Notice: Reduced Inspections on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 1-2
Due to continuing education/training for our inspections staff, there will be reduced inspections on Tuesday, October 1 and Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Please plan accordingly.
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.
Are you in unincorporated Cobb County? Click here to search for your address and be certain you don't live in city limits.
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.
- Driver’s License or other government issued picture identification)
- Copy of Warranty Deed (For homeowner applicants only)
- Copy of recorded survey/plat of property
- Site Plan (new homes, additions)
- Drawing -to include elevations and square footage of structure/addition * (Drawings not required on interior only remodels/renovations or basement finishes of existing space)
- EHD Approval (if property is on septic)
- Be sure to know square footage (both heated and unheated) for any new structures or additions and be sure to know total estimated job/construction cost for all interior renovation projects
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
Download this Residential Permitting Fee Calculator Excel Spreadsheet to calculate your approximate permitting fees.
Submit the Application Packet
There are 2 ways to submit your permit application packet:
- Email: residentialpermitreview@cobbcounty.org. Please note: emailed applications must be complete including all required documents and forms.
- Processing Time: 10-14 Business Days
- Walk-in or Drop-off: 1150 Powder Springs Street, Marietta, GA.
- 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.
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**
- Homeowner Permit Request Form
- All required documents for the type of project you are attempting to complete (see permit types below)
- Copy of first page of warranty deed to property
- Copy of Photo ID of applicant/homeowner
- Signed required documents checklist
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**
- Residential Permit Application Page 1 and 2 (Please make sure you have signed the application at the bottom)
- Scope of Work Letter (detailed description of all work being completed during project)
- Please limit scope of work letters to one page whenever possible.
- Customer contract or estimate/invoice (for accurate job cost billing)
- Recorded survey/plat of property (must draw a box to indicate where you are placing structure) or site plan showing proposed building
- *Septic properties only: Environmental Health red stamped project approval form
- Basic drawing of structure with what you are proposing to build listed
- Copy of Photo ID of cardholder or authorized agent
- Copy of State license
- Copy of Business license
- Notarized Authorized Agent form if you are not the cardholder
- Signed required documents checklist
Home Additions
Addition Permit: Required for all attached structures that add to the footprint of home: decks, patios, porches, sunrooms, rooms, garages, carports, 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**
- Residential Permit Application Page 1 and 2 (Please make sure you have signed the application at the bottom)
- Recorded survey/plat of property (must draw a box to indicate where you are placing addition) or site plan showing proposed build
- Scope of Work Letter (detailed description of all work being completed during project)
- Please limit scope of work letters to one page whenever possible.
- Customer contract or estimate/invoice (for accurate job cost billing)
- *Septic properties only: Environmental Health red stamped project approval form
- Basic drawing of structure with what you are proposing to build listed
- Copy of Photo ID of cardholder or authorized agent
- Copy of State license
- Copy of Business license
- Notarized Authorized Agent form if you are not the cardholder
- Signed required documents checklist
Basement Finish
Basement Finish Permit: Required when converting unheated/unfinished basement space to heated/livable space
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 Permit Application Page 1 and 2 (Please make sure you have signed the application at the bottom)
- Scope of Work Letter (detailed description of all work being completed during project)
- Please limit scope of work letters to one page whenever possible.
- Customer contract or estimate/invoice (for accurate job cost billing)
- *Septic properties only: Environmental Health red stamped project approval form
- Square footage of basement area that will be converted to finished space
- Copy of Photo ID of cardholder or authorized agent
- Copy of State license
- Copy of Business license
- Notarized Authorized Agent form if you are not the cardholder
- Signed required documents checklist
Mobile Homes
Mobile Homes, Power-Use: We do not issue permits for anything besides power use on mobile homes.
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**
- Subcontractor Permit Application (make sure you have signed application)
- Temporary Power Release form
- Mobile Home Authorization from Tax Commissioner
- Copy of Photo ID of applicant
- Signed required documents checklist
New Single Family Homes
New Single Family Home Permit Application: New residential single-family home - does include attached townhomes or condos
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 Permit Application (make sure you have signed application)
- *Septic properties only: Environmental Health red stamped project approval form
- Site plan
- House drawings/plans including house elevations
- Energy Affidavit
- Temporary Power Release
- Temporary Pole Approval
- Paid Water/Sewer Receipts
- Copy of Photo ID of cardholder or authorized agent
- Copy of State license
- Copy of Business license
- Notarized Authorized Agent form if you are not the cardholder
- Signed required documents checklist
- Energy Code Certificate Form
Demolition
Demolition permits are required for the complete tear down of single family homes. A demolition permit is not required to tear down a deck, patio or porch or retaining wall structure.
The following documents are required to open a demolition permit:
- Residential Permit Application
- 3 Photos: front, back, and side of property to be demolished
- Signed Erosion form
- Signed permission letter for demolition from property owner
- Warranty Deed (must be recorded in the right top corner by Cobb County)
- Copy of Business License and/or State License (if applicable)
- Photo ID
- Signed required documents checklist
Please be sure you have listed accurate email & phone contact information for reviewers to contact you if necessary.
