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Acworth Zoning — guest homes/garage apartments permitted to the rear of the principal structure, at least 20 ft from property lines, 10 ft from principal building, and with 5,000 sq ft lot area dedicated to their use.
Under Chapter 73 (Zoning) of the Acworth Code of Ordinances, a carport is treated as an accessory structure and must sit on the same lot as the principal dwelling, to the side or rear at least 5 feet from any side or rear lot line. Unenclosed carports may not be used to store anything other than firewood or recyclable materials in a city-approved container.
Acworth Building permits required for accessory structures. Must comply with Ch. 73 setbacks. Safety hazards from abandoned appliances/unsecured structures are code violations. Cannot be used for habitation.
Cobb County §10-11 applies in Acworth — dogs must be on a leash ≤6 ft off owner's property, held by capable handler. No permanent stationary tethering. Cobb County Animal Control: 770-499-4136.
No breed-specific ordinance in Acworth or Cobb County. Georgia Responsible Dog Ownership Law (GA Code §§4-8-20 to 4-8-33) governs — dangerous dog classification is behavior-based.
Acworth has no specific beekeeping ordinance. Georgia Apiary Act (GA Code §2-14-40+) governs statewide. Check with Acworth Development Dept. for accessory-use allowance in residential zones.
GA Code §27-5-4 prohibits Class 1 wild animals as pets statewide. Acworth and Cobb County have no additional local exotic-pet ordinances beyond state law. DNR permit required for many non-standard animals.
Cobb County prohibits feeding of wildlife that creates nuisances under Cobb Code Chapter 10 (Animals). Coyote, deer, and raccoon feeding is particularly targeted. Georgia DNR regulates state game species.
Cobb County Code Ch. 10 allows backyard chickens on residential lots of 2+ acres (AG and R-80/R-40 zones). Under 2 acres not permitted. Roosters prohibited. Livestock (goats, pigs, horses) requires AG zoning or 2+ acre minimum.
Georgia criminalizes animal cruelty and neglect statewide under O.C.G.A. 16-12-4, applying uniformly regardless of local ordinances and covering hoarding situations.
Cobb County Fire enforces outdoor burning rules in Acworth — Oct 1–Apr 30; 10 AM to 1 hour before sunset; small piles (<6x6 ft) no permit; larger piles permit required. Violations: $100–$1,000 fine.
Cobb County ordinance bans fireworks 9 PM–10 AM in Acworth. GA state law (§25-10-1) allows adults 18+ on certain holidays during permitted hours. No fireworks in public parks without permit.
Acworth/Cobb County — recreational fires with clean wood (≤3 ft diameter, ≤2 ft height) are exempt from seasonal burn ban. Year-round; must be attended; 25 ft from structures; 10 AM–10:30 PM.
Cobb County is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone. Metro Atlanta suburban density and climate reduce wildfire risk. Georgia Forestry Commission burn permits still required for outdoor burning. Kennesaw Mountain area has elevated wildland-urban interface risk.
Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services enforces Int'l Fire Code defensible-space standards. Open burning requires a permit from GA Forestry Commission and is banned May 1–Sept 30 in Cobb (EPD 13-county metro rule).
Georgia regulates propane storage statewide through the Safety Fire Commissioner under the Liquefied Petroleum Safety Act, adopting NFPA 58 standards for residential and commercial tanks.
Acworth caps overnight occupancy at two people per bedroom under Section 73-7.8.4 of the city zoning ordinance, and only one rental agreement is allowed per structure at a time. Single-room rentals (basement apartments, attic lofts, attached suites) are not permitted; the entire dwelling must be included in the listing.
Acworth's Short-Term Rental Occupational Tax Application and Section 73-7.8.4 of the city zoning ordinance do not require operators to carry or file proof of liability insurance. Georgia has no statewide STR insurance mandate. Operators are still strongly encouraged to confirm coverage with a licensed agent because standard homeowner policies typically exclude commercial rental activity.
Acworth requires STRs to use a platform that collects hotel/motel tax. State hotel-motel tax 4% + $5/night fee. Local Acworth hotel-motel excise tax also applies. OTC required annually.
Acworth Zoning §73-199C — RVs, boats, and trailers must park in side or rear yard on improved surface. All vehicles on approved surface. STR guests subject to same parking standards as residents.
Acworth STR guests must comply with Ch. 54 noise ordinance — quiet hours 10 PM–7 AM. STR operator responsible for guest compliance. Violations fined up to $1,200.
Acworth Zoning §73-7.8.3 — STR Occupational Tax Certificate required before operating. Platform that collects hotel/motel tax must be used. 24-hour contact required; max 2 people per bedroom; max 1 rental agreement at a time.
