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Clarksville, TN Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

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

Key Facts

Code edition
Locally written, not the IPMC
Hearing window
10 to 30 days after complaint
Repair-or-demolish test
50 percent of building value
Enabling statute
T.C.A. 13-21-101 et seq.
Judicial review
Chancery court within 60 days

Summary

Clarksville did not adopt the International Property Maintenance Code. It wrote its own as Title 4, Chapter 6, and pairs it with a state slum-clearance procedure letting the building inspector order a dwelling repaired, closed or demolished.

Provisions in the following chapters and sections shall constitute and be known and may be cited as "The City of Clarksville Property Maintenance Code" hereinafter referred to as "this Code."

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

Ordinance No. 57-2004-05 rewrote Chapter 6 as "The City of Clarksville Property Maintenance Code," and Section 4-801 deletes the International Residential Code's reference to the IPMC and substitutes the local code. Section 4-603 bars open storage of inoperable vehicles, refrigerators, stoves, glass, building material and rubbish. For unfit dwellings, a public authority, at least five residents by petition, or the inspector on his own motion starts a complaint, with a hearing set 10 to 30 days after service. If repairs cost 50 percent or less of the building's value the order is repair; above that, demolish. Section 4-617 adopts the Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code, 1985 Edition.

Violations & Fines

The building inspector repairs, closes and placards, or demolishes. Costs become a lien filed with the Montgomery County Register of Deeds and go onto your property tax bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Clarksville use the International Property Maintenance Code?
No. Title 4, Chapter 6 is locally written. Section 4-801 expressly deletes the IPMC reference in the adopted 2018 International Residential Code and substitutes the City of Clarksville Property Maintenance Code.
Who can start a case against a derelict house?
A public authority, at least five city residents by petition, or the building inspector on his own motion, under Section 4-608. A hearing follows 10 to 30 days after service.
How does the city recover repair or demolition costs?
Section 4-612 files a lien with the Montgomery County Register of Deeds. Costs go on the tax rolls and are collected like property taxes, with the same penalty and interest.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clarksville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk ClearingFew RestrictionsVacant Lot MaintenanceHeavy 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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