Moving to Marietta, GA? Here Are the Local Rules You Should Know

Marietta, Georgia may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 40 tracked ordinances across 12 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Noise Ordinances

Construction Hours: Marietta Code Pt. 10, Ch.

Also covered: Amplified Music & Events (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate), Quiet Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Marietta for details.

Landscaping Rules

Water Restrictions: GA Water Stewardship Act (2010) year-round restriction: no landscape irrigation 10 AM–4 PM daily. Marietta Water and Cobb County Water System enforce drought-triggered level 1–4 restrictions when EPD declares drought..

Also covered: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate), Grass Height Limits (moderate), Tree Trimming (permissive). See the full landscaping rules guide for Marietta for details.

Fire Regulations

Outdoor Burning: Marietta permits residential open burning Oct 1–Apr 30 only — daily permit required from Fire Marshal's Office; leaves, pine straw, and twigs only; 10 AM to sunset; 50-foot setback from structures..

Also covered: Fireworks (moderate), Fire Pit Rules (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Marietta for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Permit Requirements: City of Marietta falls under Cobb County STR ordinance (eff. Jan 1, 2023) — annual STR certificate required at $55/year from Cobb County Business License Office.

Also covered: Occupancy Limits (moderate), Insurance Requirements (permissive), Taxes & Fees (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Marietta for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Marietta Zoning Ordinance Division 708 treats carports as accessory structures: detached carports must sit to the side or rear of the principal building at least 10 feet from side and rear lot lines, may not exceed the height of the principal structure, and their footprint may not exceed 50% of the principal structure's footprint. Attached carports are part of the principal structure and follow the principal-building setbacks.

Also covered: ADU Rules (moderate), Shed Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Marietta for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Marietta follows the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with GA Amendments — pool barrier minimum 4 feet high, self-closing/self-latching gate. Gate latch at least 54 inches from ground..

Also covered: Above-Ground Pools (moderate), Safety Rules (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Marietta for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Marietta Zoning Div. 712 — Type A home occupations: NO signage permitted on property and no advertisements with property address.

Also covered: Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (moderate). See the full home business guide for Marietta for details.

Curfew Laws

Juvenile Curfew: Marietta 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..

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Marietta Zoning Ord. §716.09(B) — RVs/trailers may not park in front of the principal structure in residential zones.

Also covered: Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), Street Parking Limits (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Marietta for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Marietta participates in NFIP and holds CRS Class 8 rating (flood insurance discount). All new floodplain development requires a city permit.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: GA Code §27-5-4 prohibits many Class 1 wild animals as pets statewide. Cobb County does not permit big cats, wolves, bears, venomous reptiles, or similar animals as pets.

Also covered: Dog Leash Laws (moderate), Breed Restrictions (permissive), Beekeeping (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Marietta for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Marietta Zoning Ord. Div.

Also covered: Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive), Permit Requirements (permissive). See the full fence regulations guide for Marietta for details.

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Marietta, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Marietta's city hall or code enforcement office.