Pop. 61,048 · Cobb County
Marietta Code Pt. 10, Ch. 10-6 — construction noise subject to general noise decibel limits. Industry practice and permit conditions typically restrict loud work to 7 AM–7 PM weekdays. Emergency work is exempt.
Marietta regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. O.C.G.A. §16-11-39 applies to unreasonable disturbances.
Marietta Code Pt. 10, Ch. 10-6 — animals prohibited from making continuous noise for more than 10 minutes or intermittent noise for more than 30 minutes. Complaint-driven enforcement by police or code officer.
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 Code Art. 7-4-2 §110 — weeds and vegetation over 12 inches are a code violation. Owner notified and given 48 hours to comply, then 5 days before summons to Municipal Court.
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.
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.
Consumer fireworks (1.4G) legal under GA Code §25-10-1+ — adults 18+ may use 10 AM–midnight on permitted dates. Marietta follows state law; public parks and private property rules apply. Public display permits required from Marietta Fire Marshal.
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.
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.
The City of Marietta has not adopted a short-term rental ordinance and does not impose its own STR occupancy cap. Cobb County's STR ordinance (Sec. 78-407) applies only to unincorporated Cobb, but the same baseline single-family occupancy standard in Cobb Code Sec. 134-1 - 390 square feet of living area per adult occupant - is the closest Cobb-area benchmark for evaluating overcrowding complaints.
Neither the City of Marietta nor Cobb County requires short-term rental operators to carry a specific liability insurance amount. Marietta has no STR ordinance, and Cobb's STR code (Sec. 78-407) does not list proof of insurance among its application requirements. Standard homeowners policies typically exclude commercial rental activity, so a dedicated STR endorsement is recommended.
Marietta imposes a Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax (Ch. 8-32) on STRs. State collects 4% hotel-motel tax + $5/night fee. Marietta levies a local hotel-motel excise tax. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit automatically.
Cobb County STR ordinance requires one parking space per bedroom plus one additional space. All vehicles must park on treated/hardened surfaces per Marietta Zoning Ord. §716.09.
STR guests must comply with Marietta's general noise ordinance (Ch. 10-6) — 65 dBA daytime / 60 dBA nighttime at property line. Quiet hours 11 PM–7 AM. Host is responsible for guest compliance.
City of Marietta falls under Cobb County STR ordinance (eff. Jan 1, 2023) — annual STR certificate required at $55/year from Cobb County Business License Office. Owner-occupied or locally managed properties only.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Marietta Zoning Div. 712 — Type A home occupations: NO signage permitted on property and no advertisements with property address. Type B: no explicit sign allowance in residential districts.
Marietta Zoning Div. 712, §712.04 — Type A home occupations (no clients on site) allowed by right; Type B (client visits) require a special use permit. Some uses (kennels, restaurants, day care) prohibited regardless.
Marietta Zoning §712.04 Type B — client visits limited to 2 per week, 8 AM–8 PM only. Only 1 additional employee/consultant permitted on-site. No off-site employees parking at residence.
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.
Marietta Zoning Ord. §716.09(B) — RVs/trailers may not park in front of the principal structure in residential zones. Must park to the side or rear on a treated surface. Corner lots: 20-foot setback from abutting public street.
Marietta Zoning Ord. §716.09 — unapproved businesses in residential areas prohibited. Generally one commercial vehicle ¾-ton or less may park on residential lots; heavier commercial vehicles prohibited in residential zones.
Marietta requires all vehicles to park on concrete, asphalt, or other approved hardened surfaces. Parking on grass, dirt, or gravel is a code violation. Driveways must comply with Marietta development standards.
Marietta follows standard GA traffic code for street parking. All vehicles must be operable and parked on approved surfaces. No parking on grass in residential yards — hardened driveway required.
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.
Marietta/Cobb County — all dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 6 feet when off owner's property, in the hands of someone capable of restraint. No tethering to stationary objects as primary confinement.
Neither Marietta nor Cobb County has a breed-specific ordinance (BSL). Dangerous and vicious dog classifications are based on individual animal behavior under GA Code §4-8-20+ state law.
Marietta has no specific beekeeping ordinance on record. Georgia Apiary Act and Marietta zoning regulations for accessory uses apply. Check with Planning & Zoning for hive placement requirements in residential zones.
GA Code §27-5-4 prohibits many Class 1 wild animals as pets statewide. Cobb County does not permit big cats, wolves, bears, venomous reptiles, or similar animals as pets. Standard permits required for some Class 2 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.
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.
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.
Marietta 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.
Marietta participates in NFIP and holds CRS Class 8 rating (flood insurance discount). All new floodplain development requires a city permit. 50% substantial improvement rule applies within SFHA.
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.