About Us

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                                                          Nick Millspaugh                      Victoria Ratliff

                                                  Recreation & Events        Marketing & Communications

                                                         Coordinator                             Coordinator

Alfonso Andolz, Aquatics Coordinator

Curtis Rooks, Facility Maintenance Supervisor

Terry Moss, Park Maintenance Supervisor - Business Services

Comprehensive Plan

Click here to view the 2013 Comprehensive Plan

The 2013 City of Franklin Comprehensive Plan has been officially adopted by the Franklin Common Council on October 7, 2013.

CD-ROM copies of the plan are available at the Department of Community Development or a fee of $10.00.  Contact by phone at: 317-736-3631 or 877-736-3631 by Mail at: 70 E. Monroe Street, Franklin, IN 46131 or by email at mailto:klinke@franklin.in.gov.

Thank you for your continued interest in the City of Franklin Planning Process.

Board of Public Works and Safety

The Board of Public Works & Safety oversees a variety of tasks within the City of Franklin including Public Works, Engineering, Economic Development, Planning and Public Safety services. 

Administration

        

Accounts Payable

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Franklin City Board of Zoning Appeals shall hear and decide all petitions involving appeals of administrative decisions, special exceptions, use variances, and variances from developmental standards.  The duties of the BZA are to hear and determine appeals from and review the following:

• Any order, requirements, decision or determination made by an administrative official, hearing officer, or staff member under the Zoning Ordinance;
• Any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative board or other body except a Plan Commission in relation to the enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance; or
• Any order, requirement, decision or determination made by an administrative board or other body except a Plan Commission in relation to the enforcement or regulation adopted under Chapter 8 of the Zoning Ordinance requiring the procurement of an improvement location (building) or occupancy permit.
• (IC 36-7-4-918.2)  The BZA shall approve or deny all special exceptions from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance.
• (IC 36-7-4-918.4)  The BZA shall approve or deny variances of use from the terms of the Zoning Ordinance.
• (IC 36-7-4-918.5)  The BZA shall approve or deny variances from the developmental standards (such as height, bulk, or area) of the Zoning Ordnance.

Franklin City Board of Zoning Appeals  information as established in Indiana Code 36-7-4-901, in conjunction with the Franklin City Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 10 "Board of Zoning Appeals & Enforcement"

Accounts Receivable

Active Adult Center

ENGAGE, WHATEVER YOUR AGE: HELPING SENIORS ENGAGE, EMPOWER AND ENRICH THEIR LIVES

Open Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm

If you need transportation, please call Johnson County Senior Services (317-738-4544), one of the many agencies that partner with the AAC to help make our center one of the best around.

If Franklin Community Schools close due to weather, the Active Adult Center closes as well.

Click here for the most recent Newsletter

Code Enforcement

If there is a concern with the condition of a property or to report a public nuisance you have encountered in the City, you may contact the Code Compliance Official directly at (317) 736-3660 or report the concern HERE.  If you are wishing to report an abandoned or junk vehicle please click here.

Building Permits and Inspections - City of Franklin, Indiana

Call before you dig: Homeowners can now call 811 instead of the full 800-382-5544 number.  For more information visit www.indiana811.org

To start a permit application for the CITY OF FRANKLIN, INDIANA click HERE.

Inspections are scheduled on the permitting portal; you must be logged into your account and schedule the inspection directly in your Building Permit record. 

City of Franklin Fee Schedule (Effective Date 11/01/2009; updated 07/13/2021)

When calling for an inspection, you must provide the permit number, lot number, the name of the subdivision and street address.  A control number will be issued when an inspection is properly scheduled.  (Retain this control number for you records - this number will allow the Department of Planning the track the inspection through our scheduling system.  It also provides reference for any scheduling changes that may need to be made.)
An inspection will not be scheduled unless the permit number is given at the time you request the inspection.

Permits MUST be posted on all job sites, and once windows are installed, the permit must be placed in a window, visible from the street.

An inspection will not be made if the permit is not accessible to the inspector.  Furthermore, a re-inspection fee of $25.00 will be charged anytime the inspector must return to the job site more than twice for any single type of inspection.

