Homeowner's Resources

Historic Preservation & IHPC Guidelines

The Old Northside Historic Area Plan serves as the official legal and design blueprint for our neighborhood. Adopted by the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC), this document sets the binding architectural standards for all exterior maintenance, restoration, and new construction. Reviewing these guidelines before consulting contractors or ordering materials ensures your project aligns with district regulations and speeds up your Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) approval.

Direct Access & Links

Official Design Guidelines: Old Northside Historic Area Plan (PDF) - CLICK TO DOWNLOAD
IHPC District Overview: Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission Agency Page - CLICK HERE
- (Use this portal to access staff directory, monthly hearing schedules, and the CitizenAccess application system)

Key Design Guidelines at a Glance

The Area Plan details specific criteria to preserve the architectural integrity of the district. Key standards include:

Windows & Doors: Original wood windows should be retained and repaired whenever feasible. If replacement is necessary, replacements must match the original opening size, glass division pattern (muntins), and trim profile. Vinyl or improperly proportioned grid inserts are prohibited on public-facing facades.
Siding & Wall Coverings: Existing historic wood siding, original stucco, or brick must be maintained. Installing synthetic sidings (such as vinyl) over original historic wood is not permitted.
Roofing & Gutters: Original slate, tile, or metal roofs must be preserved where possible. Half-round gutters and round downspouts are preferred to maintain historical accuracy over standard modern box gutters.
Porches & Architectural Details: Porches are defining characteristics of Old Northside architecture. Decorative brackets, spindles, posts, and balustrades must not be removed or simplified. Enclosing front porches with glass or screens is generally not approved.
Paint & Color Selection: Unpainted historic masonry (brick or stone) may never be painted. For previously painted wooden surfaces, paint schemes should reflect period-appropriate color palettes that complement the architectural style of the home (e.g., Victorian, Queen Anne, Italianate).

Living in a locally designated historic district like the Old Northside means all exterior modifications must be reviewed and approved by the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC) before work begins. This review process issues a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to ensure changes preserve the neighborhood’s character.

When You Need a COA

A COA is required for virtually any change to the exterior of your home, garage, or lot that is visible from the public right-of-way.

Window Replacements & Restorations: Repairing historic wood windows generally requires no complex permit, but replacing them requires IHPC approval to match original profiles, light divisions, and materials (wood vs. clad).
Roofing Repairs & Materials: In-kind repairs using matching original materials (e.g., replacing damaged slate with slate) can qualify for expedited administrative approval. Switching materials (e.g., slate to dimensional asphalt) requires formal commission review.
Masonry & Painted Brick: Unpainted historic brick cannot be painted. If brick is already painted, repainting requires color approval. Repointing brick mortar requires matching the original historic mortar composition, color, and joint profile.
Siding, Porches & Trim: Replacing wood siding with synthetic alternatives (like vinyl), enclosing porches, or altering decorative trim work requires full review.
Fences, Landscaping & Outbuildings: New fence construction, curb cuts, driveway installation, or building new garages/sheds require COA approval before receiving city building permits.

Step-by-Step COA Application Process

1. Determine Approval Type:

Consult IHPC staff before filing

Contact IHPC staff early in your planning phase. Minor repairs (like-for-like material replacement, routine maintenance, or pre-approved paint colors) can often be approved Administratively by staff within days. Major structural changes, additions, or material departures require a Full Commission Hearing.

2. Gather Required Documentation:

Incomplete submissions will delay approval

Prepare a complete submission package. Depending on project scope, IHPC requires:

Current photos showing all affected elevations of the structure.
Site plan or survey showing property lines, existing structures, and proposed work locations.
Architectural drawings or elevation plans drawn to scale for additions, new construction, or major alterations.
Material specifications & cut sheets (e.g., window manufacturer specs, roofing product brochures, paint swatches).

3. Submit via CitizenAccess Portal:

The city's online permitting hub

Submit your application and documentation online through the City of Indianapolis CitizenAccess Portal (Accela). Select the IHPC Certificate of Appropriateness application option and pay any applicable filing fees.

4. Staff Review or Commission Hearing:

Timelines range from 5 days to 4 weeks

Administrative Reviews: Processed within 5–10 business days directly by IHPC staff.Commission Hearings: Held on the first Wednesday of every month. Applications must be submitted roughly 3–4 weeks prior to the hearing date to meet public notice deadlines.

