Before you build a fence or install a minibarn, pool or try to sell your car in your yard -- check out some of these facts about Indy's Ordinances.  Below are selections from www.IndyGov.org , the City's website.

from the Code Compliance Home Page     click on ‘frequently asked questions’ on the right-side panel

40. Are permits required for a residential swimming pool or hot tub?

In ground and above ground swimming pools, as well as hot tubs, require permits like any other accessory structure, needing an Improvement Location Permit (ILP), and Structural permit, and a Drainage permit.

 However, if an above ground swimming pool is 30 inches deep or less and 15 feet or less in diameter, a structural permit is not required. Additionally, if an above ground swimming pool is 15 inches deep or less and 15 feet or less in diameter, an ILP is not required.

A swimming pool or hot tub shall not be located in or on any front yard, or closer to any side yard setbacks of the Dwelling District or located closer to any rear lot line than five (5) feet. The pool or tub area shall be enclosed by either a fence or other structural barrier equipped with a self-closing, selflatching gate, or a safety pool cover, as defined by and meeting the specifications of the Indiana Swimming Pool Code, IAC 20-4-27(c).

If a structural barrier is utilized, such structural barrier shall be a chain-link, ornamental or solid fence or wall, and: if erected on grade, the fence shall be not less than five (5) feet in height: or, if erected on the deck of an above ground pool or hot tub, the fence or structural barrier on the deck shall be not less than thirty-six (36) inches in height.

No pool or hot tub shall be erected or constructed unless adequate distance from overhead electricalwires is provided in accordance with the National Electrical Code, current editions.

43. How big can a mini-barn (or other detached accessory structure) be before I need permits?

If the structure is 120sf or less, less than 15' tall, without permanent utilities, and not attached to a permanent foundation, no permits are required. If the structure is more than 120sf, or it the structure is less than 120sf and connected with utilities, a permanent foundation is required. If a permanent foundation is required, or if a permanent foundation will exist for a structure that is less than 120sf, a full set of permits will be required.

Required documentation for any new construction:

1: legal description of the property

2: a site plan drawn to scale that shows the existing and proposed building footprints as they are located within the property boundaries

3: a foundation plan

4: a floor plan

5: a wall section that shows the make up of the load-bearing wall from the footer up to the roof system

6: elevations of all four sides of the building or addition.

7: If trusses are to be used, engineer stamped truss specs need to be submitted as well.

For your convenience, a PDF (Portable Document File) is available on the FAQ web page containing a sample packet of the required documents.

44. What permits are required for a fence?

Fences, more specifically defined as structural barriers usually made of posts supporting such items, by way of example, as chain link, wood pickets, lattice work, and similar items, are exempt from permits so long as they meet the development standards set forth in the respective dwelling district zoning ordinance. Fences are allowed to be built up to the property line on side and rear yards, and are limited to 6 feet in height on the side and rear yards, and 42 inches in height on the required front yard(s). The posts are allowed to exceed the fence height by one foot. If a proposed fence does not meet these or any other development standard requirements, a variance must be obtained (from the Division of Planning, 18th floor City County Building, 327-5155), after which a structural and an improvement location permit must be obtained. Please be advised that this is does not speak to any commitments or covenants that may or may not be applicable to your subdivision.

 [[Insert Civic Council NOTE: Corner Lots have TWO front yards -- see definition below]]

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CORNER LOTS

From Zoning Code Definitions (Article 1: In General)

(101) Lot line, front: The lot line(s) separating the lot from street rights-of-way; in the case of a corner lot, both lot lines separating the lot from the street rights-of-way shall be considered front lot lines; or, in the case of a through lot, the lot line which most closely parallels the primary entrance of the primary structure shall be considered the front lot line.