Before You Build in Kennesaw, GA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Kennesaw does not require neighbor consent before fence installation. Owner is responsible for compliance with setbacks and height limits. Boundary disputes are a civil matter under Georgia property law.

Kennesaw Zoning Appendix A — fences in front yards adjacent to public roads max 6 ft; rear yard fences max 8 ft. Properties near Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park face additional height restrictions.

Kennesaw Building Services — fence permits required for solid fences exceeding 6 feet. Applications via kennesaw-ga.gov/permits-applications. Permit required for pool barriers regardless of height.

Kennesaw follows Georgia pool code — barrier minimum 48 inches (4 feet) high, self-closing/self-latching gate, openings ≤4 inches. Cobb County follows 2018 ISPSC as foundation; building permit required.

Kennesaw requires building permits for all pool construction. Pools must comply with 2018 ISPSC, anti-entrapment drain covers (VGBA), and electrical bonding. Site plan showing fencing details required for permit.

Above-ground pools in Kennesaw require the same barriers as in-ground pools. Building permit required above certain dimensions. Pool wall may serve as barrier if ≥4 ft high with secured ladder access.

Kennesaw Zoning Appendix A governs ADUs as accessory uses. Limited to one per lot; setbacks apply; owner-occupancy typically required. Contact Kennesaw Planning & Zoning for district-specific requirements.

Garage conversions to living space in Kennesaw require a building permit and must comply with IRC and GA codes. Parking minimums must still be met. If creating an ADU, zoning provisions apply.

Kennesaw's Unified Development Code (Appendix A) defines a carport as an open-sided structure, supported by poles or decorative posts, used for temporary parking of no more than two operable motor vehicles, trailers, or recreational vehicles, and not for any other use including storage. All carports - attached or detached - must conform to the density and dimensional requirements in Table 6E, sit at least 10 feet from the principal dwelling if detached, maintain at least 6 feet from any other accessory structure, and be permitted through Kennesaw Building Services via the iWorQ portal.

Kennesaw Building Services — sheds and accessory structures require building permits. Must comply with Zoning Appendix A setbacks. Cannot be used for habitation. Apply at kennesaw-ga.gov/permits-applications.

Cobb County/Kennesaw — open burning allowed Oct 1–Apr 30 from 10 AM to 1 hour before sunset. No permit required for piles <6 ft diameter; larger piles need permit (100 ft from property line, 300 ft from structures). Violations: $100–$1,000 fine.

Year-round recreational fires (outdoor fireplaces, chimeneas, fire bowls, barbecue grills/pits with clean wood) exempt from seasonal burn ban in Kennesaw/Cobb County. Must be attended; 25+ feet from structures.

GA Water Stewardship Act (2010) — no landscape irrigation 10 AM–4 PM daily, statewide year-round. Kennesaw served by Cobb County Water System (CCMWA). EPD drought Level 1–4 restrictions escalate during declared drought.

Kennesaw homeowners may trim trees on private property without a permit. The city's tree ordinance (Appendix A, Ch. 3) governs land disturbance and significant tree removal. Contact Planning for major tree work.

Kennesaw Appendix A Ch. 3 — tree removal tied to land disturbance activity. Significant removals during construction or grading require a land disturbance permit reviewed by Community Development Agency. Contact Planning for details.