Fortville and McCordsville are two of the fastest-growing towns in Hancock County, Indiana. McCordsville has nearly doubled in population since 2020, and Fortville issued more than 170 building permits in 2025 alone. Subdivisions like Colonnade, Alexander Ridge, Summerton, Helm’s Mill, Haven Ponds, Brooks Park, and Orchards at Vintners Park are filling in quickly with new single-family homes from builders like Lennar, Beazer, M/I Homes, Drees, and Fischer.
If you recently moved into a new-construction home in either town, adding a deck is probably already on your to-do list. Most homeowners start planning outdoor living additions within the first one to three years after closing. Before you pick out decking materials or call a contractor, you need to understand what your HOA, your town’s building department, and Indiana residential code require.
This guide walks you through each layer — from HOA approvals to permit applications to inspections — so you can get your project started on solid footing.
Step 1: Check Your HOA or PUD Covenants First
Nearly every new subdivision in Fortville and McCordsville is governed by a homeowners association or a Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance. These covenants were recorded when the subdivision was platted, and they run with the land — meaning they apply to every owner, not just the original buyer.
HOA and PUD rules typically control several things that directly affect your deck project:
- Materials and colors — Some HOAs require composite decking or specific stain colors. Others prohibit certain railing styles.
- Size and placement — Your covenants may limit how far the deck can extend into the rear yard or how close it can sit to side property lines.
- Height — Elevated or multi-level decks may need additional review.
- Architectural review — McCordsville has a town-level Architectural Review Committee that reviews building plans for certain PUD developments. Your subdivision’s HOA may also have its own architectural review board on top of that.
Before you apply for a building permit, submit your deck plans to your HOA for written approval. Most HOAs require a site plan showing the deck footprint on your lot, a description of materials, and color samples. Getting this approval first prevents costly redesigns after your permit is already in review. If you’re in a community with both an HOA and a town-level architectural review committee, you may need approvals from both before you can file for a building permit.
If you’re not sure who manages your HOA, check your closing documents or ask your builder’s sales office. Your community management company’s contact information should also appear on your subdivision’s welcome packet or recorded plat documents available through the Hancock County Planning and Building Department (hancockin.gov/247/Planning-Building).
Step 2: Know Which Building Department Has Jurisdiction
This is where things can get confusing in the Hancock County growth corridor. Your permit requirements depend on whether your property sits inside the incorporated limits of Fortville, the incorporated limits of McCordsville, or unincorporated Hancock County. Some newer subdivisions straddle jurisdictional boundaries, so don’t assume — verify.
| Jurisdiction | Contact | How to Apply |
| Town of Fortville | 714 E. Broadway St., Fortville, IN 46040 | (317) 485-4044, Option 2 | fortville.in.gov/planning-building | In person or online — see the Residential Accessory-Alteration application |
| Town of McCordsville | 6280 W. 800 N., McCordsville, IN 46055 | (317) 335-3604 | building@mccordsville.org | mccordsville.in.gov | Online only through the iWorQ/SDL permit portal — select “Accessory Structure Application” |
| Hancock County (unincorporated) | 111 American Legion Place, Greenfield, IN 46140 | hancockin.gov | Contact the Planning and Building office for an Alteration/Accessory Residential Construction Permit application |
McCordsville only accepts electronic permit applications through their online portal. Fortville accepts both in-person and online submissions. If your property falls in unincorporated Hancock County, you’ll work directly with the county’s Planning and Building office in Greenfield.
Step 3: Understand Deck Permit Requirements
In McCordsville, a deck is classified as an accessory structure. You will need to file the Accessory Structure Application through their online permit system. According to the McCordsville Permit Guide, you should upload a copy of your plot plan showing the location and measurements of the proposed structure, along with construction drawings and details.
In Fortville, deck construction falls under the Residential Accessory-Alteration permit category. You’ll need similar documentation: a site plan, construction drawings, and details about materials and dimensions.
For properties in unincorporated Hancock County, the county’s zoning code actually exempts decks from the Improvement Location Permit requirement under Section 156.106(C)(3). However, this exemption does not relieve you from meeting all applicable setback, zoning, and building code requirements. It’s still a good idea to contact the county office before starting work to confirm whether your specific project triggers any additional requirements.