5. Receive COA & Begin Work:

Do not start prior to approval

Once issued, post your Certificate of Appropriateness permit alongside any required Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) building permits at the job site before contractors start work.

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To maintain the architectural integrity required by the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC), repairs and upgrades must use appropriate historic materials and specialized labor. Below is a guide for sourcing qualified tradespeople and period-appropriate materials for Old Northside properties.

Historic Masonry & Tuckpointing

Key Requirements: Historic brick and lime mortar require softer, breathable mortar mixes (Type K or Type O). Never use modern Type S or Portland cement, as it traps moisture and causes historic brick faces to spall and crack.
Scope of Work: Mortar color-matching, custom brick sourcing, lime-mortar repointing, and chemical-free masonry cleaning.
Selection Criteria: Contractors must demonstrate experience with pre-1930s soft brick structures and provide a portfolio of historic restoration work approved by preservation commissions.

Slate & Historic Roofing Systems

Key Requirements: Slate, copper, and standing-seam metal roofs require specialized flashing, copper valleys, and custom box gutter repairs.
Scope of Work: Sourcing matching salvage slate (e.g., Peach Bottom, Vermont Gray, Buckingham), copper snow guard installation, custom sheet metal fabrication, and built-in gutter lining replacement.
Selection Criteria: Select roofers who specialize in historic restoration rather than general asphalt shingles, and who perform hand-soldered copper work.

Wooden Window & Door Restoration

Key Requirements: Original wood windows are meant to last indefinitely with proper maintenance. The IHPC strongly favors repairing original double-hung windows over replacement.
Scope of Work: Sash removal, traditional rope-and-pulley repair, glazing putty application, frame jamb restoration, and integrated copper/bronze weatherstripping.
Selection Criteria: Look for members of the Preservation Trades Network or Window Preservation Alliance who use traditional oil-based primers and historic joinery techniques.

Period-Appropriate Painting & Trim Details

Key Requirements: Paint schemes should align with the architectural style of the home (e.g., deep Victorian polychrome palettes for Queen Anne or earth tones for Eastlake/Stick styles).
Scope of Work: Lead-safe paint stripping (gentle chemical or low-heat infrared removal), wood consolidation/epoxy repairs on carved brackets and cornices, and multi-color exterior paint schemes.
Selection Criteria: Ensure painters are EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firms and have experience working on multi-story historic homes with intricate exterior trim.

Finding & Vetting Local Tradespeople

IHPC & Indiana Landmarks: Consult Indiana Landmarks' Historic Fabricators & Trades Directory for a vetted registry of regional specialists.
Permitting & Certificate of Appropriateness (COA): Verify with the IHPC whether your planned exterior scope requires a COA before hiring a contractor or purchasing custom materials.
Contractor Questions:
- Have you completed work within IHPC-regulated historic districts?
- What specific materials and mortars do you plan to use on this project?
- Can you provide 2–3 local references for homes built before 1920?

Property Maintenance, Tax & Financial Incentives

Uncovering the history of an Old Northside property involves combining property records, historic maps, and architectural surveys. Below is a step-by-step guide to tracing your house’s original footprint, ownership lineage, and structural history.

1. Historical Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

Sanborn maps show the exact footprint, building materials (brick, frame, stone), porch configurations, outbuildings, and street address changes of historic homes across different decades.

What to Look For: Structural additions, converted carriage houses, missing original porches, and roof composition over time.
Where to Access:
- Library of Congress (Digital Collections): Offers free, high-resolution color scans of Indianapolis Sanborn maps (including 1887, 1898, 1914, and updated mid-century volumes).
- IU Libraries & IUPUI Digital Collections: Online digital archives hosting localized Marion County insurance maps and city atlases (such as the 1889 Baist Real Estate Atlas).

2. Property Deeds & Ownership Lineage

Tracing deed transfers establishes the exact timeline of land sales, owner names, purchase prices, and structural developments.

Marion County Auditor & Recorder Records:
- Modern Records (Post-1980s): Accessible online via the Marion County Recorder's Office document search portals.
- Historic Records (Pre-1980s): Require searching physical Deed Books and Grantor/Grantee Indexes in person at the Marion County City-County Building in downtown Indianapolis.
Research Tip: Look for sudden jumps in property valuation between sequential sales in the deed books—this typically indicates when the primary house was constructed or majorly renovated.

