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Cobb County, GA Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Trigger
apartment buildings 2+ stories
NFPA 13R
allowed up to 4 stories
NFPA 13
required above 4 stories
Exempt
single-story w/ exterior exits

Summary

New apartment buildings two stories or taller in unincorporated Cobb County must install a supervised fire protection sprinkler system, with NFPA 13R allowed up to four stories and full NFPA 13 required above that.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Cobb County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Except as otherwise provided, supervised fire protection sprinkler systems shall be required for all new apartment buildings two stories or more in height. NFPA 13R sprinkler systems shall be allowed in structures up to and including four stories in height. All buildings over four stories in height shall be protected by a NFPA 13 sprinkler system. All balconies and storage closets accessed from the balcony shall be protected by the fire protection sprinkler system.(c)Exception: Fire protection sprinkler systems are not required for new single story hotels, dormitories and apartment buildings with exit doors leading directly outside from each dwelling unit.(d)All existing hotels, dormitories, and apartment buildings that undergo a substantial renovation, as defined in section 54-54(i).(e)Except as otherwise provided, all new board and care occupancies (personal care homes) with four or more clients and all community living arrangements shall be equipped with an approved sprinkler system.(f)Sections 903.3.1.2.1, 903.4, 903.4.1, 903.4.2, and 903.4.3 of the International Fire Code adopted in section 54-52 are adopted for enforcement on new installations and buildings that undergo substantial renovation or a change in the classification of occupancy. (Ord. of 2-27-07; Ord. of 7-24-07; Amd. of 2-24-09; Amd. of 2-26-13; Amd. of 2-23-16; Amd. of 11-20-25)

Secs. 54-94, 54-95. - Reserved.

View official code

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's fire code requires supervised sprinkler systems for all new hotels, dormitories, and apartment buildings two or more stories tall. NFPA 13R systems are permitted in buildings up to four stories; anything taller must use a full NFPA 13 system. Single-story hotels, dorms, and apartments with exit doors leading directly outside are exempt. The Fire Marshal's Office enforces installation under § 54-93.

Violations & Fines

Occupying a new qualifying apartment building without an approved sprinkler system violates § 54-93 and can block certificate-of-occupancy issuance by the Fire Marshal's Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are single-family homes in Cobb County required to have fire sprinklers?
No. Section 54-93 only requires sprinklers in new hotels, dormitories, apartment buildings of two or more stories, and certain care facilities, not detached houses.
Can a four-story apartment building use a residential NFPA 13R system?
Yes, § 54-93(a)-(b) allows NFPA 13R systems up to and including four stories; taller buildings need full NFPA 13 coverage.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cobb County

All Cobb County rules

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