If you are searching for backyard chickens Montgomery County TN rules, the first question is not how many hens you want. It is whether the property is inside Clarksville city limits or in unincorporated Montgomery County.
Those two jurisdictions follow different rules. Clarksville allows a limited number of permitted hens on qualifying residential lots. The county’s unincorporated zoning rules are generally more restrictive because of large setback requirements for poultry and farm-livestock structures.
If you are buying near Fort Campbell, these rules can affect which neighborhoods, lot sizes, subdivisions, and rural properties fit your plans. Here is what you should know before purchasing, leasing, or building a coop.
Important: Local codes, zoning maps, permits, and private covenants can change. Confirm the current requirements for the exact property with Clarksville Building and Codes, the Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission, the county, and the applicable homeowners association before you acquire animals or make an offer.
Are backyard chickens allowed inside Clarksville?
Yes, but Clarksville’s allowance is limited to domesticated hens and includes several conditions.
Under Clarksville City Code Section 3-109, cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, and poultry are generally prohibited in residentially zoned districts unless permitted by applicable zoning law. The code creates a specific exception for domesticated hens.
Inside the city, hens may be allowed when:
- The property is located in an eligible residential district: E-1, R-1, R-1A, R-2, or R-2A
- The lot contains at least 9,000 square feet
- The owner or qualifying occupant obtains a chicken permit
- The property has no more than eight domesticated hens
- No roosters are kept
- The hens remain in a fenced enclosure with a covered coop
- The coop and run meet the required size, height, location, and screening standards
The city code does not treat ducks, geese, quail, pigeons, or turkeys as domesticated hens. Those birds are not covered by the residential hen exception.
What are the Clarksville coop setback and size rules?
Clarksville’s residential hen rules are more specific than the county’s general farm-livestock standards.
For a permitted residential hen enclosure:
- The coop and enclosure must be in the rear yard
- They must be at least 10 feet from the rear property line
- They must be at least 10 feet from each side property line
- The coop must provide at least 2 square feet per chicken
- The coop cannot exceed 50 square feet
- The entire enclosure, including the coop, must provide at least 6 square feet per bird
- The total enclosure cannot exceed 400 square feet
- The coop cannot be taller than 10 feet
- The coop must be covered and enclosed on all sides
- A permanent screening buffer, such as a fence or shrubbery, is required
- Food must be stored in airtight, weatherproof, predator-resistant containers
The city also requires a one-time $50 chicken permit application fee. The application includes a site drawing showing the proposed coop and enclosure in relation to property lines. Final approval is subject to inspection by the Department of Building and Codes.
If you are renting, you must occupy the property and provide written documentation showing that the owner allows hens. A permit expires when the property is sold or transferred, when the permit holder moves, or when a different renter takes possession.
That last point matters for buyers. A seller’s existing permit does not automatically transfer to you.
Can you keep goats or sheep inside Clarksville?
Do not assume that a large backyard makes goats, sheep, or other small livestock legal in a Clarksville neighborhood.
The city’s general rule prohibits cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine, and poultry in residential districts except where an applicable city zoning provision allows them. The domesticated-hen exception is narrow. It does not create a general right to keep livestock.
Before considering goats, sheep, miniature pigs, or similar animals, verify:
- The property’s exact zoning district
- Whether the use is permitted by right or requires review
- Whether the lot meets minimum area and yard requirements
- Whether a structure or fencing permit is required
- Whether an HOA or subdivision covenant prohibits the animals
For most typical city subdivisions, you should expect stricter limitations than you would find on a qualifying agricultural property.
What are the rules in unincorporated Montgomery County?
Properties outside Clarksville city limits follow the Montgomery County Zoning Resolution, along with county animal-control regulations.
The Montgomery County Zoning Resolution applies to the unincorporated area. It identifies agricultural uses as including the raising and maintenance of poultry and other livestock, but the property’s zoning district, parcel configuration, and applicable development standards still matter.
The most important rule for many buyers is the structure setback:
- A building or structure used to keep poultry or farm livestock generally must be at least 200 feet from any property line or dwelling
- If the parcel is five acres or more, the separation distance may be reduced to 50 feet, where the applicable rules allow the reduction
This requirement can make backyard chickens impractical on ordinary residential lots outside the city. A parcel may look spacious, but a 200-foot setback from property lines and nearby dwellings can leave no legal location for a coop.
The county rules also require appropriate fencing and address animals running at large, humane care, adequate shelter, sanitation, and nuisance conditions. The zoning resolution’s livestock provisions do not provide a simple countywide flock limit in the same way Clarksville’s city code establishes a maximum of eight hens. That does not mean unlimited animals are automatically allowed. You still need to confirm the zoning district and comply with animal-control, nuisance, building, and private-property requirements.
How do neighbor complaints affect chickens and livestock?
Animal rules are not only about permits and setbacks. Noise, odor, waste, wandering animals, and poor maintenance can create enforcement problems even when animals are otherwise allowed.
Inside Clarksville, the city prohibits keeping animals that create frequent or continual noise or unsanitary conditions that disturb the peace, comfort, or health of neighbors. The hen ordinance also requires regular cleaning. Chicken waste, including excrement, uneaten feed, feathers, and other waste, must be removed at least every two weeks.