Power Use Permit
Power Use Permit: Electrical provider requires permit and inspection prior to turning the power on at a location
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**
- Subcontractor Permit Application (make sure you have signed application)
- Temporary Power Release form
- Copy of Photo ID of the applicant
- Signed required documents checklist
Home Renovations
Renovation Permit: For interior renovation work only. No square footage being added to home: includes remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, tearing down walls, 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**
- Residential Permit Application Page 1 and 2 (Please make sure you have signed the application at the bottom)
- Scope of Work Letter (detailed description of all work being completed during project)
- Please limit scope of work letters to one page whenever possible.
- Customer contract or estimate/invoice (for accurate job cost billing)
- *Septic properties only: Environmental Health red stamped project approval form
- Estimated construction cost and brief description of the proposed renovations
- Copy of Photo ID of cardholder or authorized agent
- Copy of State license
- Copy of Business license
- Notarized Authorized Agent form if you are not the cardholder
- Signed required documents checklist
Retaining Walls
Retaining Wall Permit: Retaining walls 30 inches and taller must be permitted.
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**
- Retaining Wall Application (Please make sure you have signed the application at the bottom)
- *Septic properties only: Environmental Health red stamped project approval form
- The construction cost of the wall
- Site plan
- Engineered design drawing/cross-section
- Copy of Photo ID of business owner and state license holder (if applicable)
- Copy of Business license and State License (if applicable)
- Notarized Authorized Agent form if you are not the company owner or state license holder
- Signed required documents checklist
Solar Panels
Solar Panel Installation Permits
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 Permit Application Page 1 and 2 (Please make sure you have signed the application at the bottom)
- Electrical Subcontractor Permit Application
- Copy of State Electrical License
- Copy of Photo ID of cardholder or authorized agent
- Copy of Business license
- Notarized Authorized Agent form if you are not the cardholder
- Signed required documents checklist
- Customer Contract or Estimate indicating total construction cost
- Engineer Letter
Residential Permitting Forms
Guidelines, Procedures, and Requirements
- Cobb Required Inspections
- Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes
- Permit Procedures for Townhomes and Residential Condominiums
- IBC Chapter 17 Requirements for Permitting and Final Acceptance
- Architectural Design Guidelines
- Tenant Move-In/Certificate of Occupancy - Permitting Guidelines
- Residential Pool Barrier Requirements
Site Inspections Certifications
The following forms are available for contractors to download, stamp, and submit to the Site Inspections Section.
Residential Permit Application & Online Inspections
Residential Building Permit Application
Online Inspections:
- Click Here to schedule your inspection online.
- View instructions on how to schedule an inspection on the Online Inspections Portal.
- View step-by-step instructions on how to register for a new account on our Online Inspections Portal.
- Ver instrucciones sobre cómo registrar una cuenta y programar una inspección utilizando el portal de inspecciones en línea.
Subcontractor Permit Applications
Power/Sewer/Retaining Wall
Swimming Pools
Demolition & Model Home
HB493 Information
NOTICE:
As of Monday, June 1st, 2020, Cobb County has resumed building inspections in residential occupied homes and occupied businesses utilizing new safety protocols for said inspections. As we continue to resume normal inspections operations we will also further adhere to Cobb County’s policy and procedures for third-party provider inspections.
Going forward, all those wishing to use third party providers will need to designate this choice when applying for the permit. Once a permit has been issued, all applicants are obligated to continue the building and inspections process using the House Bill 493 policy as outlined by Cobb County. Any permits obtained using the standard process will not be eligible for inspections by third-party providers. While the county did allow open projects to use third-party providers during the pandemic and state of emergency, beginning Monday, June 8, 2020, this option will no longer be available, for the county has resumed standard inspections procedures. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please feel free to email us at thirdpartysubmit@cobbcounty.org
2019 House Bill 493 (Private Permitting Review and Inspections) Overview and Policy
View the application packet for Private Permitting Review and Inspections (Pursuant to 2019 HB493)
Private Permitting Questions & Answers
Current Approved Third-Party Providers for Cobb County
Please note, the following list is for reference only. The Cobb County Development and Inspections Division makes no recommendations and provides no promotion for Third-Party Providers.
Aries Inc. 770-231-5742
Palmer Construction Consultants 770-886-5033
Macon E. Gooch III Building Consultants, Inc. 678-442-1198
CPL 770-831-9000
Beach Engineering Solutions Team, Inc 678-665-3280
DPIS Engineering, LLC 281-378-0048
Captive Engineering 678-622-3232
Skywark Engineering, PC 770-641-9219
Consulting Enterprises Corp 770-614-1633
RL Miller Engineering, LLC 678-485-8388
Fairbanks Engineering Company LLC 404-787-8266
Taylor Made DDC, LLC 404-902-1269
Consulting Engineering Corporation 770-614-1633
Cor10 Consulting LLC 404-441-5299