Generally, anything built in Unincorporated Cobb County needs a building permit. The Zoning Division needs to approve all sheds, carports, shops, gazebos, arbors, pergolas, porches, decks (covered and uncovered), sunrooms, greenhouses, attached and detached garages, house additions, building additions, interior renovations, basement finishes, pools (in-ground and above ground), pool houses, storage buildings, playhouses, barns, riding arenas, retaining walls, basketball courts, and tennis courts.

The above list shall include any pre-assembled, pre-constructed and/or movable items. Please call the Zoning Division at (770) 528-2035 for any questions relating to whether or not a building permit is required.

• For residential permitting, call (770) 528-2060
• For commercial permitting, call (770) 528-2071

To obtain a building permit in most cases, the building permit applicant needs to bring a scaled site plan drawn by a Georgia Registered Land Surveyor, Engineer, or Architect. There is nominal cost and delay when obtaining a building permit. Most building permits can be obtained during normal business hours the same day.

There are many benefits to obtaining a building permit:

1. County building inspectors check the construction activity to make sure all applicable building codes are being followed;
2. Creates a paper trail in case your insurance company, your financial institution or a potential buyer needs documentation of the construction activity;
3. Ensures zoning requirements are met, so the construction activity is not delayed or halted, ordered to be moved, or even ordered to be demolished; and most importantly;
4. Gives the property owner “Peace of Mind” that everything is done correctly and safely.