Cobb County, Georgia • Building permits, inspections and development services • 2026 guide
Cobb County Building Permits & Inspections: What to Do in 2026
If your property is in unincorporated Cobb County, the Cobb County Community Development Building Division handles building permitting, plan review, construction inspections and related development services. Homeowners and contractors can also use county online systems to search permit applications, follow reviews and schedule inspections.
Cobb County Building Department Contact Information
| Official office | Cobb County Community Development — Building Division / Development & Inspections |
|---|---|
| Physical address | 1150 Powder Springs St, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30064 |
| Mailing address | P.O. Box 649, Marietta, GA 30061 |
| Building / residential permit help | 770-528-2060 |
| Commercial permitting | 770-528-2071 |
| Building email | building@cobbcounty.gov |
| Zoning review | 770-528-2035 |
| Site Plan Review | 770-528-2147 |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., excluding applicable county closures |
| Official Building Division | Cobb County Building Division |
Which Properties Does Cobb County Handle?
Cobb County’s building inspection office states that it administers applicable building codes for residential and commercial construction in the permitting jurisdiction of unincorporated Cobb County. Incorporated cities can operate their own permitting systems, so jurisdiction is the first thing to verify.
This is especially important for Mableton. Cobb County stopped accepting new Building and Development permit applications for properties inside the City of Mableton after February 28, 2025. The city began accepting those applications on March 1, 2025.
Do not decide jurisdiction from the postal city printed on a utility bill. Check the parcel/address using the county’s official jurisdiction tool before paying fees or preparing a submission.
If your project is outside Cobb County and falls under a different metro Atlanta authority, use that authority’s process instead. For example, our Atlanta Building Department guide explains the separate City of Atlanta permit system.
How to Apply for a Cobb County Building Permit
Cobb County separates residential, commercial, site-plan and trade work into different workflows. The exact documents change by project, but this sequence will keep most applications on the right path.
- Confirm the permitting jurisdiction. Search the property address through Cobb County’s jurisdiction tool. If the parcel is inside an incorporated city, check that city’s building department before continuing.
- Choose the correct project checklist. Open the residential permitting page or the commercial permitting page. Find the checklist that matches the actual scope of work.
- Collect plans, property information and approvals. Prepare the signed application, project description, plans, site information, contractor or homeowner documents and any septic, zoning, site-plan, fire, water or sewer approvals required for that project.
- Prepare digital plan files correctly. For projects using the Digital Plan Room, create a Cobb County Citizen Access account and upload plans in PDF format. Design professionals may need an accepted digital signature. Follow the county’s current file-naming and plan-submission instructions.
- Submit using the method Cobb County gives for your permit type. Do not assume every permit uses the same intake method. Some permit or supporting documents are handled through online services, while specific forms are accepted by email. Commercial projects in unincorporated Cobb County are directed to begin the review process with Community Development.
- Respond to review comments. Monitor your application, read reviewer comments carefully, upload corrected drawings when requested and keep the same application or record number with your project records.
- Pay the assessed fees and obtain the issued permit. An application being submitted or reviewed does not authorize construction. Wait until the required permit has actually been issued.
- Schedule inspections as construction progresses. Request each required inspection before regulated work is concealed. Complete corrections and reinspections where necessary.
- Complete final inspections and close the permit. Projects requiring a Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion must complete the applicable final approvals before occupancy or formal closeout.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
There is no single document list for every Cobb County permit. A basement finish, new home, pool, commercial tenant build-out and retaining wall all need different supporting material. Still, these are the items applicants most often need to think about.