Acworth Code Ch. 54 (Offenses) — unreasonable noise disturbances prohibited. Quiet hours generally 10 PM–7 AM. Violations reported to Acworth Code Compliance or Police. Fine up to $1,200.
Acworth Ch. 54 noise provisions apply to construction. Standard practice 7 AM–7 PM weekdays. No construction noise during quiet hours (10 PM–7 AM). Building permit conditions may impose additional limits.
Acworth Code Ch. 52 (Nuisances) and Ch. 54 — persistent animal noise that unreasonably disturbs neighbors is a violation. Cobb County Animal Control (770-499-4136) handles animal complaints.
Acworth regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. O.C.G.A. §16-11-39 applies to unreasonable disturbances.
Cobb County has no leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Operation governed by general noise code Ch. 50, Art. VII — must stay under 70 dB daytime / 65 dB 11 PM–7 AM, or face Magistrate Court citation. No gas-blower ban.
Aircraft noise in Georgia is governed by federal FAA regulations, not state or local ordinances. Georgia airport zoning law allows compatible land use planning around airports but cannot restrict in-flight aircraft operations.
Georgia regulates industrial noise primarily through O.C.G.A. 12-7 (Erosion and Sedimentation), 12-8 (Solid Waste), and EPD permits, but does not impose statewide decibel limits. Local governments retain primary authority over industrial noise nuisances.
Acworth follows GA Code §40-6-200+ for street parking. Vehicles must be operable, on approved surfaces, and not blocking traffic or driveways. Inoperable vehicles must be removed or stored indoors.
Acworth Zoning — no materials, equipment, or extra business vehicles stored on residential premises except one business vehicle for the resident's use. Outdoor storage requires screening by 6-ft fence in side/rear yard.
Acworth Zoning §73-199C — RVs, boats, and trailers must be stored to the side or rear of the principal structure on an improved surface (concrete or pervious pavers). No front-yard RV storage.
Acworth Zoning §73-199C — all vehicles must park on an improved surface (concrete or pervious pavers). Parking on grass, dirt, or unpaved areas is a code violation subject to $1,200 fine.
Cobb County Code §98-8 prohibits abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public roads or visible on private property. State law O.C.G.A. §40-11-1+ provides 10-day threshold. Cobb Police tag and tow after notice.
Cobb County prohibits parking on county roads between 2 AM and 6 AM under Cobb Code §98-6. Enforcement is complaint-driven and focused on neighborhoods with parking problems. Tickets start at $30.
Cobb County allows residential EV charger installation with an electrical permit from Cobb Community Development. Level 2 chargers typical. No HOA preemption — Georgia lacks state EV access law.
Acworth Zoning §73-152 — fence heights regulated by location. Generally 6 ft in residential side/rear yards. Retaining walls ≥4 ft must have a safety fence ≥36 inches at the top. Pool barriers minimum 5 ft.
Acworth does not require neighbor consent for fence installation. Finished side must face exterior. Setback and height compliance with §73-152 required. Boundary disputes are civil matters under Georgia law.
Acworth Building/Development Department — fence permits required. Apply through Acworth Development Department at 4415 Center St. Fence guide available on Code Compliance page. Screening fences must meet §73-152.
Cobb County requires pool barriers per Georgia Residential Code IRC Appendix G/ISPSC. Minimum 4-foot barrier (48 inches), self-closing self-latching gates, no climbable features. Inspected at pool permit.
Cobb County requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet in height or supporting a surcharge. Engineered plans stamped by a Georgia-licensed PE required for walls over 4 feet. Cobb IBC/IRC adopted.
Cobb County Zoning Ordinance §134 permits wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and chain-link fencing. Barbed wire and electric fences prohibited in residential districts (R-20, R-15, R-30, etc.). Chain-link discouraged in front yards.
Acworth local code stricter than state — pool barriers must be minimum 5 feet high (vs. state's 4 feet). Self-closing, self-latching gate required. Barrier must be installed before filling pool. Pool setback: 5 ft from property line.
Acworth requires a swimming pool permit before construction. Follows 2018 construction codes adopted by Georgia DCA. Anti-entrapment drain covers (VGBA) required. 6-month permit extensions available for due cause.
Above-ground pools in Acworth require the same 5-foot barrier and 5-foot setback from property lines as in-ground pools. Building permit required. Barrier must be installed before filling.
Cobb County requires electrical permits for hot tub and spa installations. GFCI protection mandatory on 240V circuits. Barrier rules apply unless ASTM F1346 locking safety cover installed.
