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Clarksville, TN Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)

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

Key Facts

Zoning status
Permitted on review
Approving body
Board of Zoning Appeals
City definition
Six or fewer children
State license threshold
Five or more unrelated children
Variances
Not permitted for these lots

Summary

Clarksville treats family day care as permitted on review in every residential district, so it goes to the Board of Zoning Appeals. Tennessee DHS separately licenses any agency serving five or more unrelated children three hours a day.

The required lot size, yard, and bulk regulations of the district shall apply. No variances shall be permitted for lots on which such use is to be located. All public utilities and sanitary sewer shall be available and connected to the site.

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 2.2 defines a family day care home as one regularly caring for six or fewer children, including resident children, for periods under 24 hours. Table 3.16 marks the use permitted on review across E-1, R-1, R-1A, R-2, R-2A, R-2D, R-3, R-4, R-5, RM-1 and R-6, which routes it to a Board of Zoning Appeals hearing under Section 5.2. The Section 5.2.7 conditions apply full district lot, yard and bulk regulations with no variances, require public utilities and sanitary sewer connection, require compliance with Tennessee Department of Human Services day care rules, and let the building department require fencing, screening and landscaping.

Violations & Fines

Running a family day care without the required use permitted on review violates the Zoning Ordinance. Section 11.9 sets a civil fine up to $50, each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a variance on lot size for a day care home?
No. Section 5.2.7 applies the district's lot, yard and bulk regulations in full and expressly bars variances for lots on which the use is located.
Do I need a Tennessee license too?
Yes, at five or more unrelated children for three or more hours a day. DHS licenses those agencies unless exempt, and Section 5.2.7 requires compliance.
Will the city make me fence the yard?
It can. Section 5.2.7 states fencing, screening and landscaping shall be provided as required by the building department to protect the surrounding area.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clarksville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsCottage Food OperationsFew 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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