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Clarksville, TN Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

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

Key Facts

Clearance around leaf pile
Ten feet minimum
Distance from structures
Twenty-five feet
Weed height trigger
Over one foot
Time to cure overgrowth
Ten days from notice
Abatement fee
$150 plus removal cost

Summary

Clarksville has no defensible-space program. Brush is handled two ways: Section 7-208 sets hard clearance and attendance conditions for burning leaves on your own property, and Sections 8-107 and 8-112 force overgrown lots to be cut.

The area at least ten (10) feet surrounding the leaves must be sufficiently cleared to prevent the spread of fire.

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

Section 7-208(2) lets you burn leaves where they fell, but only under seven conditions: at least ten feet around the pile cleared, a connected hose long enough to reach the material, a person attending at all times, no burning within twenty-five feet of a structure or property line, piles under five feet across and only one at a time, and burning after 7:00 a.m. and finished before official local sunset. A fire officer who finds any condition unmet has the fire put out immediately. Separately, Section 8-107 makes it unlawful to ignore an order to cut weeds once vegetation exceeds one foot, and Section 8-112 reaches trees, vines, grass, underbrush and debris.

Violations & Fines

Section 8-112 gives ten days to cure, then the city clears the lot, bills the owner, adds a $150 administrative fee and files a lien with the Montgomery County Register of Deeds. Section 8-113 sets a $50 fine per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I burn leaves in my Clarksville yard?
Yes, on the property where they fell, if you meet all of Section 7-208(2): ten feet cleared around the pile, a connected hose, someone attending, and completion before local sunset.
Does Clarksville require defensible space clearance?
No. There is no defensible-space or fuel-modification ordinance. Overgrowth is enforced as a health nuisance under Sections 8-107 and 8-112 of the Official Code.
What happens if I ignore an overgrowth notice?
Section 8-112 lets the building official clear the property after ten days, assess the cost plus a $150 administrative fee, and record a lien collected like property taxes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clarksville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFire Pits & Backyard FiresLight RestrictionsOutdoor BurningSignificant RestrictionsSmoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsWildfire ZonesSome 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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