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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cobb County
The county states construction in unincorporated Cobb must meet building-code requirements for new construction, additions, remodeling, and related work, with residential and commercial checklists for specific project types.
Note: The public FAQ page indicates the county has a specific answer for exempt residential work, but the collapsed public page did not expose the exemption list in the page lines reviewed. Applicants should use the county FAQ and residential checklist pages or call Community Development for scope confirmation before relying on an exemption.
- County application packet
- Project-specific checklists
- Plans
- Any outside approvals required by the project type
- Residential permitting pages publish separate checklists for pools, accessory structures, additions, basements, demolition, power use, renovations, retaining walls, solar, and more
- Building code
- Cobb County enforces Georgia state minimum standard construction codes and county-approved code amendments.
- Permit validity
- The reviewed county pages do not publish a single general permit-expiration rule.
- Owner-builder
- The county publishes a Homeowner Permit checklist and homeowner application materials.
- Contractor requirements
- Georgia licensing rules apply. The county also references homeowner-only permit pathways separately from contractor subpermit applications.
Application process
Typical processing: No general permit-review turnaround is published on the pages reviewed.
- 01 Confirm the property is in unincorporated Cobb using the county jurisdiction map.
- 02 Choose the applicable residential or commercial checklist and gather the required application packet and documents.
- 03 Calculate permit fees using the county fee schedules.
- 04 Submit the application packet and supporting materials to Community Development.
- 05 County staff reviews the application and issues comments or approval; applicants using HB493 third-party review must designate that choice when applying.
- 06 Pay fees, obtain permit issuance, and schedule required inspections online or by text.
Typical processing time: No general permit-review turnaround is published on the pages reviewed.
Source: Development and Inspections Division, Community Development, Cobb County ↗
Fee schedule
Effective July 1, 2024
Fees are calculated from county fee schedules before permit issuance. Inspection scheduling is online or by text after permitting.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective July 1, 2024) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Online Inspections Portal (online)
- Text to 877-376-1455 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Online or text scheduling available.
Typical sequence: Permit-specific inspection codes are published for building, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, zoning, pool location, arborist, and site inspections.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Cobb County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Cobb County, GA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Cobb County, GA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cobb County, GA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Cobb County, GA? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cobb County, GA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Development and Inspections Division, Community Development, Cobb County before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.