Cobb County requires a building permit from Community Development (770-528-2035) for all in-ground pools and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep. Georgia IRC standards apply. Plan review, multiple inspections, and 4-foot barrier required.
Acworth Ch. 73 + 2024 Tree Ordinance — tree removal permits required for significant removals. Licensed contractor with $500K per-incident insurance required. Specimen trees preserved; replacement plan required.
GA Water Stewardship Act (2010) year-round restriction: no irrigation 10 AM–4 PM daily. Acworth served by Cherokee County Water/Allatoona Supply. EPD drought Level 1–4 restrictions escalate during declared drought.
Acworth Code Ch. 52 (Nuisances) / Ch. 98 (Vegetation) — overgrown yards are a code violation. 12 inches is the standard threshold. Code Compliance gives 3-day notice; fine up to $1,200.
Acworth homeowners may trim trees on private residential property without a permit. Tree ordinance (Ch. 73/98) focuses on development-related removal and specimen tree protection.
Cobb County encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through the Cobb Water System WaterSmart program. No mandate to replace lawns. Georgia Piedmont natives recommended for water conservation.
Cobb County permits artificial turf installation on residential property. No permit required for replacement of existing lawn. HOAs may restrict; Georgia has no state preemption of HOA turf restrictions.
Cobb County Code §78-56 caps grass/weeds at 12 inches on improved residential/commercial lots. O.C.G.A. §41-2-5 authorizes nuisance abatement. Kudzu a major invasive concern — owner responsibility on private land.
Cobb County allows residential rainwater harvesting. No permit needed for rain barrels under 660 gallons. Cobb-Marietta Water Authority (CMWA) offers periodic rain-barrel workshops. Georgia Water Stewardship Act encourages harvesting.
Acworth Zoning — home occupations must not generate commercial-level traffic or parking demand. No more than 1 business vehicle on property. Excessive customer traffic is a violation.
Acworth Ch. 74 (Signs) + Zoning — no commercial signage permitted for home-based businesses in residential zones. No exterior signs, banners, or business identification on the residence or property.
Acworth Ch. 73 — home occupations are permitted accessory uses with an In-Home Occupational Tax Certificate. Must comply with City Noise Ordinance. Cannot change residential character or generate commercial traffic.
Cobb County follows Georgia Cottage Food Law allowing limited home-produced food sales. Georgia Department of Agriculture license required. Annual revenue cap $50,000. Non-potentially hazardous foods only.
Cobb County permits home daycare with Georgia DECAL/Bright from the Start licensing. Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) allows up to 6 children. Larger programs need Group Child Care Home or center license.
Acworth participates in FEMA NFIP. Cobb County CRS Class 7 (15% flood insurance discount). Note: Acworth spans Cobb-Cherokee county line — Cherokee County also participates in NFIP. SFHA development requires city permit.
Cobb County Grading Permit required for earth movement over 5,000 sq ft or any work in setbacks/buffers. Drainage cannot be redirected onto adjacent properties (common-law nuisance). Retaining walls over 4 ft require engineered plans.
Cobb enforces Georgia Erosion & Sedimentation Act via Ch. 50, Art. III. Land Disturbance Permit required for disturbance ≥5,000 sq ft. 25-ft undisturbed state-waters buffer (50-ft for trout streams, 75-ft for MRPA). Daily GSWCC inspections.
Cobb County Stormwater Management Ordinance (Ch. 50, Art. VIII) requires post-development runoff to match pre-development for 25-year storm. MS4 permit (GAEPD). Water-quality volume treatment on all new development >1 acre disturbance.
Not applicable — Cobb County is 250+ miles inland from the Georgia coast. Coastal Marshlands Protection Act and Shore Protection Act do NOT apply. Chattahoochee River corridor MRPA serves an analogous local-waters role.
Acworth enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Cobb County Code §74-6 closes all county parks from 10 PM to 6 AM (dusk for some smaller parks). After-hours presence is a trespass violation. Lit athletic fields may run until 11 PM with permit.
Cobb County does not mandate residential recycling. Haulers offer optional single-stream recycling subscriptions. Keep Cobb Beautiful Recycling Center accepts paper, glass, metal, plastics #1–#7 free for residents.
Cobb County Code §102 requires bins be placed at curb no earlier than 6 PM day before pickup and retrieved within 24 hours after service. Bins must be stored out of public view between collections.
Cobb bulk-item pickup handled by each private hauler's subscription. County operates Household Hazardous Waste & E-Waste events and a Recycling Center at 1775 County Services Pkwy, Marietta (770-528-2500).
