Indiana § 36-7-11-17 - Compatibility factors; exception
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 36-7-11-17 — Compatibility factors; exception, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-7-11-17. Compatibility factors; exception
Sec. 17. Except as provided in section 20 of this chapter, within the primary area of the historic district, new buildings and structures, as well as buildings, structures, and appurtenances that are moved, reconstructed, materially altered, repaired, or changed in color, must be visually compatible with buildings, squares, and places to which they are visually related generally in terms of the following visual compatibility factors:
(1) Height. The height of proposed buildings must be visually compatible with adjacent buildings.
(2) Proportion of building's front facade. The relationship of the width of a building to the height of the front elevation must be visually compatible to buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.
(3) Proportion of openings within the facility. The relationship of the width of the windows to the height of windows in a building must be visually compatible with buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.
(4) Rhythm of solids to voids in front facades. The relationship of solids to voids in the front facade of a building must be visually compatible with buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.
(5) Rhythm of spacing of buildings on streets. The relationship of a building to the open space between it and adjoining buildings must be visually compatible to the buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.
(6) Rhythm of entrances and porch projections. The relationship of entrances and porch projections to sidewalks of a building must be visually compatible to the buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.
(7) Relationship of materials, texture, and color. The relationship of the materials, texture, and color of the facade of a building must be visually compatible with the predominant materials used in the buildings to which it is visually related.
(8) Roof shapes. The roof shape of a building must be visually compatible with the buildings to which it is visually related.
(9) Walls of continuity. Appurtenances of a building, such as walls, wrought iron fences, evergreen landscape masses, and building facades, must form cohesive walls of enclosure along the street if necessary to ensure visual compatibility of the building to the buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.
(10) Scale of a building. The size of a building and the building mass of a building in relation to open spaces, windows, door openings, porches, and balconies must be visually compatible with the buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related.
(11) Directional expression of front elevation. A building must be visually compatible with the buildings, squares, and places to which it is visually related in its directional character, including vertical character, horizontal character, or nondirectional character.
[Pre-Local Government Recodification Citation: 18-7-22-11 part.]
As added by Acts 1981, P.L.309, SEC.30. Amended by P.L.146-1992, SEC.4.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 36-7-11-17
What does Indiana Code § 36-7-11-17 cover?
Section 36-7-11-17 ("Compatibility factors; exception") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 36-7-11-17?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 36-7-11-17" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 36-7-11-17 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.