Speedway sits entirely inside Marion County and is surrounded on all sides by the City of Indianapolis, but it’s not governed by Indianapolis. Since the 1970 Unigov consolidation, Speedway has remained one of four “excluded cities” within Marion County — alongside Beech Grove, Lawrence, and Southport — that operate their own independent permit authorities. That status matters if you’re a Speedway homeowner planning a deck. Your permit doesn’t come from the Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services. It comes from Speedway Town Hall.
This guide covers how Speedway handles residential deck permits, what the fees look like, what inspections to expect, and how the town’s relationship with Marion County zoning affects your project.
Who Issues Deck Permits in Speedway?
In Speedway, the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office at the Municipal Center is responsible for issuing construction permits. The town issues two types of construction permits: structural permits (which cover re-roofs, remodels, additions, and most new construction, including decks) and mechanical permits (which cover electrical, HVAC, and plumbing work). A deck addition will require a structural permit, and if your project includes lighting or an outdoor receptacle, you’ll also need a mechanical/electrical permit.
| Detail | Information |
| Office | Town of Speedway — Clerk/Treasurer’s Office (Permit Issuance) |
| Address | Speedway Municipal Center, 5300 Crawfordsville Road, Speedway, IN 46224 |
| Phone | (317) 246-4111 |
| Fax | (317) 240-1322 |
| permits@speedwayin.gov | |
| Website | speedwayin.gov — Construction Permits |
| Permit Validity | One year from the date of issuance |
Why Speedway’s “Independent Town” Status Matters
Before 1970, Indianapolis and Marion County were separate governments. When the consolidated Unigov system was created that year, four municipalities — Speedway, Beech Grove, Lawrence, and Southport — chose to remain independent and retained their own governments. The result is an unusual setup for a Speedway homeowner:
- Permits come from the Town of Speedway — not from Indianapolis BNS
- Zoning is governed by Marion County ordinances and administered by the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, not by Speedway
- Inspections are performed by Speedway-appointed inspectors, not by Indianapolis inspectors
- Town Hall is the only place you’ll apply for your permit, even though your zip code matches some Indianapolis addresses
This split matters most when your project needs a zoning variance. If the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development determines your project needs a departure from the zoning code, you’ll visit the Speedway Municipal Center at 5300 Crawfordsville Road to obtain Board of Zoning Appeals forms. For standard deck projects that don’t trigger a variance, you’ll just deal with Speedway directly for the permit itself.
Does Your Deck Need a Permit?
Yes, for almost any standard residential deck. Speedway’s fee schedule lists decks as part of the new-construction residential category (primary structure or additions to the primary structure — garages, porches, sheds, car ports, etc.). The practical rule is similar to most Indiana towns: if your deck is more than a ground-level platform under 30 inches high, expect to need a permit.
Some narrow exceptions may exist for very small, ground-level, low-height platforms, but the safest path is to call the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office at (317) 246-4111 or email permits@speedwayin.gov before starting any work. Building without a permit creates problems during inspection, home sale, and insurance claims — it’s not worth the risk.
Speedway Permit Fees for Decks
Speedway’s fee schedule for Class 2/Residential structural permits is simpler than many larger jurisdictions. For new construction and additions (the category decks fall under), the fee is calculated per square foot with a minimum:
| Permit Type | Fee |
| Class 2/Residential — New Construction or Addition (decks, garages, porches, sheds) | $0.10 per square foot, $100.00 minimum |
| Re-Inspection / Additional Inspection | $50.00 per occurrence |
| Electrical Remodel or Addition (if adding lighting, outlets) | $60.00 (separate mechanical permit) |
To put that in context: a 300-square-foot deck would cost $100.00 for the structural permit (since $0.10 × 300 = $30 falls under the $100 minimum). A 1,200-square-foot deck would cost $120.00 ($0.10 × 1,200). Add another $60 if you’re running a new electrical circuit for lighting or outlets.
Re-inspection fees apply if a phase of construction fails inspection and the inspector has to come back. At $50 per occurrence, this is a lower penalty than neighboring jurisdictions — but that’s not a reason to be careless. Failed inspections still create schedule delays.
How to Apply
Speedway’s process is more traditional than some neighboring towns’ online portals. Applications are handled at Town Hall, and the town provides downloadable structural and mechanical permit application forms on the Clerk/Treasurer’s website.
- Download the Structural Permit Application from the town’s Construction Permits page or pick up a copy at Town Hall.
- Prepare your supporting documents — see the list below for what a deck project typically needs.
- Submit the application in person at the Speedway Municipal Center or via the method specified on the application. Call (317) 246-4111 or email permits@speedwayin.gov if you need clarification on submission format.
- Pay the permit fee when the permit is issued. Speedway does not publish an online card payment portal for permits — confirm accepted payment methods with the Clerk’s office before arrival.
