ADU Rules in Clarksville, Tennessee

Clarksville, seat of Montgomery County, is Tennessee's fifth-largest city with a population exceeding 175,000, located along the Cumberland River near the Kentucky state line — approximately 45 miles northwest of Nashville. The city is deeply connected to Fort Campbell, the massive U.S. Army installation straddling the Tennessee-Kentucky border that serves as home base for the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Clarksville's proximity to Fort Campbell drives both population growth and a robust rental housing market, making accessory dwelling units an attractive option for property owners.

No Statewide ADU Law in Tennessee

Tennessee has not enacted statewide ADU preemption legislation. In Clarksville, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission administers the zoning ordinance that governs all land use decisions, including ADU development.

What ADUs Are Permitted

Clarksville's zoning ordinance allows accessory dwelling units in residential zoning districts. Common ADU types include:

• Detached ADUs — freestanding garage apartments or cottages in the rear yard
• Attached ADUs — additions to the primary residence
• Internal conversions — basement or in-law suite conversions within the existing dwelling

Given the strong military-adjacent rental market, ADUs near Fort Campbell can serve military families, veterans, and civilian employees of the installation.

Size, Setbacks, and Height

ADU standards in Clarksville are set at the zone level. General parameters include:

• Maximum size: ADU square footage is typically limited relative to the primary structure; verify current numeric caps in the Code of Ordinances
• Setbacks: Standard zone setbacks apply; rear-yard detached ADUs must maintain required distances from property lines
• Height: Detached ADUs are generally limited in height, often to one or 1.5 stories, depending on the zone

Fort Campbell AICUZ Overlay

Fort Campbell's Army Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) program is one of the most significant land-use considerations in the Clarksville area. Campbell Army Airfield generates significant noise and safety zones that extend into residential areas of Montgomery County and the City of Clarksville. The AICUZ establishes:

• Noise Zones: Areas within the 65 dB Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) and above may be subject to residential construction restrictions
• Accident Potential Zones (APZs): APZ I and APZ II around the runway approaches discourage new residential construction due to safety considerations

Homeowners planning an ADU should verify whether their property falls within an AICUZ noise zone or APZ before proceeding. Contact the Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission and Fort Campbell's Directorate of Public Works for AICUZ maps and compatibility guidance.

Cumberland River Flood Zones

Portions of Clarksville — particularly near the Cumberland River and Red River — fall within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. ADU construction on flood-zone parcels requires:

• Elevation of finished floors to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
• A floodplain development permit from the City of Clarksville
• Compliance with Clarksville's local floodplain management ordinance

Permit Process

1. Verify zoning — Use the city's online zoning map or call (931) 645-7448
2. Check AICUZ status — If near the airfield, confirm whether your property is in a noise or APZ zone
3. Confirm flood zone status — Check FEMA flood maps; obtain floodplain permit if needed
4. Submit building permit — Apply through Clarksville's Building and Codes Department
5. Inspections and CO — Complete required inspections before occupying the ADU

Contact Information

Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 101-A, Clarksville, TN 37040 Phone: (931) 645-7448 Website: clarksvilletn.gov/358/Planning-Zoning

Clarksville Building and Codes Department 350 Pageant Lane, Clarksville, TN 37040 Phone: (931) 645-7439

Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Clarksville's zoning code and AICUZ overlays are subject to change. Always verify current ADU regulations with the Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission and confirm AICUZ status with Fort Campbell's Directorate of Public Works before making any development decisions.