Clarksville Pothole Repair & Encroachment Permits

Transportation Tennessee 3 Minutes Read · published February 21, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

In Clarksville, Tennessee, the Public Works and Engineering departments manage pothole repairs and permits for work in the public right-of-way. If you find a hazardous pothole or need to place equipment or materials that encroach on city property, start with the City of Clarksville Public Works guidance and the Engineering permit process to confirm requirements and avoid violations.[1]

Report dangerous potholes as soon as possible.

Reporting potholes

To request repair of a pothole, provide the exact location, nearby cross-streets or landmarks, photos, and your contact information so crews can assess and schedule repairs. Use the official Public Works reporting channel listed below to ensure the request is logged and routed to field crews.[1]

  • Location (address or nearest intersection)
  • Photos showing size and depth
  • Contact name and phone or email
  • Report immediately for safety risks

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for unauthorized encroachments, damage to public infrastructure, or failure to follow permit conditions is handled under the City of Clarksville municipal code and by the Public Works/Engineering offices. Specific fine amounts and escalation for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see the city code for controlling provisions and any fee schedules.[3]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.[3]
  • Non-monetary orders: removal of encroachment, restoration, stop-work orders, or civil action as authorized by city code.[3]
  • Enforcer: City of Clarksville Public Works and the City Engineer or designated inspector; complaints and inspections are initiated through official reporting channels.[1]
  • Appeals and review: procedure and time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page; consult the municipal code or contact the Engineering division for appeal deadlines.[3]
Follow permit conditions to avoid stop-work orders and restoration costs.

Applications & Forms

The Engineering division issues encroachment/right-of-way permits. The typical application is an encroachment or right-of-way permit available from Engineering; published form names, numbers, fees, and submission instructions are provided on the city permit page or by contacting Engineering directly. If a downloadable form is not posted, submit an inquiry to Engineering for the current application and fee schedule.[2]

  • Common form: Encroachment / Right-of-Way permit (name/number: not specified on the cited page).[2]
  • Fees: not specified on the cited page; verify with Engineering prior to work.[2]
  • Submission: online or in-person submittal may be required; confirm with Engineering.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify whether the activity requires an encroachment or right-of-way permit by reviewing Engineering guidance or contacting the Engineering division.[2]
  2. Gather site photos, site plans, traffic-control plans, and contractor insurance documents as required by the permit instructions.[2]
  3. Complete the encroachment/right-of-way permit application and pay applicable fees at the Engineering office or via the city portal if available.[2]
  4. Await review and any required conditions; schedule inspections with Public Works or Engineering as instructed in your permit approval.[1]
  5. Comply with permit conditions; if ordered to remove or restore, follow deadlines to avoid civil enforcement or additional charges.[3]
Always confirm permit requirements before starting any work in the public right-of-way.

FAQ

How do I report a pothole in Clarksville?
Use the City of Clarksville Public Works reporting channel or contact the department directly to submit location, photos, and contact details so crews can inspect and schedule repair.[1]
Do I need a permit to place a dumpster, scaffold, or material on a city street or sidewalk?
Yes — placing items in the public right-of-way typically requires an encroachment or right-of-way permit from Engineering; contact Engineering for the permit application and conditions.[2]
What happens if I encroach without a permit?
Unauthorized encroachment can result in orders to remove the encroachment, restoration requirements, and civil enforcement under the municipal code; specific fines and time frames are set in city code or the permit conditions.[3]

Key Takeaways

  • Report potholes through Public Works to ensure a logged service request.[1]
  • Obtain an encroachment/right-of-way permit before occupying public property to avoid enforcement.[2]
  • Contact Engineering or Public Works early for forms, fees, and inspection requirements.[2]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Clarksville - Public Works reporting and contact information
  2. [2] City of Clarksville - Engineering division and permit information
  3. [3] City of Clarksville Code of Ordinances (search for encroachment, right-of-way, and enforcement provisions)

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data