101 local rules on file · Pop. 9,028 · Cobb County
Showing ordinances that apply to Fair Oaks, GA
Fair Oaks is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 9,028 in Cobb County, Georgia. Because Fair Oaks is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Cobb County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Cobb County may have different rules.
Cobb County nuisance code — weeds and grass exceeding 12 inches in height are unlawful on all properties including utility easements and water impoundments. Code Enforcement issues compliance notice before citation.
Cobb County encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through the Cobb Water System WaterSmart program. No mandate to replace lawns. Georgia Piedmont natives recommended for water conservation.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Cobb County ordinances.
Cobb County permits artificial turf installation on residential property. No permit required for replacement of existing lawn. HOAs may restrict; Georgia has no state preemption of HOA turf restrictions.
Cobb County follows Georgia Cottage Food Law allowing limited home-produced food sales. Georgia Department of Agriculture license required. Annual revenue cap $50,000. Non-potentially hazardous foods only.
Cobb County permits home daycare with Georgia DECAL/Bright from the Start licensing. Family Child Care Learning Home (FCCLH) allows up to 6 children. Larger programs need Group Child Care Home or center license.
Cobb County Ch. 134 — home occupations must produce no external evidence of commercial activity. No commercial signage, banners, or business identification permitted in residential zones. Sign Ordinance (Ch. 134 Art. V) governs.
Cobb County Ch. 134 — no clients allowed except for individual instruction. No employees parking on site without BOC approval. No commercial deliveries. Off-site employees may not congregate on premises.
Cobb County Ch. 134 — home occupations permitted in all residential districts; conducted entirely within dwelling; max 25% of unit area; no clients except for individual instruction (tutoring, music, etc.); no commercial carriers.
Cobb County requires building permits for carport construction. Must meet zoning setbacks for accessory structures. Attached carports treated as home additions with full permit review.
Cobb County has no specific tiny home ordinance. Foundation-built tiny homes must meet Cobb minimum dwelling standards and IRC. Tiny homes on wheels classified as RVs — long-term residential occupancy not permitted in residential zones.
Garage conversions to living space in Cobb County require a building permit and compliance with IRC/2024 Georgia codes. Original parking minimums must still be satisfied. ADU rules do not currently apply (no ADU ordinance).
Cobb County (unincorporated) does NOT have an approved ADU ordinance as of 2025 — a 2024 draft was withdrawn by Board of Commissioners. Interior conversions allowed under existing residential building rules.
Cobb County Building Division — sheds and accessory structures require building permits. Must comply with Ch. 134 zoning setbacks. No habitation in sheds. Outdoor storage generally prohibited in residential zones.
Cobb County requires pool barriers per Georgia Residential Code IRC Appendix G/ISPSC. Minimum 4-foot barrier (48 inches), self-closing self-latching gates, no climbable features. Inspected at pool permit.
Cobb County requires a building permit for retaining walls over 4 feet in height or supporting a surcharge. Engineered plans stamped by a Georgia-licensed PE required for walls over 4 feet. Cobb IBC/IRC adopted.
Cobb County Zoning Ordinance §134 permits wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and chain-link fencing. Barbed wire and electric fences prohibited in residential districts (R-20, R-15, R-30, etc.). Chain-link discouraged in front yards.
Cobb County Building Division — fence permits required for solid fences exceeding 6 feet. Pool barriers require permits. Applications through Cobb County Building Permits online portal.
Cobb County does not require neighbor consent for fence installation. Finished side must face exterior. Setbacks and height limits from §134-267 apply. Boundary disputes are civil matters under Georgia law.
Cobb County Ch. 134, §134-267 — fences adjacent to public road ROW or in front/side yard of residential/nonresidential property max 6 feet. Height includes posts and ornaments on both sides. Backfill max 6 inches.
Cobb County Code §98-8 prohibits abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public roads or visible on private property. State law O.C.G.A. §40-11-1+ provides 10-day threshold. Cobb Police tag and tow after notice.
Cobb County prohibits parking on county roads between 2 AM and 6 AM under Cobb Code §98-6. Enforcement is complaint-driven and focused on neighborhoods with parking problems. Tickets start at $30.
Cobb County allows residential EV charger installation with an electrical permit from Cobb Community Development. Level 2 chargers typical. No HOA preemption — Georgia lacks state EV access law.
Cobb County Zoning Ch. 134 — vehicles must park on hardened surfaces. Max 1 vehicle per 390 sq ft of living space; max 4 outside garage in standard residential zones (PRD, OSC, RA-5 through R-20).
Cobb County §118-158 — vehicles must face traffic flow, have valid tags, be operational. No parking where blocking driveways or restricting traffic flow. Vehicles must park on hardened surfaces in residential zones.