INSPECTION SCHEDULE

All building inspections must be scheduled with the Department of Planning & Economic Development at least one (1) business day before the inspection is to be conducted.  Inspections will not be scheduled for more than five (5) days in advance.  Footing inspections can be scheduled for a set time, but all other types of inspections are scheduled by the day.  The following is a list of required inspections for construction projects within the City of Franklin. 

For sewer connection inspections, call the Department of Public Works at 317.736.3640

Forensics

        

Permitting Portal - City of Franklin

Sister City

View 2017 Video Wrap-Up

Representatives from our sister city (Kuji, Japan) spent a week in Franklin during the month of January 2017.

HISTORY

In October of 1960, a sister city bond was established via Mayor Frank S. Records of Franklin, Indiana and Mayor Gyobun Yamauchi, Mayor of Kuji, Japan. A Franklin College graduate and childhood resident of Franklin, Miss Thomasine Allen had traveled to Japan to pursue Christian missionary work. After teaching in various locations in Japan for several years from 1915, she found her way to Kuji, Japan in 1938 and spent the rest of her life in Kuji (with the exception of repatriation during WWII). She dedicated her time to establishing Christian facilities in Kuji including a kindergarten, hospital, church and college. Upon establishment of the sister city relationship, Thomasine Allen was voted by the City Council of Kuji to be an honorary citizen of the city.

DPW Customer Service

A Message from the City of Franklin
Department of Public Works.......

Welcome from the employees of the Department of Public Works. It is with great pride that we serve the citizens of Franklin. Whether it's safely collecting, treating and disposing of wastewater, maintaining roads and traffic signals/signs, collecting and disposing of garbage, recycling, or engineering new projects - Public Works touches the lives of all the citizens in the City in many ways. We at the Department of Public Works are committed to providing the highest quality service to you our customers. With you as our partner, we will continue to strive for excellence.

Help us serve you better......

We welcome your feedback. If you have a concern with our service please let us know. If you've had a good experience with our Department, please share it with us. The information you provide helps us to serve our customers better in the future.

General Information:
888-736-3640

Utility Billing Information:
888-736-3640

Bulk Item Trash Service, Recycling Information, Trash Collection:
800-531-6752

Streets, Signs, Storm Drains, Leaf/Brush Collection:
317-736-3660

24-hour EMERGENCY service for wastewater:
317-736-3648

After 4:00 p.m., weekends and holiday EMERGENCY service for storm drains and roads:
317-346-6527

For WEEKDAY EMERGENCIES (between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.) involving storm drains, roads, or traffic lights/signs, please call:
317-736-3660

Records

Solid Waste / Recycling

The City of Franklin Department of Public Works outsources the collection of solid waste/trash and recycling services within the community. Any missed collection or complaints within the city limits may be reported by calling Waste Management at 1-800-531-6752. Missed collection will be serviced no later than the following day.

For additional residential recycling services or disposal options (such as electronics or household chemicals) outside of regular City of Franklin trash and recycling services, please contact:

Johnson County Recycling District
317-738-2546
https://jcrd.org/

Franklin Mayor's Youth Leadership Council

2021-2022 Members

Franklin Mayor’s Youth Leadership Council

FMYLC PROJECT LIST

Plan Commission

The Franklin City Plan Commission acts as an advisory Plan Commission to the City of Franklin Common Council.  The duties of the Plan Commission are as follows.

• To initiate proposed amendments to the Franklin City Zoning Ordinance
• To review all proposed amendments to the Franklin City Zoning Ordinance and make recommendations to the Franklin City Council
• To review and make findings on development plans for subdivisions, commercial structures, industrial structures, planned unit developments, and other similar plans for all proposed developments within the Commission's jurisdiction
• To review and revise the Zoning Ordinance, subdivision regulations, and other land use regulations to keep them up to date
• To render interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance as may be necessary from time to time

Franklin City Plan Commission information as established in Indiana Code 36-7-4-207 & 36-7-4-214, in conjunction with the Franklin City Zoning Ordinance, Article 2.3 "Plan Commission Duties & Powers"

Beeson Hall

Beeson Hall is the premier location for your next catered special event. It is located on the southwest corner of the Cultural Arts and Recreation Center, 396 Branigin Blvd., Franklin.

