Backyard Chickens in Clarksville, Tennessee

Can you keep chickens in Clarksville?

Thinking about raising hens in Clarksville, Tennessee? The city welcomes backyard chicken keepers in most residential zones, but requires a permit, caps flocks at 8 hens, bans roosters, and sets specific coop, enclosure, and setback rules to keep the peace with neighbors. Here's what Peggy's Happy Chickens found in the official municipal code.

Yes – with conditions

Yes. Clarksville's Code of Ordinances (Title 3, Chapter 1, § 3-109 — "Keeping of Cattle, Horses, Goats, Sheep, Swine or Poultry in Residential Areas") permits the keeping of domesticated hens (female chickens only) as an exception to the general residential livestock prohibition. Hens are allowed in the E-1, R-1, R-1A, R-2, and R-2A residentially zoned districts. A city permit is required, roosters are prohibited, and up to 8 hens may be kept per property. Renters may also keep hens, but only with written landlord permission.

Read the ordinance ↗

The rules at a glance

Hens in city limits: Allowed
How many hens: 8
Roosters: No
Permit required: Yes
Permit cost: $50
Setback from property line: 10 ft.

Peggy knows Clarksville

The rules, straight from the municipal code.

Lot must be at least 9,000 sq ft to keep domesticated hens.
Maximum of 8 domesticated hens per parcel; no roosters, and no other poultry/fowl (ducks, geese, quail, pigeons, turkeys) count as or may be kept as 'domesticated hens.'
Hens must be kept outside of a habitable structure in a fenced chicken enclosure (run) that includes a covered coop (henhouse).
Coop: minimum 2 sq ft per bird, maximum 50 sq ft total; must be covered and enclosed on all sides; maximum height 10 ft.
Enclosure: minimum 6 sq ft per bird (coop included within it), maximum 400 sq ft total; enclosure top must be open to air or covered only with a permeable material approved by Building & Codes.
Enclosure/coop must be located in the rear yard, at least 10 ft from the rear property line and 10 ft from any side property line.
A permanent screening buffer (fence, shrubbery, or similar) is required and may be no closer than the applicant's minimum front-yard setback.
Breeding of hens and on-site slaughtering are prohibited.
Food must be stored in airtight, predator-proof, weatherproof containers; waste must be removed at least biweekly to avoid nuisance conditions.
A one-time $50 permit fee applies; applicants must submit a site plan showing the coop/enclosure location relative to property lines, and the completed structure is subject to inspection by Building & Codes before final approval.
Renters may keep hens only with the property owner's written consent as part of the permit application (added by a 2023 ordinance amendment).

Where this comes from

Keeping a flock happy in Clarksville

🌡️ Climate

USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, humid subtropical

Clarksville has hot, humid summers and cool, sometimes freezing winters typical of Middle Tennessee. Coops should provide good ventilation and shade for summer heat, plus wind-blocking and insulation for occasional winter cold snaps and ice.

🦝 Who's after your hens

RaccoonHawkFoxCoyoteSnakeOpossum

Backyard flocks in Clarksville should be secured against common regional predators such as raccoons, hawks, foxes, coyotes, snakes (which target eggs and chicks), and opossums. A fully enclosed, predator-proof run with secure latches and buried or apron wire fencing is recommended, especially since the city's own permit requirements call for predator-proof food storage.

🐔 Breeds that do well here

Rhode Island Red, Buff Orpington, Australorp, Barred Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte (cold- and heat-tolerant dual-purpose breeds well suited to Tennessee's climate)

Our package comes with two Rhode Island Reds – hardy in heat and cold, and friendly with kids.

Questions people ask about Clarksville

▸How many chickens can I keep in Clarksville?

Up to 8 domesticated hens are allowed per parcel or tract of property, provided the lot is at least 9,000 square feet.

▸Are roosters allowed in Clarksville?

No. Clarksville's ordinance explicitly prohibits roosters within the city limits.

▸Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Clarksville?

Yes. A one-time $50 permit application fee is required, along with a site plan showing the coop and enclosure location relative to property lines, and a final inspection by the Department of Building and Codes.

▸How far must my coop be from my property line?

The enclosure and coop must be placed in the rear yard, at least 10 feet from the rear property line and 10 feet from any side property line, and a permanent screening buffer is also required.

▸Can renters keep chickens in Clarksville?

Yes, as of a 2023 ordinance amendment, renters may keep hens as long as they meet all permit requirements and obtain written consent from the property owner.

City rules change, and this page is a summary rather than legal advice. Please confirm with Clarksville or your HOA before you order – and call us on (559) 321-7271 if you'd like a hand. Last checked September 11, 2026.