New Business Guide
Checklists and Resources for New Businesses
This New Business Guide is provided as a convenient tool for approaching sequential questions and issues as you take your business from an idea to initial planning, to the commencement of business activities.
While this guide covers most of the topics relevant to starting your business, there are variables that may require additional attention. Our team is prepared to answer your questions and to work with you every step of the way.

Business License
Application may be mailed, after the fees have been assessed, to:
P.O. Box 649
Marietta, GA 30061-0649
#BL
Or presented in person at:
1150 Powder Springs St, Suite 400
Marietta, GA 30064
No mail is accepted at this address.
To obtain fee amount for new business establishments, please e-mail your completed application to businesslicense@cobbcounty.org
(You will need 'Adobe Acrobat Reader' installed on your computer to view these files.)
All documents must be signed by the same person.
Short Term Rentals
Business License Applications
Alcohol
- Temporary Alcoholic Beverage Application (for non-profit organizations only)
- Alcoholic Beverage License Application New Establishment/Change of Ownership
- Beer Wholesale Excise Tax Form
- Food vs. Alcohol Beverage Sales Affidavit
- Liquor by the Drink - Excise Tax Reporting Form
- Liquor Wholesale Excise Tax Report Form
- Wine Wholesale Excise Tax Report Form
- Change of Licensee/Substitute Licensee Form (Must submit in person at main location)
- RASS (Responsible Alcohol Sales and Services)
- Sec. 6-131 Ordinance Acknowledgement
Business Changes
- Business Adjustment Form (Must submit in person at main location)
- Change of Licensee/Substitute Licensee Form (Must submit in person at main location)
Specialty Businesses
Development and Inspections
The Cobb County Permitting & Inspections office accepts the following documents by email at subpermits@cobbcounty.org. Please attach completely filled out documents to your email. Documents missing signatures or required contact information will be rejected. Please allow two business days before checking on the status of your emailed request/document. Emails are processed in the order received.
- Energy Code Certificate Form
- Subcontractor Permit Request (Plumbing, Heating/HVAC, Electrical)
- Temporary Power Release (Notarized)
- Temporary Power Pole (Notarized)
- Contractor Releases (Notarized)
- Business License Updates
- Sewer Affidavits (Notarized)
- State Card Updates (Contractors, Trade Licenses and Erosion Cards)
- Teardown/Build Back, In‐Fill Lots, Lot Splits Within Subdivisions, and Major Additions/Renovations
Cobb County Development Standards

Since the early 1970s, the original and amended Standards for Residential and Commercial Development have undergone revisions by individual agencies/departments/divisions. At this time, these standards are revised to comply with federal, state, regional, and local criteria.

