Animal Ordinances in Marietta, GA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Marietta, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Marietta's zoning code splits animal keeping into two tiers. Chickens are allowed in residential districts on lots of at least 15,000 square feet, capped at 4 hens with no roosters. Larger livestock, including poultry flocks and riding stables, needs at least 5 acres, with animal buildings set back 150 feet from every property line under Code of Ordinances Section 708.01.
Marietta Backyard Chickens and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsMarietta Code of Ordinances § 708.01(B)(3), (C)(5)
3.Livestock, poultry and non-commercial riding stables, provided:a)No livestock shall be kept on a lot containing less than 5 acres.b)All buildings used for animals shall be set back not less than 150 feet from all property lines.c)All animals shall be maintained at least 50 feet from any property line and shall have 5,000 square feet of fenced lot area not covered by the principal structure fo...
Dog Leash Laws
Marietta has no separate citywide leash ordinance of its own: Code Sec. 10-10-090 adopts the entire Cobb County Animal Control Ordinance as the city's leash and at-large law, enforced within city limits. In city dog parks, Code Sec. 10-4-200 additionally requires dogs stay leashed until inside the double-gated entry area.
Marietta Dog Leash & At-Large Rules
Some RestrictionsMarietta Code of Ordinances §§ 10-4-200, 10-10-090
A.Area Designated. An off-leash area is hereby designated in Lewis Park and in Wildwood Park. ... 10.All dogs must be kept on a leash until inside the double-gated entry area. ... The City of Marietta hereby adopts the Animal Control Ordinance of Cobb County, being Chapter 10 of the Official Code of Cobb County, Georgia, as amended, as an ordinance of the City of Marietta as if set forth herein...
Breed Restrictions
Marietta's designated dog parks and off-leash areas in Lewis Park and Wildwood Park bar pit bulls and Rottweilers entirely under Code § 10-4-200(C)(1), regardless of an individual dog's temperament, alongside a citywide three-dog limit and a ban on dogs with known aggressive tendencies.
Marietta's Pit Bull and Rottweiler Dog-Park Ban
Light RestrictionsMarietta Code of Ordinances § 10-4-200(C)(1)
C.Rules for Use of Parks and Areas. The following rules are established for the use of designated dog parks or off-leash areas:1.Pit Bulls and Rottweilers are prohibited from dog parks or off-leash areas.
Wildlife Feeding
Marietta makes it unlawful to feed wildlife or animals on public property inside the central business district, under Code Sec. 10-10-080. The rule targets the pigeon and stray-feeding problems tied to the downtown Marietta Square area rather than the whole city.
Marietta Ban on Feeding Wildlife Downtown
Some RestrictionsMarietta Code of Ordinances § 10-10-080
It is unlawful for any person to feed wildlife or animals on public property within the central business district of the City of Marietta as same is defined and on record with the city clerk's office.
Pet Limits
Marietta caps ordinary household pets at four domesticated animals per dwelling unit under Code Sec. 10-10-130.B. The definition covers dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds and chickens, and animals under six months old don't count toward the cap.
Marietta's 4-Pet Limit Per Dwelling
Some RestrictionsMarietta Code of Ordinances § 10-10-130
A.Definition. "Domesticated animals" are defined as small animals permitted in the house or yard and kept for company or pleasure, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, birds, and chickens, but excluding swine, livestock, and exotic animals.B.Permitted Use. Each dwelling unit may contain a maximum of four domesticated animals, except as otherwise permitted. This standard shall not apply to anim...
Pet Groomer Rules
Marietta confines animal grooming shops to its HI Heavy Industrial and LI Light Industrial districts, where Section 708.27(B)(5) requires the structure and every grooming activity to stay at least 100 feet from any residentially zoned property.
Marietta Pet Groomer Zoning Setback
Some RestrictionsMarietta Code of Ordinances § 708.27(B)(5)
5.Animal grooming shops. All structures shall be located, and activities conducted, at least 100 feet from any property zoned for residential purposes.
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
Marietta permits animal hospitals, kennels and veterinary clinics only in its Heavy and Light Industrial districts. Section 708.27(B)(6) keeps every structure and activity at least 100 feet from residential zoning and requires animals to stay inside an enclosed building with adequate sound and odor control.
Marietta Veterinary Clinic Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsMarietta Code of Ordinances § 708.27(B)(6)
6.Animal hospitals, kennels and veterinary clinics.a)All structures shall be located and activities conducted at least 100 feet from any property zoned for residential purposes.b)All animals shall be located within an enclosed building and adequate sound and odor control shall be maintained.
Looking for Cobb County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Marietta city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Cobb County →