What Clarksville Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

Clarksville is a mid-sized city in Montgomery County, Tennessee, with about 166000 residents. Like most cities its size, it has a set of local rules that may differ significantly from neighboring municipalities. Here is an overview of 41 ordinances across 12 categories that affect daily life in Clarksville.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Clarksville enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours..

Landscaping Rules

Weed Ordinances: Clarksville enforces weed abatement under TN Code §6-54-113. Overgrown properties subject to city abatement at owner’s expense..

Also covered: Tree Trimming (moderate), Grass Height Limits (moderate), Water Restrictions (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Clarksville for details.

Fire Regulations

Fireworks: Clarksville allows fireworks discharge within city limits from July 1 to July 5 between 6 PM and 10 PM only. Fireworks are prohibited in all city parks and recreational facilities.

Also covered: Outdoor Burning (moderate), Fire Pit Rules (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Clarksville for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Taxes & Fees: Clarksville STR operators must collect and remit hotel/motel occupancy tax on rental income. Tennessee state sales tax also applies.

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (permissive), Occupancy Limits (moderate), Permit Requirements (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Clarksville for details.

Accessory Structures

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..

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (permissive), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Clarksville for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Clarksville limits residential fence heights to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Fences exceeding 6 feet require special approval.

Also covered: Permit Requirements (permissive), Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive). See the full fence regulations guide for Clarksville for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Clarksville requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. A placement permit is required for pool installation.

Also covered: Safety Rules (strict), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Clarksville for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Clarksville participates in the NFIP and regulates development in FEMA-designated flood zones. The Cumberland River and Red River create significant flood hazard areas.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Clarksville follows Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) regulations on exotic animals. Tennessee classifies exotic pets into categories requiring different permit levels.

Also covered: Dog Leash Laws (strict), Breed Restrictions (permissive), Beekeeping (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Clarksville for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Clarksville's noise ordinance prohibits sound from any source that exceeds specified limits when measured from property boundaries or occupied premises. Nighttime hours carry stricter enforcement, with quiet hours generally from 10 PM to 7 AM in residential areas..

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate), Amplified Music & Events (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Clarksville for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Clarksville prohibits exterior signage for home-based businesses in residential zones. No signs, banners, or advertising displays may be visible from outside the property..

Also covered: Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate), Zoning Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Clarksville for details.

Parking Rules

Street Parking Limits: Clarksville regulates on-street parking through posted signs and citywide rules. Vehicles must be registered and operable.

Also covered: RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Clarksville for details.

What to Do With This Information

Whether you are renting, buying, or renovating in Clarksville, knowing the local rules upfront saves headaches later. Dig into the individual ordinance pages linked above for the complete picture, including fines and exemptions.