Cobb County has no county-run trash service; residents in unincorporated areas contract directly with private haulers (Waste Management, Republic, GFL). Most haulers run weekly pickup. County sets hauler licensing standards under Ch. 102.
Cobb County allows political signs on private property under Cobb Zoning Ordinance Article XIX (Signs). Signs in public rights-of-way are prohibited and subject to removal. First Amendment content-neutral rules apply post Reed v. Gilbert.
Cobb County does not regulate residential holiday displays. Standard ordinances on noise, lighting, and obstruction apply. HOA communities across East Cobb, West Cobb, and Vinings may impose additional restrictions.
Cobb County permits temporary yard sale signs on private property only. Signs in public rights-of-way or on utility poles are prohibited and removed without notice. Cobb Code Enforcement actively removes illegal signs countywide.
Cobb County requires trash and recycling carts to be stored out of public right-of-way view between collection days. Set out no earlier than 6 PM evening before pickup and retrieved by 6 AM day after. Cobb uses Republic/Waste Management or approved haulers.
Cobb County has no snow-clearing ordinance — rare event in North Georgia. Cobb DOT salts/clears public roads and bridges; property owners not required to clear sidewalks. General sidewalk-maintenance duty under §78 applies year-round.
Cobb County Code Ch. 78 property maintenance applies to yard sales. Items organized, tables removed at day's end, signs down within 24 hours of sale conclusion. Persistent clutter = blight citation.
Cobb County requires vacant lot owners to maintain grass under 12 inches and keep property free of trash and debris under Code §58-36. County may mow and lien for costs on non-compliant parcels.
Cobb County enforces property maintenance through Code Chapter 58 and the International Property Maintenance Code. Blighted properties including peeling paint, broken windows, debris, and overgrowth face notice and fines up to $1,000 per day.
Cobb Zoning Ord. §134 prohibits outdoor light trespass exceeding 0.5 foot-candles at a residential property line. Neighbor complaints handled by Cobb Code Enforcement (770-528-2180). Floodlights must be aimed and shielded.
Cobb County Zoning Ord. §134 requires full-cutoff outdoor fixtures for new commercial and multifamily projects. Light must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. No formal IDA Dark-Sky designation.
Cobb Zoning Ord. §134 caps impervious coverage at 35% R-15/R-20, 30% R-30/R-40, 25% R-80. Coverage includes building, driveway, patio, pool. Exceeding triggers stormwater management review.
Cobb Zoning Ord. §134 sets residential setbacks by district: R-80 (50/15/40 ft), R-30 (40/10/35 ft), R-20 (35/10/30 ft), R-15 (35/10/30 ft), R-12 (35/10/30 ft). Accessory structures typically 10 ft rear / 5 ft side.
Cobb Zoning Ord. §134 caps residential structures at 35 ft / 2.5 stories (R-15, R-20, R-30, R-40, R-80). Commercial/industrial districts 45–60 ft. Cumberland CID towers can exceed 150 ft. Dobbins ARB Part 77 surfaces impose FAA height review.
Cobb County follows Georgia state landlord-tenant law (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7). Georgia is a strong landlord-rights state with no just-cause eviction requirement. Dispossessory actions filed in Cobb County Magistrate Court.
Cobb County has no countywide rental registration requirement. The City of Marietta operates a voluntary Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. Landlords must comply with Cobb County property maintenance code and state building codes.
Rent control is banned in Georgia by state preemption (O.C.G.A. §44-7-19). Cobb County CANNOT impose rent caps or stabilization. Landlords may raise rent any amount with proper notice — 60 days for month-to-month (O.C.G.A. §44-7-7).
Cobb County requires building and electrical permits for solar panel installations through Cobb Community Development. Plan review, structural calculations, and final inspection required. Expedited solar permitting not formally adopted.
Georgia has no statewide solar access law protecting homeowners from HOA solar restrictions. Cobb County HOAs retain broad authority to regulate or prohibit rooftop solar installations through CC&Rs and architectural review.
Cobb Zoning Ordinance §134 restricts mobile food vending to approved commercial zones (GC, NRC) with property-owner consent. Not allowed in residential zones or public right-of-way. No county-run street vending program.
Cobb County requires mobile food vendors to hold a Cobb Business License (Ch. 90), Cobb & Douglas Public Health mobile food service permit, and food handler cards. Annual license ~$100+; Health permit requires vehicle inspection.
Cobb County does not operate a central No-Knock registry. Instead, Ch. 90, Art. III gives 'No Soliciting' signs the force of law — violators face trespass and permit revocation. Several Cobb cities (Marietta) run their own registries.