| Document or information | Why it may be required |
|---|---|
| Completed permit application | Identifies the property, applicant, project and construction scope. |
| Project scope or work description | Explains exactly what will be built, removed, repaired or altered. |
| Construction plans | Needed when structural, layout, code or technical review applies. |
| Site plan, survey or property layout | Used for setbacks, additions, pools, accessory structures, retaining walls and other site-related work. |
| Construction cost / contract / estimate | May be used in calculating or confirming applicable fees. |
| Contractor license information | Required where state or local licensing rules apply. |
| Photo identification | Required in certain homeowner or authorized-agent applications. |
| Authorized agent form | May be needed when the person submitting is not the license holder or responsible party. |
| Septic / Environmental Health approval | Can be required when the property is served by a septic system. |
| Zoning and Site Plan Review | May need to be completed before the building permit can be issued. |
For example, Cobb County’s published basement-finish checklist calls for the signed residential application, a detailed scope-of-work letter, customer contract or estimate, finished-area square footage, identification and applicable contractor/license documents. Septic properties also need the Environmental Health approval identified by the county.
Residential Permits and Home Projects
Cobb County publishes dedicated residential checklists or forms for common projects including:
- New single-family homes
- Home additions
- Home renovations
- Basement finishing
- Accessory structures
- Residential pools and spas
- Retaining walls
- Solar panels
- Demolition
- Mobile homes
- Power-use permits
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other trade permits
A project appearing on this list does not mean every possible version of that work follows identical requirements. Size, structural changes, utilities, septic service, zoning, setbacks and property conditions can change the approvals needed.
Can a Cobb County Homeowner Pull Their Own Permit?
Cobb County provides a homeowner-permit process for qualifying owner-occupants. Its homeowner checklist states that the homeowner must be performing the work personally on the property where they reside. The home must be in the homeowner’s name according to tax-assessor records, must be the primary residence and cannot be rental property or titled to a company for that homeowner-permit pathway.
County-published homeowner application materials call for items such as:
- Homeowner Permit Request form
- All documents required for the specific project
- First page of the warranty deed
- Photo identification of the applicant/homeowner
- Signed project checklist
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, gas and other regulated work can have separate licensing requirements. Do not assume a homeowner building permit automatically allows you to perform every licensed trade.
Commercial Building Permits
Commercial projects can require coordinated review from Building, Site Plan Review, Zoning, the Fire Marshal, Cobb County Water System and other agencies depending on the project.
For projects in unincorporated Cobb County, Cobb County Water System’s current guidance directs commercial applicants to begin with the Building Permit office and submit the application and plans to CommBldgApplication@cobbcounty.gov. Community Development then distributes applicable materials for departmental review.
Typical commercial permit categories include:
- New commercial buildings
- Additions
- Interior or exterior remodels
- New tenant build-outs
- Tenant move-ins
- Commercial pools
- Cell towers
- EV charging stations
- Demolition
- Retaining walls
- Trade permits
Cobb County Building Permit Fees
Cobb County’s currently published Building Permit Fee Schedule took effect July 1, 2024. The county states that building permit fees include plan review and building inspections. The amount can still change based on the project type, construction valuation, site review and additional services.
| Residential construction cost | Published permit fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $15,000 | $80 |
| $15,001–$25,000 | $150 |
| $25,001–$50,000 | $300 |
| $50,001–$75,000 | $450 |
| Over $75,001 | $6 per $1,000 of calculated construction cost |
For new one- and two-family construction, the county fee schedule uses ICC Building Valuation Data and lists $6 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost. The published reference shows heated square footage at $165.67 per square foot and unheated square footage at $31.50 per square foot for its stated construction-cost calculation.