The hall offers 5,000 square feet of space for catered wedding receptions, business meetings, corporate parties, educational meetings, anniversary celebrations, or your other special event. The hall will accommodate 220 with a dance floor, 250 without a dance floor, or 350 seated lecture style guests.

The hall has a beautiful wooden floor for dancing, food service area and a special location for DJ. 

Beeson Hall is conveniently located on the southeast side of Franklin, adjacent to Franklin College, the Indiana Masonic Home, Johnson County Library, Franklin Family Aquatic Center and historic Province Park.  It is easily accessible to downtown and surrounding Franklin churches..

• Beeson Hall rentals allow customers to arrange for food options of their choice or you can bring in your own food. 
• Rental fee is $150 per hour plus 7% Indiana sales tax ($200 Fri-Sun) with no minimum or maximum rental time. Set up and tear down time must be included within the rental time. Any event occurring after the Recreation Center is closed will be charged an additional $25 per hour for an After Hours Supervisor. Use of the Beeson Hall kitchen is included in the rental price. 
• Any event serving alcohol must hire a licensed security professional (off-duty police officer) to be on-site during serving times. Cost is to be the sole responsibility of the renter. 
• Caterers will be required to meet the City of Franklin insurance requirements, State of Indiana alcohol catering license requirements (if serving alcohol) and be approved prior to events in Beeson Hall. 

You can book Beeson Hall online here

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Payroll

Full-Time School Resource Officer

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS (SRO): 

The Franklin Police Department has a full-time School Resource Officer, Ofc. Mary Helms. Helms is a sworn officer assigned to the schools on a long-term basis. All Resource Officers are trained to maintain a safe and secure environment for the schools. It is essential for a SRO to endorse high moral standards and use good judgement and discretion. Through this, students learn and understand what a professional police officer does.

Technical Review Committee

The City of Franklin Technical Review Committee provides advice to the Plan Commission on issues requiring technical expertise.  The Technical Review Committee evaluates technical aspects related to the following:

• subdivision proposals
• construction in flood hazard areas
• landscaping
• drainage
• waste disposal
• erosion control
• traffic impacts

Site Development Plan Review Applications can be submitted online through the Citizen Services ePermitting Portal. The fee is $400 plus $10 per acre.

Stormwater

Our Purpose 

The Storm Water Management Utility is tasked with providing the safe, economical, and efficient management and protection of the City of Franklin's storm water conveyance system to our receiving waters.

What we do

The Storm Water Utility provides comprehensive and integrated management of Franklin's storm water infrastructure through best management practices in storm water management. The Utility is responsible for the implementation of the Municipal Separated Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program mandated by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).

What is an MS4?

MS4 stands for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.  An MS4 community owns or operates a system for collecting and conveying storm water.  Regulated conveyance systems include roads with drains, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, storm drains, piping, channels, ditches, tunnels and conduits.  It does not include combined sewer overflows and publicly owned treatment works.

MS4 is an unfunded, federally mandated program that requires municipalities to take measures to reduce pollutants in storm water runoff to improve water quality.  The state requires the City of Franklin to comply with this rule (327 IAC 15-13).

The MS4 is permitted under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program through the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM).  MS4 permits are granted in five-year cycles at the end of which the permit must be renewed.

Visit these websites for more information.

What is a Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP)?

The SWQMP is divided into three distinct components. The first part of the SWQMP is Part A or the initial application.  Part A includes a general budget sheet used to indicate to the State that a budget allocation has been made to the MS4 Program.

Part B is the Baseline Characterization. The MS4 Operator provides in the Part B information on the characterization of known water quality of all waters that receive storm water outfall discharges within the MS4 area.

The third component is the Implementation Plan and is designated as Part C.  Part C is the working document that outlines the priorities, goals, and implementation strategies that the MS4 will utilize to improve water quality. It is expected that this document will change as issues are solved, best management practices are utilized, and technology improvements are developed.

Here you will find the City of Franklin's SWQMP: 

There are six components to the MS4 Program:

Public Education and Outreach

Public Involvement and Participation

Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination

Construction Site Runoff Control

Post-Construction Storm Water Management

Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping at Municipal Operations

                Project Wet - Discover Water - The Role of Water in Our Lives

Construction Site Stormwater BMPs 

IDEM Rule 5

Investigations

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INVESTIGATIONS COMMANDER - Lt. Chris Tennell

Lt. Tennell is responsible for all General and Special Investigations. He coordinates the activities and case loads of each detective. Lt. Tennell is responsible for 5 Criminal Investigators, 3 Special Investigators and 1 Evidence Technician. 

