Indiana neighborhoods are changing, and some features you’ve grown used to in your yard might not be around for long.
From fences to landscaping choices, new rules could affect how you maintain your property. Staying ahead of these possible restrictions can save you time, money, and headaches.
Here are 13 common features that Indiana neighborhoods may start limiting soon.
1. Vibrant House Colors
Bold paint choices are falling out of favor with Indiana HOAs. Many communities now prefer subdued, neutral palettes that blend harmoniously with the neighborhood aesthetic.
Residents in Indianapolis suburbs have already seen color restrictions implemented, requiring approval before any exterior painting projects. The days of expressing personality through bright turquoise or sunny yellow homes may be numbered.
2. Vegetable Gardens in Front Yards
Growing your own food might seem like a simple pleasure, but front yard gardens are increasingly facing scrutiny. Indiana communities cite concerns about property values and neighborhood aesthetics.
Several townships near Fort Wayne have already implemented restrictions limiting edible plants to backyard spaces only. The battle between sustainable living enthusiasts and uniformity-focused HOAs continues across the Hoosier state.
3. Recreational Vehicles
RVs, boats, and campers parked in driveways are becoming unwelcome sights in many Indiana communities. Neighborhood associations view these vehicles as eyesores that detract from curb appeal.
Bloomington residents have already faced new storage requirements, forcing many to pay for off-site storage facilities. The convenience of having your weekend toys at home might soon become a luxury of the past.
4. Short-Term Rentals
The Airbnb boom has neighborhoods fighting back across Indiana. Many communities are implementing strict rules against short-term rentals to preserve neighborhood character and prevent party houses.
Lake communities near Michigan City have been particularly aggressive in restricting vacation rentals. Your dreams of supplemental income through weekend rentals might face serious hurdles depending on where you live in the state.
5. Basketball Hoops
Nothing says Indiana quite like basketball, yet permanent hoops are facing increasing scrutiny. Concerns about street safety and neighborhood appearance are driving new restrictions.
Several communities around Carmel have already limited basketball equipment to specific hours or locations. The iconic image of Hoosier kids shooting hoops in driveways might become less common as these regulations spread throughout the state.
6. Solar Panels
Clean energy faces surprising resistance in some Indiana neighborhoods. Despite their environmental benefits, solar panels are being restricted based on aesthetic concerns and installation requirements.
Homeowners in Fishers have encountered new rules requiring panels to be installed only on rear-facing roofs, away from street view. The balance between green energy adoption and neighborhood appearance standards continues to evolve across the state.
7. Clotheslines
The humble clothesline, once a backyard staple, faces extinction in many Indiana communities. Energy-saving benefits aside, HOAs increasingly view them as unsightly remnants of bygone days.
Neighborhoods near Greenwood have already implemented bans on visible outdoor drying. This eco-friendly practice, common throughout Indiana’s history, is increasingly falling victim to modern aesthetic standards despite its practical advantages.
8. Chicken Coops
Backyard chickens have gained popularity during recent years, but their days may be numbered in many Indiana neighborhoods. Concerns about noise, odor, and property values drive these restrictions.
Communities surrounding Evansville have already begun limiting or banning residential poultry keeping. The farm-to-table movement faces significant hurdles as more Indiana homeowners find themselves unable to raise their own egg-laying hens.
9. Artificial Turf
Low-maintenance artificial grass is meeting resistance despite its water-saving benefits. Indiana HOAs often prefer traditional lawns for their natural appearance and neighborhood consistency.
Homeowners in Muncie subdivisions have already faced fines for installing synthetic turf without approval. The battle between practical landscaping innovations and traditional neighborhood standards continues throughout the state’s residential communities.
10. Political Signs
Freedom of expression meets neighborhood aesthetics in the battle over yard signs. Many Indiana communities are implementing size restrictions, time limits, and quantity caps on political displays.
Neighborhoods near South Bend have already adopted strict rules limiting political signage to 30 days before elections. The balance between personal expression and community standards remains contentious throughout the state, especially during election seasons.
11. Tall Privacy Fences
The desire for backyard privacy faces growing opposition from Indiana HOAs. Many communities are implementing height restrictions and material requirements for fences to maintain open, cohesive neighborhood appearances.
Homeowners in Noblesville have already encountered new regulations limiting fence heights to 4 feet in many areas. The dream of a secluded backyard retreat is becoming harder to achieve as these restrictions spread across the state.
12. Home-Based Businesses
The work-from-home revolution faces pushback in residential areas across Indiana. Concerns about traffic, parking, and commercial activity are driving new restrictions on home businesses.
Several communities near Columbus have already implemented strict limits on client visits and signage. The pandemic-accelerated shift toward home-based work is colliding with traditional neighborhood zoning concepts throughout the state.
13. Exterior Security Cameras
Home security systems are facing surprising scrutiny from Indiana HOAs. Privacy concerns and aesthetic impact are driving new restrictions on camera placement, quantity, and appearance.
Neighborhoods in Valparaiso have already implemented rules requiring cameras to be discreet and limiting coverage of shared spaces. The balance between personal security and community privacy standards continues to evolve throughout Indiana’s residential developments.