3. City Directories & Census Records

Once you have owner or tenant names from deed records, use public records to reconstruct who lived in the home and how the structure was utilized.

Indianapolis City Directories: Polk City Directories (available through the Indianapolis Public Library’s digital collection and Ancestry.com) list residents by address, showing occupations, household members, and boarders.
Federal Census Data (1850–1950): Provides demographic details on home occupants, including family size, live-in servants, immigrant status, and trade.

4. Architectural & Historic Preservation Archives

IHPC District Files: The Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission maintains property-specific inventory sheets and historic site photographs collected during the designation of the Old Northside Historic District.
Indiana Landmarks Library & Archives: Located nearby in the Old Northside (1201 Central Ave), Indiana Landmarks holds extensive research files, vintage restoration guides, and regional architectural archives.
Bass Photo Company Collection: Digitized by the Indiana Historical Society, this collection contains thousands of early-to-mid 20th-century streetscapes and commercial/residential photographs across Indianapolis.

Navigating tax incentives for historic structures depends heavily on whether the property is an income-producing building or an owner-occupied residential home. Below is a detailed breakdown of available federal and state (Indiana) incentives for historic restoration.

Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (20% Credit)

Property Eligibility: Applies strictly to income-producing properties (e.g., commercial buildings, rental residential properties, or mixed-use structures). Primary personal residences do not qualify for the federal credit.
Credit Amount: Equals 20% of qualified rehabilitation expenditures (QREs).
Key Requirements:
- The property must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places (individually or as a contributing structure in a registered historic district like the Old Northside).
- Work must meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
- Substantial Rehabilitation Test: The total expenditure (QREs) within a 24-month period must exceed the adjusted basis of the building (generally purchase price minus land value, plus previous capital improvements, minus accumulated depreciation).
- The project must be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and approved by the National Park Service (NPS) via a three-part application process before or during construction.

Indiana Historic Residential Tax Credit

Property Eligibility: Designed specifically for owner-occupied primary residential structures in Indiana.
Credit Amount: Equals 20% of qualifying costs for structural and historic restoration work.
Key Requirements:
- The home must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places or located within a registered National Register district.
- Qualified Expenses: Minimum expenditure of $10,000 on qualifying restoration work (e.g., roof repair, foundation stabilization, exterior masonry repointing, original window restoration, HVAC upgrades). General decorating or non-historic alterations do not qualify.
- Approval Process: Plans and proposed scopes of work must be submitted to the Indiana Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology (DHPA) prior to beginning the work.
- Ownership Condition: The owner must reside in the property as their principal residence for at least 5 years following completion of the project, or face a prorated recapture of the credit.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Pre-Planning & Scoping: Consult with the Indiana DHPA before ordering materials or beginning physical labor. Work started prior to approval generally disqualifies the expenses.
Part 1 - Application (Evaluation of Significance): Verifies that the structure contributes to the historic character of the district.
Part 2 - Application (Description of Rehabilitation): Details the proposed repairs, material choices, and architectural changes to ensure compliance with preservation standards.
Project Execution: Complete the work strictly according to the approved Part 2 plans, tracking all receipts and contractor invoices.
Part 3 - Application (Request for Certification of Completed Work): Submit photos and financial documentation of the finished project to obtain final tax credit certification.

Additional Local & Financing Incentives

Property Tax Deductions: Check with the Marion County Assessor regarding local historic property tax stabilization or rehabilitation assessment freezes, which can temporarily cap property tax increases resulting from major restoration investments.
Preservation Grants: Non-profit owners or specialized properties may qualify for regional grants through Indiana Landmarks (such as the Historic Preservation Fund or Sacred Places Indiana).

Marion County Property Tax & Assessor Resources

To access property records, file exemptions, or review tax assessments for homes in the Old Northside and throughout Marion County, use the official links and details below:

Property Cards & Assessment Records:
- Search property tax cards, parcel boundaries, assessed values, and transfer histories using the Marion County Property Record Card Portal.
- Access real-time tax bills and payment portals via the Marion County Treasurer's Office Portal.
Property Tax Exemptions & Deductions:
- Homestead Exemption: Apply for the standard primary residence deduction and supplemental homestead relief through the Marion County Auditor's Deduction Applications.
- Historic Rehabilitation & Preservation Adjustments: Details on property tax stabilization and deduction filings related to qualified historic property restorations can be processed via the Marion County Assessor's Office.

