days before digging.
Property lines. We do not survey — a licensed professional surveyor marks property lines in Indiana.
HOA approval. HOA approval is the homeowner's to get, on top of the city's rules.
Indianapolis on the Map
Indianapolis Fence Questions
Do I need a fence permit in Indianapolis?
No. A fence that meets the zoning rules does not need a building permit in Indianapolis. The zoning ordinance still sets the heights and where chain link is allowed. In a locally designated historic district, the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission must approve the fence first.
How tall can a fence be in Indianapolis?
In a dwelling district, a front yard is capped at 3.5 feet, or 4 feet if the fence is 30% opacity or less. Side and rear yards are capped at 6 feet. Posts may exceed the maximum fence height by one foot.
Is chain link allowed in Indianapolis?
Yes, chain link is allowed in all yards on single-family and two-family lots. On multifamily, commercial and mixed-use property it is allowed in side and rear yards only, must be coated in black, brown or dark green vinyl, and may not use slats.
What if my Indianapolis property is in a historic district?
In a locally designated historic district, the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission must approve the fence before it goes up. That approval is called a Certificate of Appropriateness. Ask the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services.
Can I put barbed wire on top of my fence in Indianapolis?
No. Barbed wire and razor wire are prohibited in Indianapolis except to enclose livestock on agricultural property or for public safety at a public facility or correctional institution.
Do you fence businesses in Indianapolis too?
Yes. Above the Rest Fence builds fences for homes and businesses across Indianapolis. Commercial property has its own height and chain link rules under the zoning ordinance. See the commercial fence page for what applies to a business lot.