Back to top

Community Development Forms

2023 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.

Download the 2023 New Business Guide 

Image
New Business Guide: Checklists, advice and resources

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.

View our New Business Checklist

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.

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.

View the Cobb County Development Standards

Image
Hands holding phone texting
Schedule Your Inspection via TEXT

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**

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**

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**

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**

New Tenant (Commercial Interior/Exterior Renovation)

  • Commercial Permit application

  • 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**

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**

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**

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**

All Development and Inspections Forms

Commercial and Residential Building Permit Forms

Guidelines, Procedures, and Requirements:

Subcontractor Permit Applications:

Swimming Pools:

Temporary Pole/Power:

Sewer and Retaining Wall:

Demolition:

Model Home:

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.

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:

  1. Full name and address of complainant include the name of apartment complex
  2. Name and address of Landlord
  3. List items within the rented unit that needs to be inspected
  4. Hand signature of complainant for Right of Entry clarification
  5. Daytime phone numbers to set up an appointment for inspection
  6. 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

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. 

Commercial Property Rehabilitation Incentive Exhibits

View Active Zoning Cases

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.

Open the Backyard Chicken Registration Application

Sign Permit Forms