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Clarksville, TN Drone Rules: Commercial Drones (2026)

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

Key Facts

Clarksville drone ordinance
None
Critical infrastructure buffer
250 feet
Current subdivision
§ 39-13-903(a)(7)
Renumbered effective
July 1, 2026
Ticketed event buffer
400 feet

Summary

Clarksville's code contains no drone provision, so commercial operators answer to FAA Part 107 and Tennessee criminal law. Flying within 250 feet of a critical infrastructure facility without written consent is a Class E felony, subject to an FAA-authorization carve-out.

A person commits the offense of unauthorized operation of an unmanned aircraft who operates an unmanned aircraft within four hundred feet (400') of or above a ticketed entertainment event. (b) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Source: City of Clarksville Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

Public Chapter 868, effective July 1, 2026, renumbered Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-903(a): the critical infrastructure offense moved from subdivision (a)(6) to (a)(7) and is the section's only Class E felony. It covers electrical generation, transmission and substations, refineries, chemical and rubber plants, water and wastewater treatment, gas and propane pipelines, closed rail yards, and communication facilities. Subdivision (a)(7)(C) does not prohibit an unmanned aircraft system operating for commercial purposes under FAA authorization. Public Chapter 918, also effective July 1, 2026, adds a Class A misdemeanor for flying within 400 feet of a ticketed entertainment event, excepting FAA-authorized lawful operations.

Violations & Fines

Class E felony for a critical infrastructure flight: one to six years and a fine up to $3,000. The ticketed-event offense is a Class A misdemeanor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Clarksville require a local drone permit?
No. A full-text sweep of the Code of Ordinances and Zoning Ordinance returns no drone or unmanned aircraft provision, so FAA Part 107 and state law govern.
Which subdivision is the critical infrastructure offense now?
Subdivision (a)(7) of § 39-13-903. Public Chapter 868 renumbered it from (a)(6) effective July 1, 2026, when the new school-grounds offense became (a)(5).
Can I film a stadium event commercially?
Not within 400 feet without consent. Public Chapter 918 excepts operators authorized by the FAA operating lawfully and consistent with federal regulations, and anyone with the venue's consent.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clarksville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsRecreational DronesSome 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

Compare Clarksville to another location·View the Tennessee drone rules overview

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