Trash, Recycling & City Services

The Mayor’s Action Center (MAC) and RequestIndy serve as the central portal for Marion County residents to report non-emergency municipal issues, track city services, and submit code enforcement requests.

RequestIndy Mobile App & Online Portal

Online Portal: Submit and track service requests 24/7 directly through the RequestIndy Online Portal.
Mobile App: Available for free download on iOS and Android devices as RequestIndy Mobile. The app allows you to upload photos of the issue, use GPS to pinpoint exact locations, and receive live status updates on your report.

Common Request Categories

Infrastructure Maintenance: Potholes, damaged street signs, broken streetlights, missing curb ramps, and traffic signal outages.
Alley & Property Maintenance: Alley clearing, high weeds and grass, illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, and unmaintained vacant properties.
City Services & Code Enforcement: Trash cart replacements, missed trash pickups, drainage or stormwater issues, and residential building or zoning code violations.

Direct Phone & Contact Options

Phone: Call the MAC directly at 317-327-4622 (317-327-4MAC) for live customer service support Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Emergency/Urgent Escalations: For immediate public safety hazards (such as downed power lines, open water main breaks, or non-functioning traffic signals at major intersections), call 911 or report directly to the appropriate utility provider (e.g., AES Indiana for downed lines, Citizens Energy Group for water leaks).

Weekly Trash & Curbside Recycling Pick-up

Regular Trash Collection: Residential household trash is collected once a week, on Thursday. Carts must be set out by 7:00 AM at the curb or alley line, placed 3 to 5 feet away from obstacles, with cart arrows facing the street.
Curbside Recycling: Curbside recycling is a paid subscription service (provided via LRS) collected bi-weekly. You can subscribe by calling LRS at 317-245-4444.
Free Recycling Drop-Offs: Marion County offers free public drop-off sites across the city for clean cardboard, paper, glass, aluminum, and rigid plastics.

Heavy-Trash Pick-Up Rules & Drop-Offs

Curbside Heavy-Trash Day: Heavy trash is picked up once a month on the 4th Thursday of the month.
Quantity Limits: Strictly limited to two (2) bulky items per household, per month.
Acceptable Items: Furniture (couches, tables, chairs), mattresses and box springs (must be set out flat), disassembled bicycles, lawnmowers (all gas and oil fully drained), and appliances without Freon.
Placement Requirements: Do not box or bag bulky items. Place them 3 to 5 feet away from your main 96-gallon cart so automated mechanical arms can access the bin.
Excluded Items: Tires on rims, construction debris, electronics, and Freon-containing appliances (refrigerators/AC units require a special pickup request through RequestIndy or the Mayor's Action Center).
Citizens' Transfer Station Drop-Off: If you miss heavy-trash day or have excess items, Marion County residents can drop off bulky items, leaves, and extra household trash at the Citizens' Transfer Station (2324 S. Belmont Ave) on Saturdays.

Holiday Slide Schedule

When an observed official holiday falls on a weekday, trash and recycling pick-ups run on a 1-day "slide" schedule for the remainder of that week (e.g., Monday pickup moves to Tuesday, Friday pickup moves to Saturday). Normal schedules resume the following week. Holidays that fall on a weekend do not affect weekday pick-up schedules.

Observed DPW Holidays:

New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day (4th of July)
Labor Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day

To confirm your specific weekly pickup day or your designated monthly heavy-trash day, look up your address directly at the Indy.gov Trash Pickup Portal.

Navigating alleys, parking permits, and street parking in historic Indianapolis neighborhoods requires balancing public right-of-way rules with neighborhood preservation standards.

Alley Access & Right-of-Way

Clearance Requirements: Property owners are responsible for maintaining vegetation and trees along their rear property line. Vegetation must not overhang into the alley below 14 feet vertically to allow safe clearance for DPW trash trucks and emergency vehicles.
Obstruction Prohibition: Alleys must remain completely unobstructed at all times. Parking vehicles, staging construction materials, or placing dumpsters in alleys without a temporary right-of-way permit from the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) is illegal.
Maintenance & Repair: DPW maintains public alley pavements, while residents are responsible for keeping the strip between their property line and the alley edge clean of debris, high weeds, and illegal dumping.

