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.
Application may be mailed, after the fees have been assessed, to:
P.O. Box 649
Marietta, GA 30061-0649
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 ApplicationsThe 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.
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.
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.
**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: Detached structures: sheds, pole barns, gazebos, pool houses, storage buildings etc.
**Please be sure you have included all of the following required documents in your package. Incomplete packages will not be accepted or retained**
Addition Permit: Required for all attached structures that add to the footprint of home: decks, patios, porches, sunrooms, rooms, garages, carports, etc.
**Please be sure you have included all of the following required documents in your package. Incomplete packages will not be accepted or retained**
Basement Finish Permit: Required when converting unheated/unfinished basement space to heated/livable space
**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, Power-Use: We do not issue permits for anything besides power use on mobile homes.
**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 Home Permit Application: New residential single-family home - does include attached townhomes or condos
**Please be sure you have included all of the following required documents in your package. Incomplete packages will not be accepted or retained**
All items must be emailed to CommBldgApplication@cobbcounty.org
New Tenant Move-in: CommercialAll items must be emailed to CommBldgApplication@cobbcounty.org
Demolitions: Residential & CommercialDemolition 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:
Please be sure you have listed accurate email & phone contact information for reviewers to contact you if necessary.
Power Use PermitPower Use Permit: Electrical provider requires permit and inspection prior to turning the power on at a location
**Please be sure you have included all of the following required documents in your package. Incomplete packages will not be accepted or retained**
Renovation Permit: For interior renovation work only. No square footage being added to home: includes remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, tearing down walls, etc.
**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 Permit: Retaining walls 30 inches and taller must be permitted.
**Please be sure you have included all of the following required documents in your package. Incomplete packages will not be accepted or retained**
Solar Panel Installation Permits
**Please be sure you have included all of the following required documents in your package. Incomplete packages will not be accepted or retained**
Guidelines, Procedures, and Requirements:
Subcontractor Permit Applications:
Swimming Pools:
Temporary Pole/Power:
Sewer and Retaining Wall:
Demolition:
Model Home:
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 ComplaintsProcedure 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:
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:
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.
