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

Marietta Zoning Ord. Div. 710 — front yard fences max 4 ft; side/rear fences max 6 ft on double-frontage lots; subdivision/ROW fences up to 8 ft; all other fences max 8 ft.

Marietta does not have a specific 'good neighbor' fence ordinance. Finished side must face exterior. Fence ownership disputes governed by Georgia property law. No city-mandated neighbor notification requirement.

Most residential fences in Marietta do NOT require a building permit. Exceptions may apply for structural walls or fences on commercial/multi-family properties. Check with Development Services.

Above-ground pools in Marietta require the same barrier/fencing as in-ground pools. Pools over a certain size require a building permit. Must comply with pool safety codes and be located per zoning setbacks.

Marietta requires building permits for all new pools. Pools must comply with IRC/International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Drain anti-entrapment covers required. Electrical bonding required.

Marietta follows the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with GA Amendments — pool barrier minimum 4 feet high, self-closing/self-latching gate. Gate latch at least 54 inches from ground.

Marietta Zoning Ord. — one ADU permitted per lot, to the rear of the principal structure; 10-ft side setback; 35-ft rear setback for structures over 15 ft high. Owner must occupy principal or accessory unit.

Garage conversions to living space in Marietta require a building permit from Development Services. Must comply with residential building code, egress, insulation, electrical, and zoning setback rules.

Marietta Zoning Ordinance Division 708 treats carports as accessory structures: detached carports must sit to the side or rear of the principal building at least 10 feet from side and rear lot lines, may not exceed the height of the principal structure, and their footprint may not exceed 50% of the principal structure's footprint. Attached carports are part of the principal structure and follow the principal-building setbacks. Storage in unenclosed carports is restricted to firewood and city-approved recyclable containers.

Marietta requires building permits for accessory structures over 120 sq ft. Sheds must comply with zoning setbacks in residential districts. Cannot be used as habitation. Permit through SagesGov.

Recreational fires (fire pits with clean wood only, ≤3 ft diameter) allowed year-round in Marietta — not subject to seasonal burn ban. Must stay 25 feet from structures; 10 AM–10:30 PM; attended at all times.

Marietta permits residential open burning Oct 1–Apr 30 only — daily permit required from Fire Marshal's Office; leaves, pine straw, and twigs only; 10 AM to sunset; 50-foot setback from structures.

GA Water Stewardship Act (2010) year-round restriction: no landscape irrigation 10 AM–4 PM daily. Marietta Water and Cobb County Water System enforce drought-triggered level 1–4 restrictions when EPD declares drought.

Marietta Zoning Div. 712.08 — residential single-family tree removal needs no permit; commercial/multi-family requires permit and arborist report from Development Services. Specimen tree protection on commercial sites.

Marietta Zoning Div. 712.08 — tree trimming on private residential property is generally the owner's responsibility with no permit required. City only removes trees on city property up to the property line.