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

Detectives with the Franklin Police Department are assigned to work all types of cases, but are individually trained in certain areas of specialization. Detectives go through in-house training with a senior detective as a mentor. They handle a broad spectrum of cases from theft, burglary, robbery, sex crimes, battery, death investigations, homicides, domestic violence, etc. 

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS

Special Investigators with the Franklin Police department primarily investigate narcotics. They work closely with the Johnson County Sheriffs Department and Greenwood Police Department. Members of the FPD Special Investigations have been responsible for taking more then 350 drug dealers off of the streets since 2015. 

Have information on a crime? Call the Tip Line: 317.346.1100

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Dog Park

Fire Merit Commission

• the growth and development of skills and abilities
• loyalty and cooperation
• devotion to duty
• meritorious behavior
  
  

Police Merit Commission

• John Shafer, President, Republican, City Council Appointment
• Joe Allen, Democrat, Officer's Appointment
• Joey Hollis, Republican, Officer's Appointment
• Mari Lory, Independent, Mayoral Appointment
• Les Tabeling, Independent, Mayoral Appointment
• William Barrett, Commission Attorney

        

Street Department

The Franklin Street Department provides a variety of services in overseeing the City's infrastructure. The Department maintains and repairs streets, alleys, curbs and sidewalks. A street sweeping program that includes cleaning catch basins and storm drains as-well-as a mosquito monitoring and spraying program. Our on-staff certified arborists properly maintain and oversee the City's tree inventory to include chipping of brush and limbs. During the winter months, Department staff is responsible for pre-treating, salting or plowing of roads and streets as weather events dictate.

2024 Solid Waste & Recycling Pickup Schedule

Zoning

The City of Franklin's zoning is divided into 17 different districts.  The zoning of a property may be found by accessing the Beacon GIS Map.  A copy of the development standards and permitted uses may be found in the City of Franklin Zoning Ordinance.

DriveHubler.com Amphitheater

2024 Summer Concert Series!

Join us at the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater at Youngs Creek Park for our 2024 Summer Concert Series!

May 10- Stella Luna and the Satellites

June 7- Train Wreck

June 21- Crush, Bon Jovi Experience

July 3- Blue River Band

Aug 10- Toy Factory

Aug 23- Groove Smash

Sep 13- Hairbangers Ball

Sep 27- Corey Cox & Hank Ruff

Sep 28- Jai Baker Band

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Technology Advisory Council

Records

• What is the cost to obtain or re-new a handgun permit? Must reside within the city limits of Franklin.  Click here for current fee schedule.
• What is the cost of a copy of an accident or incident report? Accident report - $5 | Incident report - $.10/pp
• What is the cost of a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) inspection? $5 - Inspection needed when vehicle title purchased out-of-state.
  
• What is the cost of fingerprinting services for a job application or other purpose? $5
• What is the cost to obtain a Limited Criminal History (Background Check)? $7
• How do I pay these fees? Cash, Money Order or Debit/Credit Card.  Debit/Credit Cards will be assessed a small fee.

*The Franklin Police Department cannot answer questions or accept fines or fees for Franklin City Court. The Franklin City Court staff can be reached by calling (317)736-3619.

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Facility Reservations

Contact the Park Administrative Office at (317) 736-3689. All rentals are subject to 7% sales tax.

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TAKE A TOUR OF OUR FACILITY AND CHECK OUT THE RENTAL ROOMS IN THE RECREATION CENTER

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Utility Billing Office

The Sewer Utility Office coordinates sewer utility billing for the City of Franklin.

Customers: Do Not Use Doxo To Pay Your Bill

It has come to our attention that some customers may have tried using an online vendor named Doxo in an attempt to pay their bills. We would like to remind all customers that we are not affiliated with Doxo and this vendor is not authorized to take online payments for us. Do not use this service.

We don’t receive payments from Doxo and customers who’ve mistakenly paid their bill with this vendor could unfortunately acquire late fees since there is no record of payment on their account. 

