FAQs • Tippecanoe County, IN • CivicEngage

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How do I file a zoning complaint?: If the complaint is in Dayton, Battle Ground or Clarks Hill, APC would take care of the complaint and you can find that form at the following page: http://www.tippecanoe.in.gov/DocumentCenter/View/512 Otherwise, a complaint should be filed in writing to the Building Commission at the following page: https://www.tippecanoe.in.gov/413/Building-Commission
complaint form.

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Zoning Enforcement

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1. Do I need an Improvement Location Permit to build a fence?: No. Fences are not regulated by the Tippecanoe County Unified Zoning Ordinance, unless it surrounds a swimming pool or is in the building set back. Please call 765-423-9225 for more information.

2. What are the height restrictions on my fence?: You may not block the vision of drivers at an intersection. A fence around a swimming pool must be at least 5 feet high. A fence may not exceed 42" within street frontage setbacks. Please call 765-423-9225 for more information.

3. Do I need an Improvement Location Permit for a swimming pool?: All in-ground pools require a permit. Above ground pools only require a permit if they are 42" or taller. Please call 765-423-9225 for more information.

4. Do I need an Improvement Location Permit to put up a sign?: In most cases, yes. The few exceptions may be found in section 4-8 of the Tippecanoe County Unified Zoning Ordinance. Please call 765-423-9242 for more information.

5. Do I need a permit to have a garage sale?: No permit is required in the unincorporated areas of the county. You are permitted no more than 2 yard sales annually. Please call 765-423-9225 for more information.

6. What is the difference between a Home Occupation and a Rural Home Occupation?: A Home Occupation is allowed in non-rural zoned areas or small rural zoned areas. A Rural Home Occupation is allowed in rural zoned areas of 2 acres or more. Please call 765-423-9242 for more information.

7. What restrictions apply to a Home Occupation?: Review sections 5-5-1 through 5-5-4 of the Tippecanoe County Unified Zoning Ordinance for permitted occupations and restrictions. Please call 765-423-9242 for more information.

8. What restrictions apply to a Rural Home Occupation?: Review sections 5-5-6 through 5-5-7 of the Tippecanoe County Unified Zoning Ordinance for permitted occupations and additional restrictions. Please call 765-423-9242 for more information.

9. Where can I get a copy of the Tippecanoe County Unified Zoning Ordinance?: The ordinance is available for purchase from the Tippecanoe County Area Plan Commission:
20 N Third Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
Phone: 765- 423-9242

10. How do I file a zoning complaint?: If the complaint is in Dayton, Battle Ground or Clarks Hill, APC would take care of the complaint and you can find that form at the following page: http://www.tippecanoe.in.gov/DocumentCenter/View/512 Otherwise, a complaint should be filed in writing to the Building Commission at the following page: https://www.tippecanoe.in.gov/413/Building-Commission
complaint form.

11. Can I put up directional signs to sell my home grown vegetables?: Only under certain conditions. Please call 765-423-9242 for more information.

12. Where do I apply for these different permits?

Permits required in the unincorporated areas of the county are available at the Tippecanoe County Building Commission.

Permits required by Lafayette and West Lafayette are available through the various city governments:

Tippecanoe County Building Commission

20 N Third Street

Lafayette, IN 47901

Phone: 765-423-9225

Lafayette City Engineers Office

20 N Sixth Street

Lafayette, IN 47901

Phone: 765-807-1050

West Lafayette City Engineers Office

222 N Chauncey Ave

West Lafayette, 47906

Phone: 765-775-5130