Animal Ordinances in Clarksville, TN

If you live in Clarksville or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances 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 animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Wildlife Feeding

Clarksville has no ordinance against feeding deer, birds, or other wildlife. Feeding that breeds vermin or creates offensive odors is reachable as a health and sanitation nuisance, and harboring Class I or IV wildlife needs a police certificate.

Key details: Wildlife feeding ban: None in city code. Operative rule: Section 8-109 sanitation nuisance. Class I wildlife: Police certificate required. Certificate fee: $50, then $25 annually. Feed storage: Airtight, predator proof containers.

Health and sanitation nuisances are abated under section 8-110 after written notice: by warrant from the city judge, by summary abatement at the owner's expense, or by court proceedings.

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

Exotic Pets

Clarksville makes it unlawful to keep Class I or Class IV wildlife under Tennessee Code Annotated section 70-4-402(a)(1) anywhere in the city without a police-issued certificate. The chief of police charges a $50 application fee, and the full city council must approve issuance by resolution vote.

Key details: Initial fee: $50.00 to the police department. Annual renewal: $25.00, no new vote needed. Approval body: full Clarksville City Council. Exempt: zoos and transient circuses. Wildlife defined by: T.C.A. § 70-4-402(a)(1).

Section 10-243 does not spell out a separate fine for keeping wildlife without a certificate; enforcement runs through the permitting mechanism itself. The chief of police can decline to forward an application, the city council can vote down the resolution, and either way the $50 fee is kept by the police department regardless of outcome. A certificate holder who moves the animal to a new address without seeking fresh council approval loses the renewal path described in the section.

Compared to other cities, Clarksville takes a harder line on exotic pets. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Chickens & Livestock

Cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine and poultry are banned in residential zones citywide, but Clarksville carves out a permitted exception for up to eight domesticated hens in E-1, R-1, R-1A, R-2 and R-2A districts. A one-time $50 permit, inspection, a 9,000-square-foot lot and a rear-yard enclosure are all required under Code § 3-109.

Key details: Hens allowed: up to 8 per parcel. Permit fee: $50.00 one-time. Minimum lot size: 9,000 sq ft. Coop setback: 10 ft from rear and side lines. Roosters: prohibited.

Nuisance-level odor, dust or unremoved waste lets the Department of Building and Codes pursue the coop as an ordinary nuisance regardless of an existing permit. City court can revoke a chicken permit outright upon finding any violation of Section 3-109, and general animal-chapter citations under Section 3-110 carry a $50.00 civil fine per day for related violations.

This is one of the stricter rules in Clarksville's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Dog Leash Laws

Clarksville bans letting any animal run at large on a public street, sidewalk, park or someone else's property, and requires owners to keep animals on their own premises unless a competent person controls them with a chain, leash or other visible restraint. City Code §§ 3-102, 3-103 carry a $50 civil fine per violation.

Key details: Restraint required: chain, leash, or visible control. Fine: $50.00 per violation. Repeat violations: each day counts separately. Enforced by: police or Building and Codes. Venue: Clarksville City Court.

A police officer or Building and Codes official cites the owner under Section 3-110; the case is tried in city court, not general sessions. Conviction carries a $50.00 civil fine per violation, and every additional day the animal remains unrestrained or at large is a separate, additional $50.00 violation.

The Bottom Line

Clarksville is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Clarksville, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Clarksville's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.