Accessory Structures in Marietta, GA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Marietta, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Marietta allows one accessory dwelling unit per lot as a director-approved temporary/conditional use under Section 708.01(C)(2). The ADU must sit behind the principal house, at least 10 feet from any property line, cannot exceed the principal structure's height, and its footprint is capped at half the principal structure's size. The owner must live in either the main house or the ADU.
Marietta Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules
Significant RestrictionsMarietta Code of Ordinances § 708.01(C)(2)
2.One accessory dwelling unit (ADU), provided:a)Such structure is located to the rear of the principal structure and no less than 10 feet from any property line.b)Such structure has 5,000 square feet of lot area dedicated to its use in addition to the district requirements for the principal use.c)No paying guests or tenants are housed.d)No other similar use or structure is located on the lot.e)...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Marietta lets homeowners in the R-1 through R-4 single-family districts build one accessory dwelling unit as a director-approved temporary/conditional use, but Section 708.01(C)(2)(i) requires the property owner to live in either the main house or the ADU. An absentee owner loses the approval.
Marietta ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Some RestrictionsMarietta Code of Ordinances § 708.01(C)(2)(i)
2.One accessory dwelling unit (ADU), provided:a)Such structure is located to the rear of the principal structure and no less than 10 feet from any property line. ... i)The property owner must occupy either the principal structure or the accessory dwelling unit.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Marietta bars renting out a backyard accessory dwelling unit to anyone. Section 708.01(C)(2)(c) states flatly that no paying guests or tenants are housed in an ADU built in the R-1 through R-4 single-family districts, closing off rental use of the unit citywide.
Marietta ADU No-Rental Restriction
Heavy RestrictionsMarietta Code of Ordinances § 708.01(C)(2)(c)
2.One accessory dwelling unit (ADU), provided:a)Such structure is located to the rear of the principal structure and no less than 10 feet from any property line.b)Such structure has 5,000 square feet of lot area dedicated to its use in addition to the district requirements for the principal use.c)No paying guests or tenants are housed.d)No other similar use or structure is located on the lot.
Shed & Carport Rules
A backyard shed in Marietta's R-1 district must sit at least 10 feet from the side or rear lot line under Section 708.01(F), and once it tops 15 feet in height the rear setback grows to 30 feet, or a distance equal to its own height, whichever is smaller.
Marietta Accessory Structure Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsMarietta Code of Ordinances § 708.01(F)
F.Accessory Structures.1.All such structures shall be located upon the same lot and to the side or rear of the principal use at least 10 feet from side or rear lot lines. In cases of corner lots, the accessory structure may not be closer to any right-of-way than the principal building. ... 4.Accessory structures greater than 15 feet in height, but less than 35 feet in height, must be set back a...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Marietta city rules.
Accessory Structures in Cobb County →