Before You Build in Clarksville, TN: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

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. Corner lots have visibility requirements.

Clarksville requires a placement permit for fences. Standard residential fences must comply with height and setback requirements. Pool barrier fences must meet safety standards.

Clarksville does not require neighbor consent to build a fence on your property. Tennessee law governs shared boundary fences. Property owners should ensure fences are within their property lines.

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. The barrier must meet IRC pool barrier standards.

Clarksville enforces pool safety regulations including barriers, drain covers, and maintenance standards. Pools must be maintained to prevent health hazards. Abandoned pools must be drained and secured.

Above-ground pools in Clarksville must meet barrier requirements if they hold water deeper than 24 inches. A placement permit is required. Pool walls may serve as barriers if they meet height and no-foothold requirements.

Clarksville allows accessory dwelling units in certain residential zones under the zoning ordinance. ADUs must meet size, setback, and design standards. Building permits are required.

Garage conversions in Clarksville require a building permit and must meet building code standards for habitable space. The conversion must not reduce the property below minimum parking requirements.

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.

Clarksville allows sheds in residential zones. Small sheds under 200 square feet typically do not require a building permit but must comply with setback requirements. Larger structures require permits.

Clarksville regulates open burning under the fire prevention code (Title 7). Burning of trash and yard waste is restricted. Small recreational fires for cooking or warmth are generally allowed with proper safety measures.

Clarksville allows recreational fire pits with proper containment and safety measures. Fires must be in approved containers, maintain clearance from structures, and be attended at all times. Burn bans must be observed.

Clarksville requires property owners to maintain trees that overhang public rights-of-way with minimum clearance over sidewalks and streets. Dead or hazardous trees must be addressed promptly.

Clarksville does not typically impose mandatory water restrictions due to adequate water supply from the Cumberland River. Voluntary conservation is encouraged during drought conditions. Clarksville Gas and Water manages the public water system.

Clarksville does not generally require a permit to remove trees on private residential property. Trees in the public right-of-way require city authorization. Tennessee does not have a statewide tree preservation ordinance.