Fence Permits

Fence Permits

If you want to erect a fence in Garrett, you must first obtain a “Fence Permit”. These permits are available in the Garrett Planning Department, City Hall.

The permit fee is $25.00; payable at the time you are issued the permit. A late fee of $50.00 will be charged to you if you construct a fence on your property before obtaining a permit. Fence permits are valid for 1 year from the date of issue.

Please provide a simple drawing showing the buildings on your lot and where you propose to build your fence.

You will also need to locate any underground utilities on your property. You’ll need to call 800-382-5544 (aka, “Holey-Moley”) at least 2 or more days prior to starting your work.

The following restrictions apply to the construction of commercial-residential fences:

No fence, or artificially erected man-made screen or barrier, can be erected beyond the front of a dwelling or primary building. This allows fire truck or EMS vehicle access to your house in the event of an emergency. However, a split rail decorative fence may be erected at the front corners of a lot, provided that the fence is set back 2 feet from the side lot line and 2 feet from the front lot line. Such a fence may not extend more than 6 feet from the corner along either the side or front lot lines.

A fence can be up to 7 feet in height.
No fence may be located closer than 2 feet to any alley right-of-way line.
No fence may be located closer than 2 feet to a side lot line.
No fence may be located closer than 2 feet to a rear lot line.

If you wish to place your fence on your side or rear property lines, you will have to obtain the written consent of your neighbors. You can obtain a form for this purpose in the Garrett Planning Department.

You should take care to note whether any utility easements or drain rights-of-way exist on your property. You cannot erect a fence on or within a utility easement. You’ll also need to provide access to any utility meters that may be enclosed by your fence via a gate. You will also need to petition the Dekalb County Drainage Board for a variance to construct a fence on or within any county regulated drain right-of-way that may exist within your property.

You should also check to see if there are any restrictive covenants attached to your property that prohibit the construction of fences or other structures.
If you are denied a fence permit, you may petition the Garrett Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance.

Today's Date:

Property Owners Name:

Property Owners Address:

Phone Number:

Property Owners email:

Name of Contractor:

Contractor Address:

Contractor Phone Number:

Description of Project: (Ex: roofing, shed, fence, etc)

Site Plan emailed or placed in Drop Box to City Planner:
YesNo

Cost of Project (Ballpark figures):

Project Start Date:
Project End Date:

Once permit is submitted, please allow 24 hrs for a response or phone call from the City Planner, should additional information be needed.

Once you have received your permit via email or postal service, please sign both copies and either email 1 copy back to City Planner or place 1 copy in a sealed envelope ATTN City Planner, in the drop box located on Keyser street side of City Hall.

Payment for permits can be any of the following methods:
1. Submit check or money order made out to the City of Garrett and place it in a sealed envelope ATTN City Planner in the drop box. Absolutely NO CASH will be
accepted.
2. You go to the city website; www.garrettindiana.us and submit your payment thru Municipay