Fence Company Serving Lawrence, Indiana
No Permit, but the Code Still Sets the Rules
Lawrence is a city in Marion County on the northeast side of the Indianapolis metro area, inside the ring of towns we work in around the city.
The city says no fence permit is needed. That is the answer most people want to hear, but it does not mean the fence can go anywhere at any height. The municipal code still sets the rules for fences — the front-yard height, the side and rear height, and where the fence sits on the lot. A fence that ignores those rules can be flagged even without a permit on file. Above the Rest Fence builds and repairs fences for homes and businesses in Lawrence, and free estimates mean we check the lot and the code that applies to it before we build.
Heights: 42 Inches in Front, 6 Feet Behind
Front yards are capped at 42 inches above grade. A front-yard fence typically begins at the front corner of the house, so the 42-inch limit applies to the fence that faces the street. An open aluminum fence or a short picket fence fits the front; a 6-foot privacy fence belongs in the side and rear.
Side and rear yards are capped at 6 feet above grade. That is the standard backyard height across most of central Indiana. Other towns set their own limits — see the fence rules for every town we serve for how they differ.
Corner Lots Have Two Front Yards
On a corner lot, the city treats both street-facing sides as front yards. That means the 42-inch limit applies on two sides of the lot, not just one. It is the detail that catches people who plan a 6-foot fence all the way around and find out the two street sides have to stay short.
Where the Fence Goes
Fences may be placed up to the property line. The city asks that fences be kept at least two feet from adjoining sidewalks, so the fence does not crowd the walk. If your property corners are not already marked, a licensed professional surveyor marks them — we do not survey.
What We Build in Lawrence
We build and repair fences for homes and businesses in Lawrence: wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain link, privacy 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.
Lawrence on the Map
Lawrence Fence Questions
Do I need a fence permit in Lawrence?
No. The city says no fence permit is needed, but the municipal code still sets rules for fences. Ask the City of Lawrence Department of Public Works if you are unsure whether your plan meets the code.
How tall can a fence be in Lawrence?
Front yards are capped at 42 inches above grade. A front-yard fence typically begins at the front corner of the house. Side and rear yards are capped at 6 feet above grade.
What about a corner lot in Lawrence?
Corner lots have two front yards, and the fence cannot exceed 42 inches in either. That means the lower front-yard limit can apply on two sides of the lot, not just one.
How close to the property line can a fence go in Lawrence?
Fences may be placed up to the property line. The city asks that fences be kept at least two feet from adjoining sidewalks.
Do you fence businesses in Lawrence too?
Yes. Above the Rest Fence builds fences for homes and businesses in Lawrence. See the commercial fence page for yards, lots and perimeters.