- Schedule inspections through the town as construction progresses. Each inspection must pass before you can move to the next phase.
What to Submit With Your Application
| Document | What It Should Show |
| Completed Structural Permit Application | Project address, scope of work, estimated square footage, contractor information, and property owner signature |
| Site Plan / Plot Plan | Drawn to scale, showing the deck’s location relative to the house, property lines, setbacks, and any easements |
| Construction Drawings | Plan view, elevation, and framing details — joist sizes and spacing, beam dimensions, footings, post layout, ledger board attachment |
| Stair and Guardrail Details | Required if the deck is more than 30 inches above grade — tread depth, riser height, guardrail height, baluster spacing |
| Drainage / Stormwater Impact | For larger decks or land-disturbing projects, Speedway’s MS4 Coordinator may require additional stormwater documentation — Speedway refers to the City of Indianapolis Stormwater Specifications Manual |
Indiana Code Requirements for Decks
Like every Indiana jurisdiction, Speedway enforces the Indiana State Building Codes, including the Indiana Residential Code (the state’s adaptation of the IRC). Structural requirements that apply to a standard residential deck include:
| Requirement | Standard |
| Footing Depth | Below the frost line — 36 inches in central Indiana |
| Guardrails | Required when the deck surface is more than 30 inches above grade; minimum 36-inch height |
| Baluster Spacing | Openings cannot allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through |
| Stair Treads | Minimum 10-inch tread depth |
| Stair Risers | Maximum 7¾-inch rise; consistent within ⅜ inch across all steps |
| Handrails | Required on at least one side of stairs with four or more risers |
| Ledger Attachment | Through-bolted or lag-screwed to house framing with proper flashing per IRC Table R507.9.1.3 |
| Fasteners | Hot-dipped galvanized, stainless steel, or equivalent corrosion-resistant hardware |
Inspections During Construction
Speedway requires inspections at key stages of construction. Each phase must pass before you move forward. For a standard deck project, expect three inspections:
- Footing inspection — after footing holes are dug, before concrete is poured. The inspector verifies depth (36 inches below grade for central Indiana frost line) and placement relative to property lines and easements.
- Framing inspection — after the deck structure is framed but before decking boards are installed. Checks joist sizing and spacing, beam connections, ledger board attachment, post bases, and any structural hardware.
- Final inspection — once the deck is fully complete, including stairs, guardrails, and finish details. Confirms compliance with IRC requirements for height, baluster spacing, stair geometry, and handrails.
If an inspector finds issues, a re-inspection is required before construction can continue. The $50 re-inspection fee is lower than many neighboring jurisdictions, but repeated failures add up quickly in both fees and project timeline.
Drainage and Stormwater Considerations
Speedway takes stormwater management seriously because much of the town’s infrastructure is old and the drainage system serves a densely built-out area. For most residential deck projects, standard lot grading is enough to satisfy the town’s expectations, and no separate stormwater permit is needed. However, any project that involves significant land disturbance, grade changes, or a deck that meaningfully changes how water moves across your lot may trigger the MS4 Coordinator’s review.
If your deck project is part of a larger backyard renovation that includes pavers, a pool, or regrading, check with Town Hall early. The town refers to the City of Indianapolis Stormwater Specifications Manual as its technical standard for plan review.
Planning Tips for Speedway Homeowners
- Don’t assume Indianapolis rules apply. Even if your home is physically across the street from an Indianapolis-proper neighborhood, Speedway’s permit and inspection process is separate. Apply through Town Hall, not through the Indianapolis BNS portal.
- Check zoning early if you’re planning anything unusual. Marion County zoning applies, administered by the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development. For setbacks, lot coverage, or accessory structure rules, start with DMD — then come to Speedway Town Hall for the permit itself.
- Many Speedway lots are small and compact. The town was platted in the early 20th century with narrow urban lots. Confirm your setbacks before finalizing deck dimensions, especially side-yard and rear-yard clearances.
- Consider materials carefully. Central Indiana’s freeze-thaw cycles wear on outdoor structures. Composite and PVC decking cost more upfront but hold up well with minimal maintenance — worth weighing against the long-term cost of maintaining pressure-treated wood. Our piece on how central Indiana’s weather wears on different decking products walks through the trade-offs in detail.
For comparison with how other Indiana towns handle the same process, see our Brownsburg permit walkthrough and our unincorporated Hancock County permit overview. The differences between town, county, and independent-municipality permitting systems become clearer when you see them side by side.
Ready to Build Your Deck in Speedway?
Patio Contractors Indianapolis works with Speedway homeowners on deck additions, replacements, and full outdoor living builds — and we know the town’s independent permit process. We handle the structural permit application, Marion County zoning coordination if needed, inspection scheduling, and construction. Call (463) 466-5870 to discuss your project.