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 may not park or congregate at the residence.
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 prohibited in residential zones except firewood and lawn furnishings.
Cobb County prohibits feeding of wildlife that creates nuisances under Cobb Code Chapter 10 (Animals). Coyote, deer, and raccoon feeding is particularly targeted. Georgia DNR regulates state game species.
Cobb County Code Ch. 10 allows backyard chickens on residential lots of 2+ acres (AG and R-80/R-40 zones). Under 2 acres not permitted. Roosters prohibited. Livestock (goats, pigs, horses) requires AG zoning or 2+ acre minimum.
GA Code §27-5-4 prohibits Class 1 wild animals as pets statewide. Cobb County Ch. 10 defines exotic animals as those not indigenous to Georgia — additional regulations apply. DNR permit required for non-standard animals.
No breed-specific ordinance in Cobb County. GA Responsible Dog Ownership Law (§§4-8-20 to 4-8-33) governs — dangerous/vicious classifications are behavior-based. Invisible fences not acceptable for classified dangerous dogs.
Cobb County has no specific beekeeping ordinance. Georgia Apiary Act (GA Code §2-14-40+) governs statewide. Check with Cobb County Zoning (770-528-2035) for accessory-use rules in your specific zone.
Cobb County Ch. 10, §10-11 — all dogs must be on a leash ≤6 ft when off owner's premises, held by capable handler. No permanent stationary tethering. Tethers must be ≥10 feet if used temporarily.
Cobb County requires electrical permits for hot tub and spa installations. GFCI protection mandatory on 240V circuits. Barrier rules apply unless ASTM F1346 locking safety cover installed.
Cobb County requires a building permit from Community Development (770-528-2035) for all in-ground pools and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep. Georgia IRC standards apply. Plan review, multiple inspections, and 4-foot barrier required.
Cobb County follows 2024 ISPSC (eff. 1/1/2026) — pool barriers minimum 4 feet high; self-closing/self-latching gates; openings ≤4 inches; latch ≥54 inches from ground. Permit required; licensed contractor required.
Above-ground pools in Cobb County subject to same 2024 ISPSC barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Building permit required. Pool wall may serve as barrier if ≥4 ft with secured ladder gate.
Cobb County (eff. Jan 1, 2026) — all pool construction requires valid Cobb County permit. Licensed contractor (GA GC License or PHTA CBP) required. Anti-entrapment (VGBA) drain covers required. 2024 ISPSC governs.
Cobb County is not in a designated wildfire hazard zone. Metro Atlanta suburban density and climate reduce wildfire risk. Georgia Forestry Commission burn permits still required for outdoor burning. Kennesaw Mountain area has elevated wildland-urban interface risk.
Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services enforces Int'l Fire Code defensible-space standards. Open burning requires a permit from GA Forestry Commission and is banned May 1–Sept 30 in Cobb (EPD 13-county metro rule).
Cobb County ordinance bans consumer fireworks 9 PM–10 AM daily. GA state law permits adults 18+ on certain holidays 10 AM–9 PM. Prohibited at all Cobb County parks without special permit.
Cobb County §54-117 — outdoor burning Oct 1–Apr 30; 10 AM to 1 hour before sunset; fires <6x6 ft no permit; larger fires require permit (100 ft from property line, 300 ft from structures). Violations: $100–$1,000.
Cobb County recreational fires (clean wood only, ≤3 ft diameter, ≤2 ft height) are year-round and exempt from seasonal burn ban. Must be attended; 25 ft from structures; 10 AM–10:30 PM only.
Cobb County requires short-term rental operators to maintain liability insurance of at least $1,000,000. Proof of insurance required at initial permit application and annual renewal under Cobb Code Chapter 106.
Cobb County limits short-term rental occupancy under the STR ordinance. Occupancy caps typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional, not to exceed 12 total. Exceeding limits is grounds for permit revocation.
Cobb County STR operators owe Hotel-Motel Excise Tax. GA state hotel tax 4% + $5/night fee applies. County collects excise tax per GA Code §48-13-50+. Airbnb/VRBO auto-collect most taxes. Annual $55 certificate fee.
Cobb County STR ordinance — 1 off-street parking space per bedroom + 1 additional required. Must be per zoning ordinance standards. Max vehicles must be posted on premises. No grass/unpaved surface parking.
Cobb County STR ordinance (eff. Jan 1, 2023) — $55 annual STR certificate required; local agent required; 1 person per 390 sq ft; 1 parking space per bedroom + 1 extra; neighbor notification required; 1 certificate per dwelling unit.
Cobb County STR certificate must display noise rules on premises. Guests must comply with Ch. 50 noise ordinance — 70 dB daytime / 65 dB nighttime / quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM. Host responsible for guest compliance.
