Cobb County Grading Permit required for earth movement over 5,000 sq ft or any work in setbacks/buffers. Drainage cannot be redirected onto adjacent properties (common-law nuisance). Retaining walls over 4 ft require engineered plans.
Grading, filling, or excavation in unincorporated Cobb County requires a Land Disturbance Permit (same threshold as erosion control — 5,000 sq ft disturbance) plus engineering review if it affects drainage patterns. Key rules under Ch. 50 and the Building Code: (1) Site grading must direct surface water away from structures with minimum 5% slope for 10 feet. (2) Drainage cannot be redirected or concentrated onto adjacent properties — violations trigger both Code Enforcement action and civil nuisance/trespass liability under Georgia common law. (3) Retaining walls over 4 feet (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) require engineered plans sealed by a Georgia PE, building permit, and inspection. Tiered walls count cumulatively if less than 2H horizontal separation. (4) Cut/fill slopes must be 3:1 or flatter unless engineered. (5) Stormwater concentration points require rip-rap or engineered energy dissipation.
Unpermitted grading: stop-work + $250–$2,500 fine. Redirecting water to neighbor: corrective order + private civil action possible. Unpermitted tall retaining wall: stop-work, engineering required retroactively, $500–$2,500.
Cobb County, GA
Cobb County §50-257 — keeping any animal that by frequent or long-continued noise disturbs comfort or repose of persons in the vicinity is a violation. Cobb ...
Cobb County, GA
Cobb County Ch. 50, Art. VII — construction noise subject to 70 dB daytime limit. Sunday construction permitted 9 AM–6:59 PM (2023 amendment). Residential pr...
Cobb County, GA
Cobb County quiet hours are 11 PM–7 AM (Code §50-256/50-257). Daytime noise limit 70 dB, nighttime 65 dB (2023 amendment). Any unreasonable noise plainly aud...
Cobb County, GA
Cobb County regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. O.C.G.A. §16-11-39 applies to unreasonable distu...
Cobb County, GA
Cobb County Zoning Ch. 134 — in R-40, R-80, RR zones, combinations of boats/RVs exceeding 3 must be screened from public roadways. Outside storage generally ...
Cobb County, GA
Cobb County Ch. 134 — only 1 business vehicle (resident's use only) may park on residential premises. No materials or equipment storage. Off-site employees m...
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