How Clarksville Handles Building Setbacks & Zoning: A Practical Guide

Clarksville maintains 101 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building setbacks & zoning. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Clarksville falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Lot Coverage Limits

Clarksville caps lot coverage in all residential districts, loosening as density rises: 25 percent in E-1, 30 percent in R-1, 35 percent in R-1A, 40 percent in R-2 and 50 percent in R-2A.

Key details: E-1 maximum: 25 percent. R-1 maximum: 30 percent. R-2A maximum: 50 percent. R-3 and R-6 maximum: 60 percent. What counts: Principal and accessory structures.

Zoning violations carry a civil fine of up to $50 under Section 11.9, tried in Clarksville Municipal Court. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense.

Setback Rules

Every single-family district in Table 4.2 requires a 30-foot front yard. Side and rear yards tighten as lots shrink: R-1 needs 10 feet per side totaling 30, R-2 needs 8 feet totaling 20, and rear yards run 20 feet.

Key details: Front yard, all single-family: 30 feet. R-1 side yards: 10 feet each, 30 total. R-1 minimum lot area: 15,000 square feet. Rear yard, R-1 through R-2A: 20 feet. Detached accessory setback: 10 feet side and rear.

Building into a required yard is unlawful under Section 11.9. Citations go to Clarksville Municipal Court, with a civil fine up to $50 for each day the violation continues.

Structure Height Limits

Tables 4.2 and 4.3 cap all uses at 35 feet in E-1 through R-3. R-6 allows 45 feet. Detached accessory buildings may reach the height of the principal structure or 25 feet, whichever is greater.

Key details: E-1 through R-3 maximum: 35 feet. R-6 maximum: 45 feet. R-4 and R-5: No height maximum listed. Accessory buildings: Principal height or 25 feet. Airport Overlay: No height exceptions apply.

Exceeding the district height limit is unlawful under Section 11.9, enforced by citation to Clarksville Municipal Court with a civil fine up to $50 per day.

The Bottom Line

Clarksville's building setbacks & zoning 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.

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.