Customers must use the following payment methods to ensure their payments are received:

• Online Payment

• ACH

• By mail. You can send your check to the address listed on your monthly bill.

• By phone

Should you have any questions about your bill, please contact our office at (888) 736-3640

Economic Development Commission

Economic Development Initiatives

Economic Development efforts for the City of Franklin are coordinated by the City's Community Development Department.

Economic Incentives Overview

Johnson County Public Library: http://www.pageafterpage.org/johnson-county-community-information/

Franklin Family Aquatic Center

2024 Opening Day - Saturday, May 18

Purchase your summer pool pass here!

Hours of Operation
May 18 - August 5
Daily, 11:00am to 6:00pm

August 10 - Sept 1
Sat & Sun, 11:00am to 6:00pm

Sept 2 - Labor Day
Mon, 11:00am to 6:00pm

Daily Admission Prices
Infant (0-2)       $2 *Includes FREE swim diaper
Youth (3-17)      $6
Adult (18-64)     $7
Senior (65+)      $5
Military              $5
Group (20+)      $5
4-6 pm Twilight  $2

Splash Cards
10-visit Splash Cards are on sale now for $50

Summer Pool Pass - $75 / per person
Summer Pool Pass includes access to the Franklin Family Aquatic Center from Opening Day, May 18 until closing day, Sept 2.  As an extra bonus, summer pool pass holders also can enter the facility 15 minutes prior to opening (10:45am) to have early access to pool lounge chairs and prime shade spots!

Family Summer Pool Pass DEAL
Buy 2 summer pool passes, get the 3rd summer pool pass for $30 and get the 4th summer pool pass FREE!  That's $180 for a family of 4.  That's savings of $120!

FREE! Family Swims - Thursdays, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
May 30
June 6
June 13
June 20
June 27
July 11
July 18
July 25
August 1

Historic Greenway Trails

Redevelopment Commission

2024 Redevelopment Commission Members:
Richard Wertz, President
Anne McGuiness, Vice-President
BJ Deppe, Secretary
Josh Prine
Paul Buening 
Kristi Ott (School Board Representative: Non-Voting Member)

The Redevelopment Commission meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall - 70 E. Monroe Street.

The duties and powers of the Redevelopment Commission are regulated by Indiana Code 36-7-14.

To view the 2024 Tax Impact Analysis on Other Taxing Units, click here. 

To watch a video explaining how TIF works in Indiana, click here. 

Wastewater Treatment Plant

The City of Franklin Department of Public Works manages the city's wastewater treatment plant, which has been recognized with various awards for operational efficiency over the past several decades.

Uniform Division

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City Master Plans

Here is a list of current City plans for Franklin, IN:

• Comprehensive Plan

• Downtown Parking Study

• Downtown Revitalization Plan

• Interstate 65 Interchange Economic Development Plan

• Safe Routes to School

• Stormwater Master Plan

• Stormwater Quality Management Plan

• Thoroughfare Plan

Kickapoo Kids Camp

Kickapoo Kids Camp is full for the summer. Check back for more information about the 2025 camps.

With any questions, contact Courtney Bohling at cbohling@franklin.in.gov.

Park Board

Public Art Advisory Commission

The Commission has created a list of local artists and their contacts. To be added to this list, please download this document and email to dmonson@franklin.in.gov. 

A copy of the current list of local artists can be found HERE.

The Commission is now accepting applications from artists for artwork for the 2025 banner art series. Please download this document and email to dmonson@franklin.in.gov 

2022 Public Arts Advisory Commission Members:

Ken Kosky, President 

Joshua Hendrickson, Vice-President

Holly Johnston, Secretary

Chrissy Robertson

Dave Windisch

Vickie Noblitt

Greg Potter

Danny Causey

Christy Raney

Nick Crisafulli

Barry Barnes

Krista Linke, Community Development Director

Alex Getchell, Senior Planner 1

Dana Monson, Community Development Specialist

The Public Art Advisory Commission meets on the second Thursday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at City Hall, 70 E. Monroe St., Franklin, IN 46131.

Parks

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ATTENTION: Construction will be occurring on our trail system from Forsythe Street to Needham. Please use extra caution. 

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Click here to view interactive map

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Programs/Classes

Recreation & Fitness Center

Our Town Players

Tree Advisory Committee