Fortville is a growing town in the northwest corner of Hancock County, about 25 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis. Unlike many smaller Indiana towns that rely on their county planning department for permits, Fortville operates its own Planning & Building Department with its own Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. That means your deck permit goes through the town — not Hancock County.
Fortville Planning & Building Department — Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
| Department | Town of Fortville — Planning & Building |
| Address | 714 E. Broadway, Fortville, IN 46040 (use west door) |
| Phone | (317) 485-4044, Option 2 (Town Hall) |
| info@fortville.in.gov | |
| Fax | (317) 485-4141 |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Applications | In person or online |
Do You Need a Permit for a Deck in Fortville?
Yes. Under Fortville’s Building Code (Ordinance No. 2021-9C), construction is prohibited unless you have a valid building permit obtained from the Planning & Building Director before work begins. This applies to new decks, deck replacements, and structural alterations to existing decks. Fines for unpermitted construction can reach $2,500.
How to Apply for a Deck Permit
Fortville uses its own permit application forms. For a residential deck, you’ll file the Residential Accessory-Alteration application:
- Download or pick up the application. The Residential Accessory-Alteration form is available on the Planning & Building page of the town website, or in person at Town Hall.
- Prepare your construction documents. Include a site plan showing the home, lot dimensions, property lines, setbacks, and proposed deck location. Also include construction drawings with design, dimensions, materials, and structural details.
- Submit the application. Applications can be submitted in person at 714 E. Broadway or online. Include the applicable permit fee.
- Plan review. The Planning & Building Director reviews your application to confirm the deck conforms to building/fire safety laws and zoning. Properties in the Fortville Overlay District require review by both the Town Manager and Hancock County Plan Commission Director.
- Permit issuance. Once approved, you receive your building permit. Construction can begin only after the permit is in hand.
Fortville Zoning and Setback Rules
Fortville manages its own zoning through its Plan Commission, established after the town withdrew from the Hancock County Area Planning Department. The town follows the Hancock County Zoning Ordinance as the underlying code, with the Fortville Overlay District modifying certain standards within the Old Town Boundary.
Fortville Overlay District Setbacks (R2.5 and R3.5 Zones)
| Setback | Requirement |
| Front Yard | 25 ft — or average of front setbacks on same side of street within 200 ft, whichever is less. Balconies/porches may encroach up to 15 ft (min 10-ft setback) but cannot be enclosed. |
| Side Yard | Per Overlay District standards — or average of side setbacks on same side of street within 200 ft, whichever is less. |
| Rear Yard | Per Overlay District standards — or average of rear setbacks on same side of street within 200 ft, whichever is less. |
For properties outside the Overlay District or in other zoning classifications (R1.0, R5.0, etc.), standard Hancock County residential setback requirements apply. Contact the department to confirm your zoning district.
Inspections
All construction is subject to periodic inspections by the Planning & Building Director. For a typical deck project, expect at least two:
- Footing inspection. After footings are poured or set but before they’re covered. Confirms depth (minimum 42 inches), diameter, and placement per approved plans.
- Final inspection. After the deck is fully constructed including railings, stairs, and electrical. Verifies the structure matches approved plans and meets code.
Schedule inspections through the Planning & Building Department at (317) 485-4044. Do not proceed to the next phase until each inspection is passed.
Building Code and Construction Standards
Fortville adopted its current building code through Ordinance No. 2021-9C, incorporating the rules of the Indiana Fire Prevention and Building Safety Commission. Residential decks follow the Indiana Residential Code (IRC-based). Key requirements:
- Frost line depth: 42 inches minimum for all footings.
- Ledger board attachment: Must be properly flashed and bolted to the rim joist. Nails alone are not acceptable.
- Guard rails: Required on any surface 30+ inches above grade. Minimum 36 inches high.
- Baluster spacing: Maximum 4-inch gap (a 4-inch sphere must not pass through).
- Stair requirements: Maximum 7-3/4 inch riser, minimum 10-inch tread, graspable handrail on at least one side.
- Structural lumber: Must be rated for ground contact where applicable.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Stop-work orders can be issued for any construction violating the ordinance or permit conditions.
- Permit revocation for failure to comply with code requirements.
- Fines up to $2,500 per violation.
- Civil action — the town may take violators to court to restrain ongoing violations.
Fortville Overlay District — What It Means for Your Project
The Fortville Overlay District covers the original town boundary and preserves the town’s historic character. If your property is inside this boundary:
- Dual review required. Plans must be reviewed by the Fortville Town Manager and Hancock County Plan Commission Director before an improvement location permit is issued.
- No enclosed encroachments. Balconies or porches encroaching into a front setback cannot be enclosed.
- Landscaping standards. Existing mature trees should be preserved where possible.
- Decorative lighting. Exterior lighting must meet overlay standards.
Properties in newer subdivisions outside the Overlay boundary follow standard Hancock County zoning without these overlay conditions.
About Fortville
| Detail | Information |
| Location | NW Hancock County, ~25 miles NE of downtown Indianapolis |
| Population | ~4,800 (2020 census); town estimates 6,000+ as of late 2025 |
| County | Hancock County (Vernon Township) |
| School District | Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation |
| Median Household Income | ~$83,000–$85,000 |
| Incorporated | 1865 |
Fortville has grown from about 3,500 residents in 2000 to an estimated 6,000+ today. The town’s proximity to Hamilton County and its position in the Mt. Vernon school district make it attractive to families. Newer subdivisions are expanding the town’s footprint, and many of those homes will be candidates for deck and patio additions.
For homeowners weighing material options, the comparison of stamped concrete and pavers for Indiana backyards covers durability and cost factors across central Indiana. And if you’re in the Cumberland area just west of Fortville, our guide to deck permits in Cumberland covers the process for that adjacent community.
Get Started on Your Fortville Deck Project
Platinum Deck and Patio serves Fortville and the greater Hancock County area. We handle the permit process, build to code, and schedule all required inspections so you don’t have to. Call (463) 466-5870 for a free estimate.