The term “zone” in Clarksville, Tennessee, refers to two distinct regulatory systems governing the land. One system concerns the climate’s influence on agriculture, dictating which plants can survive the winter outdoors. The other involves municipal regulation, determining how a parcel of land may be legally used for construction and business. Understanding both definitions is necessary for planning a garden or a building project. The local government, in cooperation with Montgomery County, manages these regulations within the city limits and surrounding areas.
Clarksville’s USDA Plant Hardiness Zone
Clarksville falls within a transitional area of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Hardiness Zone Map, currently spanning two zones: 7a and 7b. Zone 7a is characterized by an average annual extreme minimum temperature ranging from \(0^{\circ}\text{F}\) to \(5^{\circ}\text{F}\).
Zone 7b, which often covers the central, urbanized core of Clarksville, reflects a slightly milder climate, with average minimum temperatures between \(5^{\circ}\text{F}\) and \(10^{\circ}\text{F}\). This distinction is important for gardeners, as the zone designation determines which perennial plants can survive the coldest winter nights. Plants rated for Zone 7 must tolerate temperatures down to at least zero degrees Fahrenheit.
The inclusion of both 7a and 7b means gardeners on the outskirts may need to select plants with a higher cold tolerance than those in the center. This updated designation indicates a gradual warming trend that impacts local planting decisions. Gardeners use the zone rating as a guide for selecting trees, shrubs, and perennial flowers that can thrive long-term.
Understanding Local Land Use Zoning
Separate from climate concerns, local land use zoning manages the growth and development of the city and county. This municipal system regulates how property can be used, including the types of structures and activities permitted. The Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission (RPC) is the authority responsible for creating and enforcing these regulations.
The RPC’s zoning ordinance divides the area into specific districts to ensure compatible uses are located near one another. The regulations cover specifics like building height restrictions, minimum lot sizes, and required setbacks from property lines.
The process for changing a property’s zoning classification, known as rezoning, involves applications, public hearings, and recommendations by the RPC. These recommendations are then passed to the City Council or the County Commission for final approval. The land use regulations are continually reviewed and updated to accommodate the community’s evolving needs.
Key Residential and Commercial Zoning Designations
Residential zones are categorized by density and housing type. The R-1 Single-Family Residential district is the most restrictive, intended primarily for detached single-family homes and related community facilities. The R-2 Low Density Residential district permits a slightly higher population density, allowing for both detached single-family homes and two-family dwellings on larger lots.
The R-3 Moderate Density Residential district accommodates a mix of housing types, including small-lot single-family, two-family, and three-family attached homes. Commercial zones serve business and retail needs, with the C-2 General Commercial District being a common designation.
The C-2 classification is intended for a broad range of retail, personal, and business services. It may also permit multi-family dwellings and townhouses under specific conditions to encourage mixed-use development.
Finding Specific Zoning Information
Because zoning is applied parcel-by-parcel, a property’s exact designation must be confirmed using official resources. The Clarksville-Montgomery County Regional Planning Commission provides interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) maps on its website. These online tools allow users to search for any specific address or parcel of land to view its current zoning classification instantly.
Consulting the online zoning map is the most direct way to determine the allowed uses for a particular site. This step is important before purchasing property or beginning a construction project to ensure compliance with local ordinances. The RPC also provides contact information for planning staff who can assist with interpreting the zoning code and regulations.