Cobb County, GA Home Business: Zoning & Home Occupation Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Space limit
- 25% of dwelling unit maximum
- Employees
- residents of the dwelling only
- Equipment
- household or hobby equipment only
- Governing section
- § 134-1, 'Customary home occupation'
Summary
Cobb County allows home occupations as a zoning-permitted accessory use only if they stay inside the dwelling, employ just residents, and use no more than 25 percent of the home.
(4)Such use shall be conducted entirely within the dwelling unit and only persons living in the dwelling unit shall be employed in such occupation.(5)No more than 25 percent of the dwelling unit may be used for the operation.(6)No materials, equipment or business vehicles may be stored or parked on the premises except that one business vehicle, used exclusively by the resident may be parked in a carport, garage, or rear or side yard. The off-site employees of the resident shall not congregate on the premises for any purpose concerning the business of home occupation.(7)There shall be no deliveries of supplies for use in the home occupation or pickups of the items produced by the occupant by tractor-trailer or vehicle with over six wheels. Deliveries to the home occupation shall be made by passenger vehicles, mail carriers, or step vans and must not restrict traffic circulation.(8)No clients or customers are allowed on the premises, except for individual instruction, such as tutoring, musical lessons and the like, for the purpose of supplementing an income. Deck means a roofless accessory attached or detached platform without exterior walls, generally constructed of wood, which adjoins a residence. Rails or safety features shall not be deemed to be exterior walls.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53).
Full Breakdown
Section 134-1 defines 'customary home occupation' and sets the standards a home business must meet to qualify as a permitted accessory use under the zoning code. The occupation must be conducted entirely within the dwelling unit, employ only people who live there, and use no more than 25 percent of the dwelling. It cannot use mechanical equipment beyond ordinary household or hobby gear, and outside employees can't congregate on the property. Meeting these standards is what lets the use appear as a permitted 'P' entry in the county's residential zoning district tables.
Violations & Fines
A home business that exceeds 25 percent of the dwelling, hires nonresident employees, or uses commercial-grade equipment no longer meets section 134-1's definition and loses its by-right zoning status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire an employee for my home business in Cobb County?
How much of my house can I use for a home business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cobb County
How Cobb County compares: Easiest Cities to Run a Home Business·Compare Cobb County to another location·View the Georgia home business overview
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