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Clarksville, TN Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

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

Summary

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.

Structures on property which adjoin a highway or road which has been dedicated through the subdivision process and approved by the Regional Planning Commission shall have a front yard minimum setback line of thirty (30) feet from the existing near right-of-way line.

Source: City of Clarksville Code of OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 110 Update 2 | Zoning Ordinance: Supplement 6).

Full Breakdown

Table 4.2 sets the single-family bulk standards. E-1 requires a one-acre lot, 120-foot width, 30-foot front yard, 20-foot side yards and a 40-foot rear yard. R-1 takes 15,000 square feet and 90 feet of width, with 10-foot side yards totaling 30 feet and a 20-foot rear yard. R-1A drops to 12,000 square feet and 80 feet, side yards totaling 20 feet. R-2 uses 9,000 square feet and 60 feet, and R-2A 6,000 square feet and 40 feet, both with 8-foot side yards totaling 20 feet. Unattached accessory uses keep 10 feet from side and rear lines.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I narrow one side yard for a side-entry garage?
Yes. Table 4.2 note 3 allows one side yard down to five feet to facilitate side or rear entry garages, provided the required total for both sides is maintained.
How close can my porch come to the front setback line?
Section 4.1.1 lets porches and steps project up to six feet into a required yard. Eaves, gutters and cornices get three feet, bay windows and chimneys four.
My neighbors all sit further back than 30 feet. Does that bind me?
It can. Section 4.1.1 lets the majority of existing buildings on a block face set the front yard, but never requires more than 50 feet.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clarksville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsLot Coverage LimitsSome RestrictionsStructure Height LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSignificant Restrictions

All Clarksville rules

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