Residential Permitting

There will be reduced inspections on August 30, 2024. We apologize for any inconvenience.

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New Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2024

In accordance with House Bill 461, Cobb County will be changing the way permitting fees are calculated. Fees will no longer be calculated solely based on job costs. The updated fee schedule is calculated based on square footage and flat fees. This change will take effect on 7/1/2024.

Residential Permitting Process

Start Here. Collect Documents

Collect the following required documents and bring them to the permitting counter located at 1150 Powder Springs Street, Marietta, GA. Required forms may be completed in office or can be pulled from the website and filled out in advance and brought into the office with the required documents. All permit application forms and checklists can be found on this page below.

Contractors will need to have a copy of their current valid Business license (from anywhere within the state of Georgia) and their current valid state Builder’s License.

Are You a Homeowner?

Homeowners that wish to act as the General Contractor/Builder of their project will fill out both the Residential Building Permit Application and the Homeowner Permit Request form.

Please note: Homeowners cannot pull permits for jobs in which they have hired a contractor to perform the work. The contractor MUST apply for the permit. Homeowners can only act as general contractor on the property they reside in, they can not act as a general contractor over second homes, or investment properties or properties that are in company names.

Calculate Your Permitting Fees Submit the Application Packet

There are 2 ways to submit your permit application packet:

  1. Email: residentialpermitreview@cobbcounty.org. Please note: emailed applications must be complete including all required documents and forms.
    1. Processing Time: 10-14 Business Days
    1. Processing Time: 0-3 business days, most permits ready same-day.
    Application Review

    The documents provided will be reviewed and entered into our permit application database by one of the permit techs. Once entered, the permit tech will direct you to the Zoning Department (located within Community Development office) the Zoning department will determine if your property is eligible for the structure/addition you are attempting to build, look up and determine setbacks and/or if you will need a variance for the project.

    If approved by zoning you will next go to the Site Plan Review desk to have your site plan and drawings approved. Once the plan reviewers have OK’d your drawings you will then return the Residential Permit desk with all of your paperwork. Techs will collect all documents, finalize permit approval collect payment and issue you a permit number and permit card to post at your job site.

    Permit Approval and Required Inspections

    You will now be approved to begin construction of your project. Inspections will need to be scheduled at various stages of your project and according to project type. A list of all Cobb County Inspections and their descriptions can be found by clicking here.

    Inspections can be scheduled via Selectxt (Text to schedule) or via the Cobb County Citizens Access Portal. Due to above average call volume, expect extended wait times if calling in to schedule your inspection.

    Important Note: You must have a passing inspection every 60 days to keep your permit in active status. If you do not have a passing inspection within this time frame-the permit will expire and a renewal fee and possible review will be required to begin work again. Permits also have an ultimate expiration date of 180 days. Permits that are not completed within the 180 days will expire and a renewal fee will need to be paid to extend the project another 180 days.

    Residential Permitting Information

    Are you a homeowner?

    Homeowners that wish to act as the General Contractor/Builder of their project must fill out both the Residential Building Permit Application and the Homeowner Permit Request form. Contractors are only required to fill out the Residential Building Permit Application.

    Please note: Homeowners cannot pull permits for jobs in which they have hired a contractor to perform the work. The contractor MUST apply for the permit. Homeowners can only act as general contractor on the property they reside in, they can not act as a general contractor over second homes, or investment properties or properties that are in company names.

    How do I request or obtain a copy of my CO or LOC (Letter of Completion)?

    To get a copy of your projects CO or LOC (Letter of completion) please send an email to subpermits@cobbcounty.org and be sure to include the permit number and complete address. Allow 1-2 business days for a response to your request.

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    Schedule an Inspection Online or by TEXT

    The Inspections office is responsible for administering and enforcing all applicable building codes with regard to residential and commercial construction in the permitting jurisdiction of the unincorporated areas of Cobb County. The Inspections office provides assistance to our customers so that they may understand and meet the code requirements for their project.

    Residential Permitting Checklists

    Homeowner Permits

    Homeowner Permits: Must be performing the work yourself on the property that you reside in. The home must be in your name according to tax assessor records and not listed in a company name. The property must be your primary residence; it cannot be a property you rent or lease to tenants.

    Required Documents:

    **Please be sure you have included all of the following required documents in your package. Incomplete packages will not be accepted or retained**

    Residential Pools Accessory Structures

    Accessory Structures: Detached structures: sheds, pole barns, gazebos, pool houses, storage buildings etc.

    Required Documents:

    **Please be sure you have included all of the following required documents in your package. Incomplete packages will not be accepted or retained**