Can I Get Sidewalks In My Neighborhood?

Currently, Cobb County requires all developers to install sidewalks in new-build developments. Typically, the cost of new sidewalks is absorbed, by the homeowner, in the cost of the new home. But not every neighborhood in Cobb County, due to location or age, has sidewalks or sidewalk access. In these cases, a property owner can request that a Sidewalk District be created (see Article III. Sidewalks to view applicable sections of the Official Code of Cobb County).

To begin this process, submit a request to the Cobb County DOT at cobbdot@cobbcounty.org. 

What Is the Process for Establishing a Sidewalk District?

Any property owner may propose the creation of a Sidewalk District by submitting a request to the Cobb County Department of Transportation (Cobb DOT). 

If the request meets county requirements, Cobb DOT staff will prepare a proposal package that includes a petition, a plat outlining the proposed district, a project cost estimate, and a cost per property owner being served by the proposed district.

The petitioner will be required to distribute this information among neighboring lot owners of the proposed district.

If at least 75 percent of lot owners approve its creation, and there is no request for a public hearing about the proposed Sidewalk District, the Board of Commissioners can take action to approve creation of the district.

Each property owner in the newly created Sidewalk District will be assessed a share of the cost, divided among all lots in the District, which can be paid in through County Financing for each property owner or Community Financing.

• County Financing - Each property owner may pay their assessed portion in one of three ways: by cash, ad valorem property tax installments, or five equal annual installments.
• Community Financing – The community may raise the total cost of the sidewalk project.