Cobb County, GA Building Safety: Fire Sprinkler Requirements (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.
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.
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?
Can a four-story apartment building use a residential NFPA 13R system?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cobb County
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