The east shore of Geist Reservoir sits in one of the most desirable pockets of the Indianapolis metro. Homes along this stretch — many carrying a 46055 ZIP code — back up to 1,900 acres of open water, mature tree lines, and some of the best sunset views in central Indiana. If you own waterfront or water-access property on the Hancock County side, adding or upgrading a deck is one of the highest-impact improvements you can make.
This guide covers what east-shore homeowners need to know before building, including the unique permitting layers that come with reservoir-adjacent property, which governing authority reviews your project, and how to plan a deck that makes the most of your waterfront setting.
Why the Hancock County Side Is Different
Geist Reservoir spans three counties — Marion, Hamilton, and Hancock — four voting precincts, three school districts, and five ZIP codes. That multi-jurisdictional footprint means the rules for your deck project depend entirely on which side of a county line your lot sits on.
Properties on the east shore generally fall under one of two authorities. If your home is inside the Town of McCordsville, the town’s Planning and Building Department handles your permits. If your parcel is in unincorporated Hancock County outside any town boundary, the Hancock County Area Plan Commission is your first stop. Knowing which jurisdiction covers your lot before you call a contractor will save you time and prevent delays.
Permitting Layers for Waterfront Deck Projects
Waterfront deck construction on the east shore of Geist often involves more than a single building permit. Depending on where your deck sits relative to the shoreline, you may need approvals from up to three separate entities.
| Approval Authority | When It Applies | Contact |
| Hancock County Building Dept. | Unincorporated parcels — building permit for structural deck work | (317) 477-1133 | hancockin.gov |
| Town of McCordsville | Parcels within town limits — accessory structure permit required for decks and patios | (317) 335-3604 | mccordsville.org |
| Citizens Energy Group | Any improvement within the 20-foot shoreline easement they own around the entire reservoir | (317) 927-4444 | citizensenergygroup.com |
| Your HOA / DCC | Most east-shore subdivisions require architectural review before construction begins | Check your community’s covenants for the submission process |
The Citizens Energy Group Easement
This is the layer most homeowners don’t expect. Citizens Energy Group owns Geist Reservoir and the shoreline, plus a 20-foot easement that extends inland around the entire perimeter. If any part of your proposed deck, patio, walkway, or fire pit falls within that 20-foot strip, you need to submit a separate construction application to Citizens before work begins.
The application covers docks, walkways, patios, seawalls, retaining walls, and other improvements. Completed forms — along with drawings and copies of any local permits — go to Citizens Energy Group’s Real Estate Department at 2150 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202. You can reach their permitting staff at (317) 927-4444 or by email at newservice@citizensenergygroup.com.
What Hancock County Requires for Deck Construction
For parcels in unincorporated Hancock County, the county’s zoning code specifically exempts standard decks and patios from the Improvement Location Permit (ILP) requirement. Fences, drives, sidewalks, patios, decks, retaining walls, and similar yard improvements are listed as exempt structures. However, these improvements must still comply with all applicable setback, lot coverage, and zoning standards in the Hancock County Zoning Ordinance.
A building permit from the Hancock County Building Department is still required for structural work. The Building Department is located in the Hancock County Annex at 111 American Legion Place, Suite 146, Greenfield, IN 46140. You can reach them at (317) 477-1133 for building questions or (317) 477-1134 for planning and zoning questions.
If your property is inside McCordsville’s town limits, the rules differ. McCordsville requires an Accessory Structure Permit for the construction of a deck, patio, pergola, gazebo, or similar feature. You’ll need to submit a plot plan showing the location and dimensions of the proposed structure. Applications are handled online, and you can contact the town’s Planning and Building Department at (317) 335-3604 or by email at building@mccordsville.org.
HOA and Architectural Review on the East Shore
Nearly every waterfront and water-access neighborhood on the east side of Geist is governed by a homeowners association with architectural review requirements. Communities like Springs of Cambridge, Geist Harbours, and several smaller subdivisions along Olio Road and 96th Street all maintain design standards that go beyond the county building code.
In Geist Harbours — one of the largest communities spanning multiple sections around the reservoir — the Development Control Committee (DCC) must approve any exterior improvement before construction begins. Their guidelines include requirements such as:
- Accessory structures must have a permanent foundation — either a concrete turned-down slab (18 to 24 inches) or a poured footer at least 30 inches deep. Skid-mounted foundations are not permitted.
- Roof style, pitch, and shingles on any covered structure must match the primary residence.
- Wall veneer, doors, and windows must use the same materials as the majority of the home’s exterior.
- No metal accessory structures are allowed.
The DCC has 30 days to review and act on a completed application. Even if your community’s rules are less detailed, plan on submitting your design for review before scheduling any construction. Getting turned down after the project is framed is far more expensive than waiting a few weeks for written approval.
Design Considerations for Waterfront Decks
Building a deck on the east shore of Geist is not quite the same as building one in a typical suburban backyard. The proximity to water introduces a few factors worth thinking through early in the design process.
Grade and drainage. Many east-shore lots slope toward the reservoir. A well-designed deck on a walkout lot can take advantage of the grade change by incorporating multiple levels, built-in stairs down to the dock, or a raised platform that captures the widest view across the water. Just make sure your contractor accounts for stormwater runoff — anything that drains toward the reservoir is subject to water-quality protections.
Material selection. Moisture, humidity off the lake, and direct sun exposure are constant factors on waterfront lots. Composite decking and hardwood options like ipe tend to hold up better than pressure-treated pine in this environment. If you’re weighing the trade-offs between different materials, understanding how Indiana’s climate affects your material choice can help you plan a deck that lasts.
Setbacks near the water. Your deck’s footprint needs to respect both your subdivision’s plat setbacks and the Citizens Energy Group 20-foot easement. On waterfront lots, the rear setback is often the most restrictive line. Confirm your exact setback dimensions with either Hancock County Planning or the Town of McCordsville before finalizing your design.
Views and orientation. The east shore faces west across the reservoir, which means your deck gets direct afternoon and evening sun — ideal for watching sunsets over the water. If extended shade is important, consider integrating a pergola or louvered roof system into the design from the start rather than adding one later.
Inspection and Compliance
Once your deck is built, inspections follow the same path as the permits. The Hancock County Building Department or the Town of McCordsville (depending on your jurisdiction) will inspect structural elements such as footings, framing, and guardrails. If your project required Citizens Energy Group approval, their Real Estate Department reserves the right to inspect improvements within their easement for compliance with the approved application.
For Geist-area homeowners exploring larger waterfront projects, coordinating the inspection schedule across multiple authorities early in the build process helps avoid delays at the finish line.
Quick-Reference Contact List
| Office | Phone | Address / Website |
| Hancock County Building Dept. | (317) 477-1133 | 111 American Legion Pl., Ste. 146, Greenfield, IN 46140 | hancockin.gov |
| Hancock County Planning Dept. | (317) 477-1134 | Same address as above |
| Town of McCordsville Planning & Building | (317) 335-3604 | mccordsville.org/planning |
| Citizens Energy Group (Reservoir Permits) | (317) 927-4444 | 2150 Dr. MLK Jr. St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 | citizensenergygroup.com |
Ready to Build on the East Shore?
Patio Contractors Indianapolis works with waterfront homeowners across the Geist area, including the Hancock County side of the reservoir. Whether you’re planning a multi-level composite deck with lake views or a simple platform off the back of the house, we handle permitting coordination, HOA submittals, and construction from start to finish. Call us at (463) 466-5870 to talk through your project.