Trash & Recycling Bin Placement in Alleys

Set-Out Timing: Bins should be placed in the alley no earlier than 6:00 PM the evening before collection and must be returned to your property or garage by the end of collection day.
Placement Positioning: Set carts on a flat surface along the edge of the alley pavement, clear of fences, garages, and low-hanging branches. Maintain at least 3 feet of clearance around each cart so mechanical arms can access them.
Storage Rules: Between pick-up days, trash and recycling bins must be stored out of public view (inside a garage, behind a privacy fence, or screened alongside the home) per neighborhood preservation standards.

Residential Permit Parking (RPP)

Permit Zones: Certain residential streets in and surrounding historic districts require a designated Residential Parking Permit to park on the street during enforced hours.
Application & Verification: Permits are issued through the City of Indianapolis ParkIndy system. Residents must provide proof of residency (utility bill or lease) and current vehicle registration tied to the neighborhood address.
Visitor Passes: Eligible households within RPP zones can purchase annual guest hangtags or temporary digital visitor permits for guests, contractors, and service vehicles.

Street Parking & Special Events

Event Parking Restrictions: During major local events, festivals, or home tours, temporary "No Parking" signs may be posted by the city or event organizers. Pay close attention to posted dates and time windows to avoid ticketing or towing.
Historic Curb & Gutter Care: When parking along street curbs, avoid mounting or driving over original sandstone curbs and historic brick gutters to prevent chipping, cracking, and structural settling.
General Parking Etiquette: Always park in the direction of traffic, at least 15 feet away from fire hydrants, 20 feet from crosswalks/intersections, and clear of marked residential driveways.

Safety, Security & Utilities

Indianapolis & Old Northside Utility Contact Directory

Citizens Energy Group (Water, Gas, Wastewater & Stormwater)

Customer Service & Billing: 317-924-3311
24/7 Gas Emergency Line: 317-924-3311 (or 911)
24/7 Water/Sewer Emergency Line: 317-924-3311
Online Portal: citizensenergygroup.com
Services Provided: Natural gas delivery, municipal water treatment, wastewater collection, and stormwater utility management for Marion County.

AES Indiana (Electricity)

Customer Service & Billing: 888-261-8222
24/7 Power Outage & Downed Line Reporting: 888-261-8222
Online Outage Map & Reporting: aesindiana.com/outages
Online Portal: aesindiana.com
Services Provided: Residential electric utility service, grid connection, and power outage restoration.

Internet & Telecommunications Providers

Coverage varies by specific parcel, but primary high-speed fiber and cable providers serving the Old Northside district include:

AT&T / AT&T Fiber:
- Customer Service & New Service: 800-288-2020
- Availability Check & Portal: att.com
Spectrum:
- Customer Service & New Service: 855-243-8892
- Local Store Location: 240 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
- Online Portal: spectrum.com
Xfinity (Comcast):
- Customer Service & New Service: 800-934-6489
- Online Portal: xfinity.com

Underground Utility Locating (811)

Indiana 811 (Call Before You Dig):
- Phone: Dial 811 or 800-382-5544
- Online Portal: indiana811.org
- Requirement: Submit a ticket at least two full working days before any excavation, fence installation, tree planting, or exterior restoration work involving digging to locate underground gas, water, electric, and fiber lines.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Contact Information

Non-Emergency Dispatch Line:
- Phone: 317-327-3811
- Usage: Available 24/7 for incidents not requiring immediate emergency response (e.g., filed reports after the fact, noise complaints, property damage without injury, or suspicious activity).

IMPD Downtown District Station:
- Address: 39 W. Jackson Pl., Suite 500, Indianapolis, IN 46225
- Main District Line: 317-327-6500
- Commander: Commander Shane Foley

Downtown District Crime Watch Specialist & Community Relations:
- Contact: Sergeant Kimberly Evans
- Phone: 317-327-6515
- Email: Kimberly.Evans@indy.gov
- Role: Primary liaison for neighborhood crime watch groups, neighborhood associations, public safety meetings, and community crime prevention initiatives within the Downtown District.

Additional IMPD Public Safety Contacts:
- Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana: 317-262-TIPS (8477) (For anonymous crime tips)
- IMPD Victim Assistance Unit: 317-327-3331
- Nuisance & Abatement Office: 317-327-6169

When traveling or leaving your home unattended for an extended period, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) allows residents to request direct property watches or extra neighborhood patrols through the Downtown District.

