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Clarksville, TN Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

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

Key Facts

Height trigger
Over one foot
Compliance window
Ten days from notice
Carriers and utilities
Twenty days instead
Administrative fee
$150
Enabling statute
T.C.A. 6-54-113

Summary

Clarksville makes every owner or tenant periodically cut grass and weeds, and it is unlawful to ignore a cutting order once growth passes one foot. Overgrown or debris-strewn lots get ten days before the city clears them.

it shall be unlawful for any person to fail to comply with an order by the city clerk, chief of police, or coordinator of fire prevention/building codes, or his designated representative, to cut such vegetation when it has reached a height of over one foot.

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 8-107 sets the one-foot trigger, and the order can come from the city clerk, the chief of police, or the coordinator of fire prevention and building codes. Section 8-112 carries the abatement chain: notice by United States mail to the owner of record's last known address, stating the right to a hearing and including a cost estimate and a return slip. The owner has ten days, or twenty excluding weekends and holidays for carriers and utilities. A hearing must be requested within ten days or the right is waived. The building official then clears the property and assesses the cost.

Violations & Fines

The city clears the lot, bills the cost plus a $150 administrative fee, and files a lien with the Register of Deeds. Citations carry $50 per violation, each day separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can my grass get in Clarksville?
Section 8-107 makes it unlawful to ignore an order to cut once grass or weeds pass one foot. The city clerk, police chief, or codes coordinator may issue that order.
What happens if I ignore the notice on a vacant lot?
After ten days the building official has the work done and assesses the cost against you, plus a $150 administrative fee. Carriers and utilities get twenty days instead.
Can I contest the determination?
Yes. The notice must state that a hearing is available and include a slip to request one. Request it within ten days of receiving the notice or the right is waived.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clarksville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk ClearingFew RestrictionsProperty BlightHeavy 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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