In unincorporated Montgomery County, animal-control regulations address public nuisances, unsanitary conditions, animals at large, and interference with a neighbor’s use and enjoyment of property. Goats, sheep, and other livestock must be properly contained. Allowing them to roam onto neighboring land can create a violation and may result in citations, impoundment, or other enforcement action.
A responsible setup should include:
- Secure fencing with no easy escape points
- Predator-resistant construction
- Covered feed storage
- Regular cleaning and waste removal
- Adequate shelter, shade, food, and water
- Protection from excessive noise and odor
- A plan for veterinary care and emergencies
Good husbandry is also good neighbor relations.
Do HOA covenants allow backyard chickens?
An HOA can be more restrictive than city or county law.
Even if Clarksville or Montgomery County allows your proposed animals, recorded covenants, conditions, and restrictions may prohibit:
- Chickens or poultry
- Roosters
- Farm animals
- Exterior structures
- Detached sheds or coops
- Certain types of fencing
- Outdoor feed storage
- Commercial or agricultural activity
Haus’s guide to HOAs in Clarksville explains why buyers should review the declaration, bylaws, current rules, architectural standards, and enforcement history before making an offer.
Ask for written confirmation from the HOA or management company. Do not rely only on a seller’s statement that “the neighbors have chickens.” An existing animal setup may be grandfathered, unapproved, or simply noncompliant.
What should Fort Campbell buyers check before choosing a home?
If you are moving near Fort Campbell, animal rules should be part of your housing criteria from the beginning.
Before touring homes, decide whether you need:
- A permitted urban hen setup
- A larger lot for livestock
- A property outside city limits
- A specific agricultural zoning classification
- Freedom from HOA restrictions
- A shorter commute to Fort Campbell
- A rental property that allows hens with written owner approval
The closest home to the installation may not be the best fit if the lot cannot legally accommodate your coop. Conversely, a rural property may provide space but add commute time, maintenance responsibilities, utility considerations, and different zoning requirements.
Randy Whetsell, principal broker and leader of Haus Realty & Management’s Tennessee operations, recommends treating animal permissions as a property-screening issue rather than a post-contract surprise. As a Silver Level Veteran Ready Business, Haus understands that military families often need to balance Fort Campbell access, PCS timelines, rental flexibility, and lifestyle priorities. If chickens or small livestock are important to you, tell your agent before the home search begins so the property criteria can be evaluated together.
What should buyers ask before making an offer?
Use this checklist for each property:
- Is the address inside Clarksville city limits?
- What is the exact zoning district?
- What is the parcel size and shape?
- Can the proposed coop or shelter meet the applicable setbacks?
- Is a city hen permit, building permit, or county development permit required?
- Are there existing permits or violations?
- Does the HOA allow chickens, goats, sheep, or other livestock?
- Are there recorded restrictions that are stricter than zoning?
- Has the property received animal-control complaints?
- Will the setup remain practical if you receive new PCS orders or later rent the home?
For unincorporated property, review the official zoning map and speak with the Regional Planning Commission. For city property, contact Clarksville Building and Codes about the current interpretation of Section 3-109 and the permit process.
Bottom line: What are the backyard chicken rules in Montgomery County TN?
The answer depends on jurisdiction:
- Inside Clarksville: Up to eight hens may be allowed on qualifying residential lots with a permit, no roosters, a rear-yard enclosure, 10-foot setbacks, screening, and strict coop standards.
- In unincorporated Montgomery County: Poultry and farm livestock are governed by zoning, animal-control regulations, fencing requirements, and substantial structure setbacks, generally 200 feet, or potentially 50 feet on parcels of at least five acres.
- In an HOA: Private covenants may prohibit animals or structures even when local government rules allow them.
- For buyers: Verify the exact property before you assume an existing coop, flock, or livestock arrangement is legal or transferable.
If you are relocating to the Clarksville or Fort Campbell area and need a home that supports chickens, small livestock, or a larger-lot lifestyle, start with Haus’s military relocation resources and Clarksville moving guide. When you are ready to compare properties, contact Haus Realty & Management for dedicated, local guidance.
This article is for general information only and is not legal or zoning advice. Confirm current requirements with the appropriate government office, HOA, and qualified legal professional before relying on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chickens can I keep in Clarksville, TN?
The Clarksville city code allows a maximum of eight domesticated hens on a qualifying parcel or tract. Roosters and other poultry are prohibited under the residential hen exception.
Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Clarksville?
Yes. Clarksville requires a chicken permit application, a site drawing, a $50 one-time application fee, and inspection of the completed coop and enclosure.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Clarksville?
The city code requires the coop and enclosure to be in the rear yard and at least 10 feet from the rear and side property lines.
Is the county rule also 10 feet?
No. Unincorporated Montgomery County generally applies a much larger setback for structures used to keep poultry or farm livestock: 200 feet from property lines or dwellings, with a possible reduction to 50 feet on parcels of at least five acres where applicable.
Can an HOA ban backyard chickens?
Yes. HOA covenants and rules can be more restrictive than public zoning regulations. Always review the recorded declaration and current rules before buying.