1. Submitting an IMPD Extra Patrol Request

Online Submission: Submit an official "Vacation Watch / Extra Patrol Request" directly through the Indy.gov IMPD Extra Patrol Portal.
Phone Submission: Contact the IMPD Downtown District Station directly at 317-327-6500 or call the non-emergency dispatch line at 317-327-3811 to register your travel dates with an officer or dispatcher.
Information Needed:
- Departure and return dates.
- Property address and emergency contact phone numbers.
- Information on authorized visitors (e.g., mail collectors, plant/pet sitters).
- Vehicles remaining parked in the driveway or on the street (make, model, license plate).
- Timers or exterior lighting details.

2. Neighborhood Crime Watch Coordination

Block Captain Notification: Notify your designated neighborhood Crime Watch Block Captain or primary street coordinator before leaving town. Block captains maintain direct communication with the IMPD Downtown District Crime Watch Specialist (Sergeant Kimberly Evans: 317-327-6515 / Kimberly.Evans@indy.gov).
Inform Trusted Neighbors: Share your travel dates and emergency contact information with adjacent neighbors so they can monitor for unusual activity, package deliveries, or unexpected contractor vehicles.

3. Home Preparation Checklist Before Departure

Deliveries & Mail: Pause USPS mail delivery via the online USPS hold-mail portal, and request that neighbors collect unexpected packages, flyers, or door hangers immediately.
Trash & Recycling Carts: Coordinate with a neighbor to roll your DPW trash and recycling carts out on pick-up day and return them to an out-of-sight storage location post-collection. Carts left sitting out signal an empty residence.
Lighting & Security: Set interior and exterior lights on varied smart timers. Ensure garage doors, side access gates, and historic window locks are fully secured.

Community Involvement & Local Rules

All trees within the public right-of-way (such as street lawns, green strips, and alleys) are protected under Chapter 701 of the Indianapolis Municipal Code and managed by the Department of Public Works (DPW) Urban Forestry Section.

Below is the guide to planting street trees, scheduling city maintenance, and getting involved in local canopy initiatives.

1. Planting Street Trees & The Flora Permit Requirement

City Flora Permit (Required): Private residents may plant trees in the public right-of-way, but must obtain a free Flora Permit from DPW Urban Forestry before planting.
- Application: Email a completed Flora Permit Application to UrbanForestry@indy.gov. Processing takes 3 to 10 business days.
- Approved Species: Trees must be chosen from the Indianapolis Selected Plant List (avoiding invasive species or aggressive root systems near utilities).
- Maintenance Obligation: When planting independently on city property, the homeowner agrees to maintain and water the tree for at least two years post-installation.
Call 811 First: You must contact Indiana 811 to mark underground utility lines at least two full business days before digging any tree pit.

2. Requesting City Tree Maintenance & Inspections

City Right-of-Way vs. Private Property: The city handles trees located within public property and street right-of-ways. Private trees falling onto private property remain the homeowner's responsibility.
Reporting Issues:
- Request Indy Portal & App: Submit requests for hazard inspections, branch trimming, or public right-of-way clearance directly via the RequestIndy Portal or app.
- Mayor's Action Center (MAC): Call 317-327-4622 to request an arborist inspection if you are unsure whether a tree belongs to the city.
Inspection Process: A city arborist evaluates reported public trees and leaves a color-coded door hanger detailing planned action (Selective Pruning, Tree Removal marked in orange, or Brush Clearance).
Hiring Private Arborists for City Trees: If you want a public street tree pruned faster than DPW schedules allow, you may hire a private ISA-Certified Arborist, provided the arborist secures an approved DPW Flora Permit before starting work.

3. Local Greening Initiatives & Tree Programs

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB):
- Community Tree Planting: KIB partners with historic neighborhoods to plant native, large-canopy trees in public rights-of-way and parks at no cost to residents.
- 3-Year Youth Tree Care: KIB waters, mulches, and prunes their newly planted trees for three years after planting.
- How to Apply: Neighborhood associations or blocks can apply for seasonal group tree-planting projects directly through the KIB Tree Application Portal.
Neighborhood Foundation & Park Committees: Check with your local neighborhood green-space committee or Foundation (such as the Old Northside Foundation) to participate in seasonal neighborhood park beautification, tree mulching, and invasive plant mitigation days.

The Old Northside Neighborhood Association (ONSNA) serves as the primary advocacy group, historic preservation safeguard, and community hub for residents, property owners, and local businesses within the district.

