Cobb County, GA Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Cobb County, GA, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Under 144 sq ft
- 5-ft setback, 15-ft height cap
- 144-650 sq ft
- must meet full building setbacks
- Over 650 sq ft
- 100-ft setback, plan review required
- District
- R-80, unincorporated Cobb County
Summary
In Cobb County's R-80 zoning district, a carport counts as an accessory structure: units under 144 square feet need only a 5-foot property-line setback, but larger carports must meet full building setbacks or sit 100 feet off the line.
Any accessory building, structure, use and deck up to 144 total gross square feet must be located at least five feet off the property line and limited to 15 feet in height subject to the development conditions list below (except for 15-foot height restriction). Any accessory building, structure, use and deck over 144 total gross square feet and up to 650 total gross square feet shall be limited to the building setbacks of the lot it is located on and is subject to the development conditions below.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53).
Full Breakdown
Cobb County Code § 134-193(12)a sets tiered setback rules for accessory structures, including carports, in the R-80 single-family district that covers large-lot unincorporated Cobb. A carport up to 144 total gross square feet needs only a 5-foot property-line setback and is capped at 15 feet in height. Between 144 and 650 square feet, the carport must meet the same building setbacks that apply to the primary house. Above 650 square feet, it must sit at least 100 feet from every property line, and plans go through community development department review before construction begins.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required setback or size-tier review violates Cobb County Code § 1-10, punishable by fine, imprisonment or probation up to Georgia's maximum, plus possible injunctive relief for continuing violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a carport in unincorporated Cobb County?
How close to my property line can a carport be in Cobb's R-80 district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cobb County
How Cobb County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Cobb County to another location·View the Georgia accessory structures overview
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