Cobb County has no leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Operation governed by general noise code Ch. 50, Art. VII — must stay under 70 dB daytime / 65 dB 11 PM–7 AM, or face Magistrate Court citation. No gas-blower ban.
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 disturbances.
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 audible at 100 ft from the source is unlawful day or night — police enforce on complaint.
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 projects exempt from daytime commercial project noise rules.
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 County Animal Services (770-499-4136) enforces.
Cobb County enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
Cobb County Code §74-6 closes all county parks from 10 PM to 6 AM (dusk for some smaller parks). After-hours presence is a trespass violation. Lit athletic fields may run until 11 PM with permit.
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.
Cobb enforces Georgia Erosion & Sedimentation Act via Ch. 50, Art. III. Land Disturbance Permit required for disturbance ≥5,000 sq ft. 25-ft undisturbed state-waters buffer (50-ft for trout streams, 75-ft for MRPA). Daily GSWCC inspections.
Cobb County Stormwater Management Ordinance (Ch. 50, Art. VIII) requires post-development runoff to match pre-development for 25-year storm. MS4 permit (GAEPD). Water-quality volume treatment on all new development >1 acre disturbance.
Not applicable — Cobb County is 250+ miles inland from the Georgia coast. Coastal Marshlands Protection Act and Shore Protection Act do NOT apply. Chattahoochee River corridor MRPA serves an analogous local-waters role.
Cobb County participates in FEMA NFIP with CRS Class 7 rating (15% flood insurance discount). All SFHA development requires county permit. 50% substantial improvement rule applies. Georgia DFirm maps used.
Cobb County does not mandate residential recycling. Haulers offer optional single-stream recycling subscriptions. Keep Cobb Beautiful Recycling Center accepts paper, glass, metal, plastics #1–#7 free for residents.
Cobb County Code §102 requires bins be placed at curb no earlier than 6 PM day before pickup and retrieved within 24 hours after service. Bins must be stored out of public view between collections.
Cobb bulk-item pickup handled by each private hauler's subscription. County operates Household Hazardous Waste & E-Waste events and a Recycling Center at 1775 County Services Pkwy, Marietta (770-528-2500).
Cobb County has no county-run trash service; residents in unincorporated areas contract directly with private haulers (Waste Management, Republic, GFL). Most haulers run weekly pickup. County sets hauler licensing standards under Ch. 102.
Cobb County allows political signs on private property under Cobb Zoning Ordinance Article XIX (Signs). Signs in public rights-of-way are prohibited and subject to removal. First Amendment content-neutral rules apply post Reed v. Gilbert.
Cobb County does not regulate residential holiday displays. Standard ordinances on noise, lighting, and obstruction apply. HOA communities across East Cobb, West Cobb, and Vinings may impose additional restrictions.
Cobb County permits temporary yard sale signs on private property only. Signs in public rights-of-way or on utility poles are prohibited and removed without notice. Cobb Code Enforcement actively removes illegal signs countywide.
Cobb County requires trash and recycling carts to be stored out of public right-of-way view between collection days. Set out no earlier than 6 PM evening before pickup and retrieved by 6 AM day after. Cobb uses Republic/Waste Management or approved haulers.
Cobb County has no snow-clearing ordinance — rare event in North Georgia. Cobb DOT salts/clears public roads and bridges; property owners not required to clear sidewalks. General sidewalk-maintenance duty under §78 applies year-round.
Cobb County Code Ch. 78 property maintenance applies to yard sales. Items organized, tables removed at day's end, signs down within 24 hours of sale conclusion. Persistent clutter = blight citation.
Cobb County requires vacant lot owners to maintain grass under 12 inches and keep property free of trash and debris under Code §58-36. County may mow and lien for costs on non-compliant parcels.
Cobb County enforces property maintenance through Code Chapter 58 and the International Property Maintenance Code. Blighted properties including peeling paint, broken windows, debris, and overgrowth face notice and fines up to $1,000 per day.
Cobb Zoning Ord. §134 prohibits outdoor light trespass exceeding 0.5 foot-candles at a residential property line. Neighbor complaints handled by Cobb Code Enforcement (770-528-2180). Floodlights must be aimed and shielded.
Cobb County Zoning Ord. §134 requires full-cutoff outdoor fixtures for new commercial and multifamily projects. Light must not exceed 0.5 foot-candles at residential property lines. No formal IDA Dark-Sky designation.
Cobb Zoning Ord. §134 caps impervious coverage at 35% R-15/R-20, 30% R-30/R-40, 25% R-80. Coverage includes building, driveway, patio, pool. Exceeding triggers stormwater management review.