To schedule your inspection by text message, send "SCHEDULE" to 877-376-1455.
To cancel your inspection by text message, send "CANCEL" to 877-376-1455.
To check the results of your inspection by text message, send "RESULTS" to 877-376-1455.
Follow the interactive prompts for entering your permit number, inspection code, and other details.
Click here to view all inspection codes. You must confirm your inspection by sending "CONFIRM." If you do not finalize your inspection by sending "CONFIRM" your session will time out and inspection WILL NOT be scheduled.
Permitting Checklists by Type
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
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 - New for 2022
- Please limit scope of work letters to one page whenever possible.
- 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
- *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)
- *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 Building 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 and
- 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
New Tenant (Commercial Interior/Exterior Renovation)
-
Scope of Work Letter - New for 2022
-
Please limit scope of work letters to one page whenever possible.
-
-
Copy of General Contractor’s Business & State License
-
Authorized Agent form
-
Copy of applicant's photo id
-
Virtual set of plans
All items must be emailed to CommBldgApplication@cobbcounty.org
New Tenant Move-in: Commercial
- Commercial Permit application
- Scope of Work Letter - New for 2022
- Please limit scope of work letters to one page whenever possible.
- Applicant's Photo Id
- Contractor's Business license
- Virtual set of plans
All items must be emailed to CommBldgApplication@cobbcounty.org
Demolitions: Residential & Commercial
Demolition permits are required for the complete tear down of single family homes, and commercial buildings. 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 State License
- Copy of Business License
- Photo ID
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)
- *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 Wall
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 letter/drawing
- Copy of Photo ID of the 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
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
- Estimated construction cost of building/structural portion of install
- 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
All Development and Inspections Forms
Commercial and Residential Building Permit Forms
- Residential Building Permit Application
- Homeowner Permit Request
- Commercial Building Permit Application
- Energy Code Certificate Form
Guidelines, Procedures, and Requirements:
- Cobb Required Inspections
- 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.
- Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes
- Permit Procedures for Townhomes and Residential Condominiums
- IBC Chapter 17 Requirements for Permitting and Final Acceptance
- Statement of Special Inspections
- Schedule of Special Inspections
- Tenant Move-In/Certificate of Occupancy - Permitting Guidelines
- Vested Interest Letter
- Architectural Design Guidelines
- Energy Code Compliance Certificate
- Teardown/Build Back, In-fill Lots, Lot Splits within a subdivision, and major Additions/renovations
Subcontractor Permit Applications:
Swimming Pools:
- Visit the Pools and Spas page.
Temporary Pole/Power:
Sewer and Retaining Wall:
Demolition:
Model Home:
Site Inspection Forms
Site Plan Review
Land Disturbance Permit Applicants:
ELECTRONIC SUBMITTAL: Applicants submit plans for review by uploading them directly into the Cobb Electronic Plan Review (ePlan) system. Once the plans are accepted for review by Cobb County, applicants will receive comments and red-lined plans electronically within six business days. After all departmental review comments have been addressed, applicants will upload revised plans for final approval. Once all departments have stamped the plans, they will be available for download and printing. View instructions for ACA and ePlan.
- View Instructions for ACA and ePlan
- Visit the ACA Page for New Applications
- Visit the ePlan site for Plan Submittal
NOTICE:
ACA stands for Accela Citizens Access. This page is for registration purposes and to create or continue applications. The ePlan portal is for uploading documents, receiving feedback from reviewers, and editing projects after review cycles. ACA and ePlan are linked, and run parallel to one another. The username created for the ACA page MUST BE IDENTICAL to the username used for the ePlan portal. For example: "password" and "password1" will result in an error. Spaces and punctuation are included: "password" is NOT identical to "pass word".
For questions, please contact the Site Plan Review Section at (770) 528-2147.
Rental Housing Complaints
Procedure for filing a rental housing complaint in Cobb County:
The official complaint process begins with a letter written to Cobb County requesting an inspection of the property. The letter should be addressed to:
Community Development Agency
Attn: Rental Housing Complaints
PO Box 649
Marietta, GA 30061
The letter should contain:
- Full name and address of complainant include the name of apartment complex
- Name and address of Landlord
- List items within the rented unit that needs to be inspected
- Hand signature of complainant for Right of Entry clarification
- Daytime phone numbers to set up an appointment for inspection
- Copy of the letter should be provided to your landlord or leasing office
Please verify that you are in unincorporated Cobb County and not within annexed city limits in any of the municipalities in Cobb County. We only inspect housing complaints in unincorporated Cobb County. If you determine that you are within the City Limits please contact the appropriate agency below:
- City of Acworth: (770) 974-2032
- City of Austell: (770) 944-4300
- City of Kennesaw: (770) 424-8274 x3128
- City of Marietta: (770) 794-5439
- City of Smyrna: (770) 319-5387
- City of Powder Springs: (770) 943-1666
Verification can be obtained from the Cobb County Tax Assessor website cobbassessor.org
If you feel you have an electrical or gas emergency please contact the appropriate agency below.
- Atlanta Gas Light: (770) 480-7069
- Cobb EMC: (678) 355-3401
- Georgia Power: (770) 618-5106
Bonds and Sureties
Film Permitting
Zoning Division
View Standard Zoning Cycle Calendar | View Variance Calendar
Each month the Cobb County Zoning Division prepares zoning analysis information, which provides analysis and staff recommendations for all rezoning, special land use permits, land use permit requests and variance requests.
These items are presented to the Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners and Board of Zoning Appeals for their, review, recommendation, and consideration.
Land Use Permits
- Backyard Chicken Registration Application
- Temporary Construction Office Permit Application
- Temporary Sales Office Permit Application
- Special Land Use Permit
- Temporary Tent Permit Application
- Temporary Land Use Permit Application
- Open Space Community Application
- Other Business Application
- House Moving Permit Application
- Relocating Existing Structure Application
Zoning and Variance
Updated Backyard Chickens Ordinance Information
Sec. 134-290. Backyard chickens for properties under two (2) acres (approved 02-08-22 by the Board of Commissioners)
- a. There shall be a maximum ratio of one Backyard Chicken per 5,000 square feet of lot area on any lot less than two (2) acres;
- b. Only hens are kept on the property;
- c. The Backyard chickens shall be kept/maintained within a fenced area to the rear of the house;
- d. Coops, or other buildings used for the poultry shall be located at least 25 feet off any property line. Coops are considered an accessory structure and all conditions for accessory structures in that zoning district shall also apply for any coop over 144 square feet;
- e. The owner(s) of the poultry shall keep the property maintained in a fashion that eliminates the potential negative effects resulting from the poultry, including but not limited to, odors, pollution, noise, insects, rodents and other wild animals;
- f. The Backyard Chickens shall not cause a nuisance, as defined by state law;
- g. The slaughter of any hen on site is prohibited; and
- h. This section does not authorize persons to violate applicable restrictive covenants and/or homeowners' association rules and regulations. Property owners are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable restrictive covenants and homeowners' association rules and regulations.
Conservation Easement
Historic Preservation
Sign Permit Forms
Online Sign Permit Application