Cobb County Code Ch. 90, Art. III requires commercial door-to-door solicitors to obtain a Peddler/Solicitor permit, submit to background check, and wear a photo ID badge. Hours: 9 AM–7 PM (or sunset, whichever earlier). Religious/political exempt.
Cobb County Tree Ordinance uses a Tree Density Unit (TDU) replacement formula. Sites must maintain minimum 20–30 TDU/acre post-construction. Replacement trees 2"–3" caliper, from Cobb-approved native list. Fee-in-lieu paid into Cobb Tree Bank.
Cobb County Tree Preservation Ordinance (§134-Art. XXII) requires tree-protection plan for any development or removal of protected trees (8" DBH+ hardwoods, 12" pines). Residential lot-by-lot clearing strictly regulated. Fines up to $500/inch of unauthorized removal.
Cobb County designates specimen trees at 24" DBH (hardwood) or 30" DBH (pine). Heritage/specimen trees cannot be removed without variance from Cobb Tree Ordinance Administrator. Protected root zone (1 ft per 1" DBH) must be fenced during construction.
Cobb County Code Ch. 90 requires a free garage-sale permit from the Cobb Business License Office before each sale. Limited to 2 sales per household per calendar year. Signs only on your own property.
Cobb County garage sales permitted 7 AM–7 PM under Ch. 90. Must comply with noise ordinance (no early setup before 7 AM). Items and signs removed by end of each sale day.
Cobb County Code §90 caps yard sales at 2 per household per calendar year, max 3 consecutive days each. Exceeding triggers retail-business classification and requires a full occupation tax certificate.
Commercial drone operators in Cobb need FAA Part 107 certificate plus Cobb County occupation tax certificate. Dobbins Class C requires LAANC authorization for every flight. Filming on county property needs Cobb Film Office approval.
Cobb sits under Class C airspace of Dobbins ARB and adjacent to ATL Class B. Recreational drone flights require FAA Part 107 TRUST, LAANC authorization, and are prohibited within 5 miles of Dobbins without approval. Cobb parks ban launches per Ch. 74.
Home cannabis cultivation is illegal in Cobb County under Georgia state law (O.C.G.A. §16-13-30). Any plant cultivation is a felony. Georgia's medical 'low-THC oil' program (Haleon Act) does NOT permit home growing.
Cannabis dispensaries are prohibited in Cobb County. Only state-licensed Low-THC Oil dispensaries (under Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission) are permitted, and Cobb's Board of Commissioners can restrict local siting.
Georgia prohibits local governments from setting minimum wages above state or federal levels under Title 34 preemption enacted through HB 234.
Georgia preempts local governments from requiring private employers to provide paid leave, sick time, or other employment benefits beyond state and federal law.
Georgia preempts local predictable scheduling and fair workweek ordinances, preventing cities and counties from regulating employer shift practices for private workers.
Georgia is a permitless concealed carry state under SB 319 (2022), allowing lawful weapons carriers to carry concealed handguns statewide subject to statutory location restrictions.
Georgia broadly preempts local firearms regulation under O.C.G.A. 16-11-173, reserving authority to the General Assembly while permitting limited local rules at government buildings and parks.
Georgia permits lawful weapons carriers to openly carry handguns in most public places, with statewide preemption limiting local restrictions on open carry.
Georgia permits any lawful weapons carrier or eligible person to carry a handgun in a private vehicle without a permit under O.C.G.A. 16-11-126.
Georgia requires private employers with 11 or more employees to use E-Verify under O.C.G.A. 36-60-6, with annual affidavit certification tied to business licenses.
Georgia prohibits sanctuary policies under O.C.G.A. 36-80-23 and HB 1105, requiring local governments and law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Georgia counties retain zoning authority for agricultural operations, balanced against the Right to Farm Act's nuisance protections for established farms.
Georgia's Right to Farm Act in O.C.G.A. 41-1-7 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors and changing land uses.
Georgia does not prohibit plastic carryout bags statewide and has not enacted express preemption barring local action, though local bag restrictions remain rare.
Georgia imposes no statewide ban on polystyrene foam food service containers, leaving foam cups, plates, and clamshells widely available across the state.
Georgia has no statewide ban or upon-request rule for plastic straws, leaving food service operators free to provide single-use straws under standard health rules.
Georgia prohibits the sale of tobacco, vapor, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21, aligning state law with the federal Tobacco 21 standard.
Georgia does not impose a statewide ban on flavored tobacco or flavored vapor products, leaving sales lawful subject to age, licensing, and federal restrictions.
Georgia regulates vape and alternative nicotine retail sales under Title 16 Chapter 12 Article 8, requiring licensing, age verification, and product compliance for retailers.