Smyrna, GA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-30 through R-8 height
- 35 feet maximum
- RD and RD-4 rows
- 35 feet, marked (2 stories)
- Exempt features (§ 1206)
- Spires, cupolas, chimneys, flagpoles, aerials and similar
- CBD height (§ 802)
- 35 feet or 3 stories
- MU district height (§ 720.5)
- 66 feet, no more than five stories
- Penalty
- $200.00 to $500.00 per offense, each day separate
Summary
In the City of Smyrna, Georgia, the Appendix A § 801 table caps the height of structures at 35 feet in the R-30, R-20, R-15, R-12, R-10 and R-8 districts, and the RD and RD-4 rows add a two-story limit. Section 504 bars any building from exceeding the height limits, and § 1206 exempts spires, chimneys, flagpoles and similar features.
Districts Single-Family Dwelling Two-Family Dwelling (per unit) Multifamily Dwelling (per unit) Minimum 1 Floor Area (square feet) Maximum Lot Coverage by Buildings and Other Structures Including Paving (percent) Minimum Lot Width at Setback Line (feet) Major Thoroughfare Minor Thoroughfare Other Minimum 2 Side Yard (feet) Minimum 2 Rear Yard (feet) Maximum Height of Structures (feet) R-30 30,000 — — 2,200 25 110 60 50 45 15 40 35 R-20 20,000 — — 2,100 35 100 50 40 35 12 35 35 R-15 15,000 — — 2,000 35 85 50 40 35 10 30 35 R-12 12,000 — — 1,900 35 85 50 40 35 10 30 35 R-10 10,000 — — 1,500 45 50 50 40 25 7.5 25 35 R-8 8,000 — — 1,500 45 50 50 40 25 5 25 35 RDA—Single-family detached 7,260 — — 1,800 45 50 50 40 25 5 30 35 ... RD 12,500 (2 units per lot, maximum) — — 1,200 (per unit) 35 75 50 40 35 7.5 30 35 (2 stories) RD-4 17,000 (4 units per lot, maximum) — — 1,200 (per unit) 35 100 50 40 35 10 30 35 (2 stories)
Full Breakdown
The Smyrna Zoning Ordinance, Appendix A of the city code, sets residential building height in the Article VIII dimensional table at § 801. The last column, Maximum Height of Structures (feet), prints 35 for R-30, R-20, R-15, R-12, R-10, R-8 and RDA single-family detached. The RD and RD-4 rows print 35 and add "(2 stories)" beside it. The rows for the other residential districts sit in the same table, so the height figure sits next to the setback and lot coverage numbers for each zone.
Section 504 makes the limit binding: no building or structure can be erected, constructed, reconstructed or altered to exceed the height limits, contain a greater number of dwelling units, occupy a greater percentage of lot area, or have narrower or smaller yards or open spaces than the ordinance requires. Section 1206 carves out exemptions. The height limitations do not apply to church spires, belfries, cupolas, domes, transmission towers, chimneys, smokestacks, water tanks, derricks, conveyors, flagpoles, radio or television towers, and aerials.
Nonresidential and mixed-use districts run higher. Section 802 prints 35 feet or 3 stories in CBD and 55 feet or 5 stories in LC, NS, OI and HI. In GC, additional height must be approved by the mayor and city council. A footnote requires buildings in excess of 35 feet to be approved by the fire chief to insure adequacy of fire protection facilities and services. The MU mixed use district in § 720.5 sets a maximum building height of 66 feet with no more than five stories above ground. That height is measured from the average finish ground or rooftop of underground deck elevation to the bottom of the roof structure (roof bearing), and it excludes spires, belfries, cupolas, chimneys, elevator housings, roof access stairs, parapets and decorative towers not intended for human occupancy.
Height also shows up at the permit counter. Section 1304.3 requires the plans to show the shape, size, height, use and location on the lot of the proposed building, and under § 1302 the building inspector issues a permit only if the proposed development conforms to the ordinance.
Violations & Fines
Violating the height limits or any other provision of the zoning ordinance is a misdemeanor under § 1307, punished on conviction by a fine of at least $200.00 and not more than $500.00 for each offense, with each day a separate offense. Under § 1308 the building inspector, another city authority or a damaged adjacent owner can seek an injunction or abatement to remove an unlawful structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in Smyrna's R-20 district?
Do chimneys and flagpoles count toward the height limit?
Is there a story limit as well as a foot limit?
Who approves a commercial building taller than 35 feet in Smyrna?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Smyrna
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How other cities in Cobb County handle structure height limits.