Membership Eligibility & Benefits

Eligibility: Membership is open to all residents, homeowners, and business operators within the Old Northside boundaries (16th Street on the north, I-65 on the south and east, and Pennsylvania Street on the west).
Voting Rights: Paid members hold formal voting privileges during annual board elections, general association votes, and official neighborhood stances on local zoning issues.
How to Join: Register directly through the official Old Northside Association Membership Portal.

Meetings & Public Gatherings

Monthly & General Meetings: The ONSNA Board and neighborhood membership host regular association meetings and social gatherings to discuss safety updates, civic initiatives, and city infrastructure projects. Meetings are held at the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site on the first Tuesday of every month.
Land Use Committee Meetings: The Land Use Committee (LUC) reviews architectural modifications, zoning variances, and historic preservation requests. Meetings typically take place on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM.
Neighborhood Socials & Events: ONSNA organizes recurring community events, including "Wind Down to the Weekend" socials, seasonal cleanup days, park fundraisers (such as Plunder in the Park), and the biennial Old Northside Home Tour.

Committees & Volunteer Involvement

You can get involved directly in shaping the neighborhood by joining one of ONSNA's active volunteer committees:

Land Use & Preservation Committee: Works directly with property owners and the Indianapolis Historic Preservation Commission (IHPC) to review design plans, variances, and exterior structural modifications to ensure compliance with historic district guidelines.
Green Spaces & Parks (Old Northside Foundation): Collaborates with the 501(c)(3) Old Northside Foundation to maintain, beautify, and fund local neighborhood parks and green spaces, including Shawn Grove Park and Great Oak Commons.
Safety & Security: Coordinates directly with the IMPD Downtown District Crime Watch Specialist, organizes local block captains, and manages neighborhood safety initiatives.
Social, Hospitality & Events: Plans and executes signature neighborhood social gatherings, seasonal celebrations, welcome outreach for new residents, and historic home tours.
Communications: Manages the neighborhood newsletter, digital communications, social media, and website updates.

Short-term rentals (STRs) operating in Indianapolis residential districts operate under state statute (IC 36-1-24), city ordinance (Chapter 852), and historic district oversight.

Permitting & Registration (City Chapter 852)

Mandatory Annual Registration: Every short-term rental unit operating within Marion County must hold an active Short-Term Rental Permit issued by the Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) via the Citizen Access Portal.
Fees & Identification: The initial application fee is $150 per unit (renewals are free annually). The issued permit number must be displayed on all public listings (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.).
Structure Eligibility: The rental must be a legally permitted dwelling unit meeting basic housing codes. Mobile homes, RVs, temporary structures, and unpermitted accessory structures cannot be registered as STRs.

State Protections vs. Local Zoning Variances

Owner Primary Residences (IC 36-1-24): Indiana state law protects a property owner's right to use their primary residence as a short-term rental. Local zoning codes cannot prohibit an owner-occupied primary residence from operating as an STR.
Non-Owner Occupied Properties & Variances: If operating an investor-owned / non-primary residence, local zoning classification determines whether a Variance of Use or Special Exception is required through the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).
Historic Preservation Oversight: Operating an STR in a historic district does not override IHPC rules. Exterior modifications (such as keypads, handicap ramps, fire escapes, or extra parking pads) still require an IHPC Certificate of Appropriateness (COA).

Noise Regulations & Nuisance Enforcement

City Noise Ordinance (Chapter 391): Quiet hours are strictly enforced, prohibiting excessive noise audible beyond property lines between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM.
Fines & Citations: Noise and public nuisance violations reported via the IMPD non-emergency line (317-327-3811) carry escalating fines ($50 for a first offense, up to $2,500 for repeat offenses).
Three-Strike Permit Revocation: Under Chapter 852, if a short-term rental property receives three or more ordinance violations/citations within a single calendar year, the city may formally revoke the property's STR permit for up to 12 months.

Taxes & Local Reporting

Combined Tax Rate (17%): Short-term stays (under 30 consecutive days) are subject to the 7% Indiana State Sales Tax plus the 10% Marion County Innkeeper's Tax. Major platforms (Airbnb/VRBO) collect and remit these automatically, but non-platform bookings require individual collection.
180-Day Rule: If a unit is rented for short-term stays for more than 180 days total in a calendar year, the owner must also register under the Chapter 851 Landlord Registration Program.