Accessory Structures in Clarksville, TN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Clarksville or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Clarksville has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

Carport Rules

Clarksville treats carports as accessory structures regulated by the City Zoning Ordinance, with detached carports required to meet 10-foot side and 10-foot rear setbacks in most residential districts and a 35-foot height cap. A building permit from the Building and Codes Department is required.

Key details: Code: Clarksville Zoning Ord., Table 4.3 / §4.1. Detached Side/Rear Setback: 10 ft / 10 ft (R-1 thru R-4). Front Yard: Cannot encroach (§4.1.1). Max Height: 35 ft (§4.1.2 exceptions). Lot Coverage Cap: 50% R-2D; 60% R-3.

Building a carport without a permit, encroaching on a required yard, or exceeding district lot coverage is a zoning and building code violation enforceable by the Clarksville Department of Building and Codes and Code Enforcement. Penalties include stop-work orders, removal orders, and civil citations adjudicated in Clarksville City Court. Unpermitted carports often surface during home sale inspections or insurance review.

ADU Rules

Clarksville allows accessory dwelling units in certain residential zones under the zoning ordinance. ADUs must meet size, setback, and design standards. Building permits are required.

Key details: Zones: Certain residential districts. Size: Subject to maximum limits. Setbacks: Must comply with zoning requirements. Permit: Building permit required.

Building an ADU without permits results in stop-work orders. Non-compliant ADUs must be brought into code compliance or removed.

Shed Rules

Clarksville allows sheds in residential zones. Small sheds under 200 square feet typically do not require a building permit but must comply with setback requirements. Larger structures require permits.

Key details: Permit Exempt: Under 200 sq ft, one story. Setbacks: Must comply with zoning requirements. Lot Coverage: Counts toward maximum. Habitation: Not permitted.

Sheds violating setbacks or size limits receive code enforcement notices. Non-compliant structures must be relocated or removed.

Clarksville is more permissive than most cities when it comes to shed rules. That said, there are still limits.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions in Clarksville require a building permit and must meet building code standards for habitable space. The conversion must not reduce the property below minimum parking requirements.

Key details: Permit: Required for all conversions. Parking: Must maintain minimum off-street spaces. Building Code: Must meet habitation standards. ADU Option: Must follow ADU regulations if applicable.

Unpermitted conversions face code enforcement action. Owners must obtain retroactive permits or restore the garage to its original use.

The Bottom Line

Clarksville's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Clarksville is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Clarksville can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.