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Clarksville, TN Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

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

Key Facts

Threshold
One acre, or common plan of development
Fill exemption
100 cubic yards or less
Permit
Grading permit from Street Department
Pre-construction conference
Required before permit issues
Off-site sediment
Unlawful under section 12-308

Summary

Clarksville Code section 12-304 requires erosion prevention and sediment controls on land disturbance over one acre, or under an acre when part of a common plan. Grading permits cover land disturbing activity, with narrow exemptions.

All land disturbing activities that result in land disturbance greater than one acre, or less than one acre when part of a common plan of development, shall employ erosion prevention and sediment controls to prevent and control erosion and sedimentation to the maximum extent practicable

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

The rules live in Title 12, Chapter 3, the codified Storm Water Management Ordinance of Clarksville, enacted by Ordinance 65-2003-04 and amended by Ordinance 22-2019-20. Exemptions cover work inside a subdivision or PUD with an approved grading, drainage and erosion control plan, finish grading for retaining walls and pools, accessory structures and additions at single-family or duplex homes, agricultural practices, and grading that moves 100 cubic yards or less. A pre-construction conference with city inspectors precedes permit issuance. Exemption does not excuse the erosion control duty, and the Director of Streets may revoke any exemption. Discharging sediment onto adjoining property is separately unlawful under section 12-308.

Violations & Fines

Civil penalties run from $50 to $5,000 per day, each day a separate violation. The Director of Streets may issue a stop work order; ignoring it is grounds for arrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a backyard project need a grading permit?
Additions and accessory structures at single-family and duplex homes are exempt, as is grading that disturbs 100 cubic yards or less. Erosion controls are still required regardless.
Who enforces erosion control in Clarksville?
The Director of Streets, through the Street Department. The city, not Montgomery County, administers grading and storm water quality permits inside the corporate limits.
What happens if sediment washes onto my neighbor's lot?
Section 12-308 makes it unlawful to discharge sediment onto adjoining properties, rights-of-way, streams, sinkholes or wetlands. Civil penalties reach $5,000 per day.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clarksville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsCoastal DevelopmentHeavy RestrictionsStormwater ManagementHeavy 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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