Residential Fence Codes for Hammond, Indiana

Hammond, Indiana, like Gary, its neighbor to the East, is an outer suburb of Chicago. Also like Gary, it has been through some tough economic times, and its population of about 80,000 is down from the peak in the 1960s. However, low home prices are enticing home buyers and real estate investors to buy up homes and renovate. This give hope for a future revival of this city that is full of history and interesting architecture. Fast access to I-90 and I-80/94, along with Amtrak service into Chicago’s downtown assist new residents of Hammond with their commutes. Plenty of homes in every neighborhood are available to homebuyers.

General Ordinances for Residential Fences

Among the most popular renovation projects in Hammond are fences to provide security and improve the appearance of homes. Hammond’s fence codes are relatively simple and flexible. Whether homeowners make their own DIY installations or hire a local, licensed contractor, installing a new, attractive fence is a great first step in any home rehab and upgrade project. It’s a low-cost way to add value to the home and demonstrate a commitment to neighborhood improvement. Real estate investors, too, add fences to make rental homes more attractive to tenants. The information below is a good guide to such projects.

• Building Permit Required? – A permit must be obtained for any construction project. The permit fee is based on total length.
• Permit Documentation Needed – Contact the Hammond Building Department for required documents.
• Fence Materials Allowed – All normal residential materials are allowed, including chain link, aluminum, steel, wood and vinyl.

• Maximum Height Limits – Nothing over 6′ in height is permitted in residential lots.
• Property Line Issues – Fences must be inside property lines, including posts and footings. The finished side must face outward.
• Inspections Needed – A final inspection on completion is required.
• Building Authority Contact – 219-853-6317
• Building Department Website

Specific Codes and Restrictions

• Front Yard Fences – Front yard fences are restricted to a maximum height of 4′, and must be of open construction.
• Side Yard Fences – These may be up to 6′ high from the rear of the house to the rear property line. Alongside the house, 4′ is the maximum height.
• Back Yard Fences – Back yard enclosures of any style may be up to 6′ in height.
• Corner Lot Restrictions – At the intersection of two streets a sight triangle, 10′ on a side must be free of fencing. Otherwise normal restrictions apply.

• Swimming Pool Fences – Swimming pools must be surrounded by a fence at least 6′ high, and equipped with a locking gate, which must be locked when the pool is not in use.
• Other Restrictions
  • Fences built on top of retaining walls or other footings cannot extend beyond 6′ in height from the grade at the bottom of the wall.
  • Barbed wire, razor wire, chicken wire, electrically charged, and fences built of non-standard or flimsy materials are not permitted.
• Homeowner’s Association Issues – If a property is governed by HOA covenants or restrictions, these must be observed if they are stricter than city requirements.
• Commercial Fence Codes – Fences on commercial and industrial properties have different codes and restrictions. Contact the Hammond Building Department for details for your project.

Fence Building Codes in Hammond, Indiana

Homeowners considering a new fence for any Hammond home should carefully choose the materials to be used and how the project will be installed. Soil types in the city make digging holes for posts easy, and building codes allow a great deal of flexibility in design. Many homes in the area have back yards surrounded by economical chain link fences, installed for security and to provide a safe area for pets and children. Before taking on a DIY installation like this, though, it’s a good idea to get a proposal and cost estimate from a local contractor who specializes in this type of construction. In most cases, it’s far easier to let a contractor do the job, while the homeowner focuses on other rehab projects. Fence building can be complicated and takes plenty of time.