Kennesaw, GA

Kennesaw's Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Chapter 22, Article XIII), adopted July 2025 with applications opening October 1, 2025, regulates STRs as bed-and-breakfast-style uses limited to single-family residentially zoned areas. Each licensed STR may have a maximum of five guest rooms, must provide one off-street parking spot per guest room, and must be the operator's primary residence. The ordinance caps the city at 150 STR licenses, allows no more than two licenses per property owner, and requires a 250-foot buffer between licensed STR properties.

Kennesaw requires every Short-Term Rental Certificate applicant to submit proof of short-term-rental liability insurance as a mandatory document under Chapter 22, Article XIII (adopted July 2025). The published application checklist does not specify a minimum coverage limit, leaving the requirement to the carrier's standard STR product, which is typically $1 million per occurrence. Operating without active liability coverage is grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation of the STR Certificate.

Kennesaw STR Ordinance (Ch. 22, Art. XIII, eff. Oct 2025) — $250 application fee + $90 inspection fee; Life Safety Inspection required; Business License + STR Certificate; 250-foot buffer; 150 total licenses citywide.

Kennesaw STR ordinance requires 'abiding by parking standards.' All vehicles must park on approved surfaces. In residential zones, max 1 business vehicle per resident; overflow parking not permitted on grass or ROW.

Kennesaw STR ordinance requires compliance with noise ordinances. Quiet hours 10 PM–7 AM. STR certificate holder responsible for guest behavior. Violations risk certificate revocation.

Kennesaw STR operators must collect and remit Hotel/Motel Excise Tax (8%). Documentation of tax payments required for annual certificate renewal. State 4% hotel tax + $5/night fee also applies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cobb County fireworks ordinance applies in Kennesaw — banned 9 PM to 10 AM daily. State law (GA Code §25-10-1) exempts certain holiday dates/times. Public parks and ROW prohibited. Kennesaw Police enforces.

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).

Georgia regulates propane storage statewide through the Safety Fire Commissioner under the Liquefied Petroleum Safety Act, adopting NFPA 58 standards for residential and commercial tanks.

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.

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.

Kennesaw has no specific beekeeping ordinance. GA Apiary Act (GA Code §2-14-40+) governs statewide. Check with Kennesaw Planning & Zoning for accessory-use allowance. Livestock requires 2-acre minimum lot.

Kennesaw Ch. 10 and Cobb County §10-11 — dogs must be on a leash ≤6 ft when off owner's property. No permanent tethering as primary confinement. Cobb County Animal Control enforces: 770-499-4136.

No breed-specific ordinance in Kennesaw or Cobb County. Georgia Responsible Dog Ownership Law (GA Code §§4-8-20 to 4-8-33) governs — classification based on individual behavior.

GA Code §27-5-4 prohibits Class 1 wild animals as pets statewide. No additional local exotic-pet ordinance in Kennesaw beyond state law. DNR permit required for many non-standard animals.

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.

Georgia criminalizes animal cruelty and neglect statewide under O.C.G.A. 16-12-4, applying uniformly regardless of local ordinances and covering hoarding situations.

Kennesaw Zoning Appendix A — in R-40, R-80, RR zones, combinations of boats and RVs exceeding three must be screened from public roadways. All RVs must park on hardened surfaces. Front-yard RV storage generally prohibited.

Kennesaw follows GA Code §40-6-200+ for street parking. Vehicles must face traffic flow, have valid tags, and be operational. No parking in designated No Parking zones or blocking private driveways.

Kennesaw Code — vehicles must park on hardened surfaces in residential zones. Grass parking is a code violation. Number of vehicles limited to 1 per 390 sq ft of living space (max 4 outside garage in standard zones).

Kennesaw Zoning — one business vehicle used exclusively by the resident permitted in residential zones. No commercial vehicles over 12,500 lbs GVW. No materials, equipment storage on premises beyond one resident-use vehicle.

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.

Kennesaw Zoning Appendix A — home occupations must not generate commercial-level customer traffic. No more than one business vehicle associated with the home occupation in residential zones.

Kennesaw Zoning Appendix A — home-based businesses may not install commercial signage in residential zones. No exterior signs, banners, or business identification on residential property operating a home occupation.

Kennesaw Zoning Appendix A — home occupations are permitted accessory uses in residential districts. Occupational Tax Certificate required from Business License Office. Uses must not change residential character or generate commercial traffic.

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.

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 Code §62-6 (Cleanliness of Premises) — grass, rank vegetation, or weeds over 12 inches in height are a violation. Kudzu and underbrush also prohibited. Citations issued by Code Enforcement.

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.

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.

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 Code §78-56 caps grass/weeds at 12 inches on improved residential/commercial lots. O.C.G.A. §41-2-5 authorizes nuisance abatement. Kudzu a major invasive concern — owner responsibility on private land.

Cobb County allows residential rainwater harvesting. No permit needed for rain barrels under 660 gallons. Cobb-Marietta Water Authority (CMWA) offers periodic rain-barrel workshops. Georgia Water Stewardship Act encourages harvesting.

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.

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.

Kennesaw 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.

Kennesaw participates in FEMA NFIP. Cobb County CRS Class 7 (15% flood insurance discount). New floodplain development requires city permit. 50% substantial improvement rule applies in Special Flood Hazard Areas.

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 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.

Georgia prohibits local governments from setting minimum wages above state or federal levels under Title 34 preemption enacted through HB 234.

Georgia preempts local governments from requiring private employers to provide paid leave, sick time, or other employment benefits beyond state and federal law.

Georgia preempts local predictable scheduling and fair workweek ordinances, preventing cities and counties from regulating employer shift practices for private workers.

Georgia is a permitless concealed carry state under SB 319 (2022), allowing lawful weapons carriers to carry concealed handguns statewide subject to statutory location restrictions.

Georgia broadly preempts local firearms regulation under O.C.G.A. 16-11-173, reserving authority to the General Assembly while permitting limited local rules at government buildings and parks.

Georgia permits lawful weapons carriers to openly carry handguns in most public places, with statewide preemption limiting local restrictions on open carry.

Georgia permits any lawful weapons carrier or eligible person to carry a handgun in a private vehicle without a permit under O.C.G.A. 16-11-126.

Georgia requires private employers with 11 or more employees to use E-Verify under O.C.G.A. 36-60-6, with annual affidavit certification tied to business licenses.

Georgia prohibits sanctuary policies under O.C.G.A. 36-80-23 and HB 1105, requiring local governments and law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

Georgia counties retain zoning authority for agricultural operations, balanced against the Right to Farm Act's nuisance protections for established farms.

Georgia's Right to Farm Act in O.C.G.A. 41-1-7 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors and changing land uses.

Georgia does not prohibit plastic carryout bags statewide and has not enacted express preemption barring local action, though local bag restrictions remain rare.

Georgia imposes no statewide ban on polystyrene foam food service containers, leaving foam cups, plates, and clamshells widely available across the state.

Georgia has no statewide ban or upon-request rule for plastic straws, leaving food service operators free to provide single-use straws under standard health rules.

Georgia prohibits the sale of tobacco, vapor, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21, aligning state law with the federal Tobacco 21 standard.

Georgia does not impose a statewide ban on flavored tobacco or flavored vapor products, leaving sales lawful subject to age, licensing, and federal restrictions.

Georgia regulates vape and alternative nicotine retail sales under Title 16 Chapter 12 Article 8, requiring licensing, age verification, and product compliance for retailers.