Clarksville, TN Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Core rule
- No rodent-breeding filth on premises, § 8-109
- Notice period
- 10 days to remedy (20 for utilities)
- Admin fee
- $150 if city must remedy itself
- Lien priority
- Second only to tax liens
- Fine
- $50 per day, per Sec. 8-113
- Junkyards
- Must be enclosed by 6-ft solid fence
Summary
City code makes it unlawful to let a property become filthy or breed rodents, flies, or other vermin to the menace of public health. A companion section lets the city order overgrown vegetation and debris that draws rats removed, then bill the owner and place a lien if the work goes undone.
It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any premises owned, occupied, or controlled by him to become or remain in a filthy condition, or permit the use or occupation of same in such a manner as to create noxious or offensive smells and odors in connection therewith, or to allow the accumulation or creation of unwholesome and offensive matter or the breeding of flies, rodents, or other vermin on the premises to the menace of the public health or the annoyance of people residing within the vicinity.
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 8-109 bars anyone from letting property they own, occupy, or control become or remain in a filthy condition, or from allowing the accumulation of unwholesome matter or the breeding of flies, rodents, or other vermin to the menace of public health or the annoyance of neighbors. Section 8-112 gives the building official a separate tool for growth and debris that 'encourage the infestation of rats and other harmful animals': the owner gets mailed notice with a cost estimate and hearing rights, and 10 days to fix the condition, extended to 20 days (excluding weekends and holidays) for a utility or common carrier owner.
00 administrative fee is added to cover the city's cost. Section 8-110 lets the health officer's office pursue unresolved public health nuisances three ways: a complaint to the city judge for a police-served warrant, a report to the city clerk for summary abatement billed to the owner, or court abatement proceedings with the city attorney. Junkyards get their own rule in Sec. 8-111, which requires junk be stored so it can't harbor rats or mice and requires a solid six-foot fence around the yard.
Violations & Fines
Any city law enforcement officer or codes enforcement officer can issue a citation under Sec. 8-113 for a rodent or filth nuisance, directing the violator to city court. Conviction carries a civil fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) per violation, and each day the condition continues counts as a separate violation. Owners who let the city remedy a rat-attracting condition under Sec. 8-112 also face a $150.00 administrative fee plus a lien on the property for the abatement cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who enforces Clarksville's rodent and nuisance rules?
What happens if I ignore a notice to clean up a rat-attracting property?
What's the fine for a rodent or filth nuisance violation in Clarksville?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Clarksville
Compare Clarksville to another location·View the Tennessee public health rules overview
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