Both Fortville and McCordsville follow the Indiana Residential Code (Title 675 of the Indiana Administrative Code). Here’s what that means for your deck:
| Requirement | Indiana Residential Code Standard |
| Frost depth for footings | Footings must extend below the local frost line — typically 30 to 36 inches in Hancock County |
| Guardrail height | At least 36 inches for residential decks more than 30 inches above grade |
| Baluster spacing | A 4-inch sphere cannot pass through the openings |
| Stair treads | Minimum 9-inch tread depth; riser height variance no more than 3/8 inch within a flight |
| Ledger board attachment | Must be lag-bolted or through-bolted to the house framing with proper flashing — nails are not acceptable |
| Lumber | All wood must be pressure-treated or naturally decay-resistant; fasteners must be compatible with treated wood |
What to Include in Your Permit Application
A complete application prevents delays. Both towns expect you to submit:
- A site plan (plot plan) showing your lot boundaries, the existing house footprint, the proposed deck location, and distances from all property lines and easements.
- Construction drawings with dimensions, framing layout, beam and joist sizes, footing locations, and post heights.
- Elevation drawings showing the deck height above grade, railing height, and stair configuration.
- Footing details including diameter, depth, and reinforcement.
- Ledger attachment details showing bolt size, spacing, and flashing.
- Proof of insurance — if a contractor is doing the work, a certificate of liability insurance is required. If you are doing the work yourself, McCordsville requires proof of homeowner’s insurance.
McCordsville’s accessory structure applications typically take 3 to 5 business days to review. You can check the status of your application by logging into the permit portal. Fees are due before the approved permit is issued.
Inspection Process
After your permit is issued and you begin construction, inspections will be required at key stages. Both towns use their respective online systems for inspection scheduling — submit your request at least one business day in advance.
Common inspection stages for deck construction include:
- Footing inspection — Holes must be dug to the required depth with loose material and standing water removed. The inspector checks depth, diameter, and undisturbed soil before concrete is poured.
- Framing inspection — Ledger board attachment, joist and beam connections, post-to-beam hardware, and overall structural framing are reviewed.
- Final inspection — All work complete, including decking surface, guardrails, stairs, and handrails. The permit card and approved plans should be on site.
Keep your permit card posted and your approved plans accessible at the job site throughout construction. If corrections are needed, the inspector will leave a report and may require a re-inspection.
Timing Tips for New-Construction Homeowners
Building a deck in the first few years after your home is finished comes with a few advantages and a few things to watch out for:
- Grading and drainage — Your builder graded your lot for proper drainage during construction. Any deck footings or patio work that changes grading patterns could affect drainage and potentially your builder’s warranty. Check with your builder before breaking ground.
- Utility easements — New subdivisions have utility easements along rear and side lot lines. Your plot plan from closing shows these, and your deck cannot encroach into them without written permission from the utility holder.
- Builder warranty — Attaching a ledger board to your home involves drilling into the exterior sheathing and band joist. Improper installation can void your structural warranty. A qualified contractor who understands proper flashing and bolting techniques protects both your home and your warranty.
- Soil settlement — Backfill around a new foundation takes time to settle. Footings placed too close to recently backfilled areas may shift. Your contractor should evaluate soil conditions near the foundation before placing footings.
Common Setback Rules
Setback requirements vary by subdivision, PUD ordinance, and zoning district. As a general reference, most residential zoning districts in the Fortville and McCordsville area require rear yard setbacks of 25 to 30 feet and side yard setbacks of 5 to 10 feet. However, your PUD may have different standards — always verify with your specific covenants and the building department before finalizing your deck layout.
A deck that encroaches on a setback or easement will not pass inspection and may need to be partially or fully removed. Confirming setbacks at the design stage is one of the simplest ways to keep your project on track.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you’re in a new Fortville or McCordsville home and want to add a deck the right way — fully permitted, code-compliant, and built to last — Platinum Deck and Patio can help. We work with local building departments and HOAs across the region. Call us at (513) 586-3107 or visit deckcontractorscincinnati.com to start the conversation.