Cobb Zoning Ord. §134 sets residential setbacks by district: R-80 (50/15/40 ft), R-30 (40/10/35 ft), R-20 (35/10/30 ft), R-15 (35/10/30 ft), R-12 (35/10/30 ft). Accessory structures typically 10 ft rear / 5 ft side.
Cobb Zoning Ord. §134 caps residential structures at 35 ft / 2.5 stories (R-15, R-20, R-30, R-40, R-80). Commercial/industrial districts 45–60 ft. Cumberland CID towers can exceed 150 ft. Dobbins ARB Part 77 surfaces impose FAA height review.
Cobb County follows Georgia state landlord-tenant law (O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 7). Georgia is a strong landlord-rights state with no just-cause eviction requirement. Dispossessory actions filed in Cobb County Magistrate Court.
Cobb County has no countywide rental registration requirement. The City of Marietta operates a voluntary Crime Free Multi-Housing Program. Landlords must comply with Cobb County property maintenance code and state building codes.
Rent control is banned in Georgia by state preemption (O.C.G.A. §44-7-19). Cobb County CANNOT impose rent caps or stabilization. Landlords may raise rent any amount with proper notice — 60 days for month-to-month (O.C.G.A. §44-7-7).
Cobb County requires building and electrical permits for solar panel installations through Cobb Community Development. Plan review, structural calculations, and final inspection required. Expedited solar permitting not formally adopted.
Georgia has no statewide solar access law protecting homeowners from HOA solar restrictions. Cobb County HOAs retain broad authority to regulate or prohibit rooftop solar installations through CC&Rs and architectural review.
Cobb Zoning Ordinance §134 restricts mobile food vending to approved commercial zones (GC, NRC) with property-owner consent. Not allowed in residential zones or public right-of-way. No county-run street vending program.
Cobb County requires mobile food vendors to hold a Cobb Business License (Ch. 90), Cobb & Douglas Public Health mobile food service permit, and food handler cards. Annual license ~$100+; Health permit requires vehicle inspection.
Cobb County does not operate a central No-Knock registry. Instead, Ch. 90, Art. III gives 'No Soliciting' signs the force of law — violators face trespass and permit revocation. Several Cobb cities (Marietta) run their own registries.
Cobb County Code Ch. 90, Art. III requires commercial door-to-door solicitors to obtain a Peddler/Solicitor permit, submit to background check, and wear a photo ID badge. Hours: 9 AM–7 PM (or sunset, whichever earlier). Religious/political exempt.
Cobb County Tree Ordinance uses a Tree Density Unit (TDU) replacement formula. Sites must maintain minimum 20–30 TDU/acre post-construction. Replacement trees 2"–3" caliper, from Cobb-approved native list. Fee-in-lieu paid into Cobb Tree Bank.
Cobb County Tree Preservation Ordinance (§134-Art. XXII) requires tree-protection plan for any development or removal of protected trees (8" DBH+ hardwoods, 12" pines). Residential lot-by-lot clearing strictly regulated. Fines up to $500/inch of unauthorized removal.
Cobb County designates specimen trees at 24" DBH (hardwood) or 30" DBH (pine). Heritage/specimen trees cannot be removed without variance from Cobb Tree Ordinance Administrator. Protected root zone (1 ft per 1" DBH) must be fenced during construction.
Cobb County Code Ch. 90 requires a free garage-sale permit from the Cobb Business License Office before each sale. Limited to 2 sales per household per calendar year. Signs only on your own property.
Cobb County garage sales permitted 7 AM–7 PM under Ch. 90. Must comply with noise ordinance (no early setup before 7 AM). Items and signs removed by end of each sale day.
Cobb County Code §90 caps yard sales at 2 per household per calendar year, max 3 consecutive days each. Exceeding triggers retail-business classification and requires a full occupation tax certificate.
Commercial drone operators in Cobb need FAA Part 107 certificate plus Cobb County occupation tax certificate. Dobbins Class C requires LAANC authorization for every flight. Filming on county property needs Cobb Film Office approval.
Cobb sits under Class C airspace of Dobbins ARB and adjacent to ATL Class B. Recreational drone flights require FAA Part 107 TRUST, LAANC authorization, and are prohibited within 5 miles of Dobbins without approval. Cobb parks ban launches per Ch. 74.
Home cannabis cultivation is illegal in Cobb County under Georgia state law (O.C.G.A. §16-13-30). Any plant cultivation is a felony. Georgia's medical 'low-THC oil' program (Haleon Act) does NOT permit home growing.
Cannabis dispensaries are prohibited in Cobb County. Only state-licensed Low-THC Oil dispensaries (under Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission) are permitted, and Cobb's Board of Commissioners can restrict local siting.