Other Published Residential Permit Charges
| Fee type | Published amount |
|---|---|
| Technology fee | $15 |
| Site Plan Review | $100 for listed new homes, additions, decks, pools, retaining walls and accessory structures |
| Residential revision | $50 |
| Residential permit renewal | $100 |
| Pool | $250 minimum |
| Electrical, plumbing, HVAC or gas trade permit | $80 |
| Demolition or retaining wall | $100 |
| Power reconnect / power use only | $80 |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy | $500, subject to approval; maximum 30 days |
| Construction started before permit issuance | Double permit fee, maximum $1,000 |
Commercial Permit Fee Reference
Cobb County’s published commercial and multifamily schedule uses $7 per $1,000 of calculated construction cost for larger projects, with the following published tiers:
| Commercial construction cost | Published fee |
|---|---|
| Up to $15,000 | $100 |
| $15,001–$25,000 | $175 |
| $25,001–$50,000 | $350 |
| $50,001–$75,000 | $525 |
| Over $75,001 | $7 per $1,000 of calculated construction cost |
Commercial revisions, expedited review, occupancy documents, site-plan review and other services can add separate charges. Always use the county-issued invoice as the amount actually due.
View Cobb County’s official published fee schedule.
How to Schedule a Cobb County Building Inspection
Cobb County currently offers two convenient inspection-request methods: text message and the online inspection portal.
Option 1: Schedule by Text
- Send SCHEDULE to 877-376-1455.
- Follow the prompts for the permit number and requested inspection.
- Enter the inspection code and other information requested by the system.
- Review the request carefully.
- Send CONFIRM when prompted.
To cancel by text, send CANCEL to 877-376-1455. To check inspection results, send RESULTS to the same number.
Option 2: Schedule Online
Cobb County gives one important portal instruction that can save frustration:
- Open the county’s official inspection scheduling page.
- Open the online inspections portal and sign in.
- Open the applicable Building Permit record.
- Click RECORD INFO underneath the Building Permit.
- Select Inspections.
- Select Schedule or Request an Inspection.
- Select the required inspection. Cobb County notes that only one inspection can be selected at a time.
- Submit the request and verify that it appears in the permit record.
The county specifically warns users not to start by clicking the general “Schedule an Inspection” option in the blue bar at the top of the portal. Open the permit’s Record Info first.
Cobb County also asks contractors to coordinate HVAC and plumbing inspections for the same day when both are applicable, such as rough-ins, ceiling-cover inspections and finals.
Reinspection Fees
| First reinspection | $50 |
|---|---|
| Second reinspection | $75 |
| Third and subsequent reinspections | $100 each |
Before requesting an inspection, make sure the work is actually ready, required approved plans are available, the permit is active and anything that must remain exposed for inspection has not been covered.
How to Search a Cobb County Permit or Check Application Status
Cobb County uses Accela Citizen Access for development-related online services. The portal includes building permit searches, inspection scheduling, code-enforcement records and other services.
- Open Cobb County Citizen Access.
- Sign in or create an account when the service requires registration.
- Choose Building Permits.
- Select the available permit/application search option.
- Enter your permit or application information. Use the property information available to you if searching without the exact number.
- Open the matching record.
- Review the available application status, permit information, inspections, fees or review activity.
A submitted or approved application is not necessarily the same thing as an issued permit. Before beginning regulated construction, confirm that the actual permit has been issued and that no conditions or outstanding approvals prevent work from starting.
Digital Plan Room: Uploading Plans and Corrections
Cobb County’s Digital Plan Room allows contractors, architects, engineers and homeowners to upload plans, monitor review progress, receive reviewer comments, submit revisions and download approved stamped plans.
Before using it, Cobb County advises applicants to:
- Register for a Cobb County Citizen Access account.
- Prepare plan files in PDF format.
- Follow the current file-naming and submission rules.
- Use an accepted digital signature when signed and sealed professional documents require one.
Open Cobb County Digital Plan Room instructions.
Important 2026 Pool and Spa Permit Change
A significant Cobb County change took effect January 1, 2026. Anyone beginning construction of a pool or spa covered by the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code must first obtain a valid Cobb County permit where the county has permitting jurisdiction.
Pool builders must hold either a valid Georgia General Contractor license or a recognized pool-builder certification. Cobb County specifically identifies the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance Certified Builder Professional credential as an example. Alternative certifications are subject to review by the Cobb County Chief Building Official.
The county’s current pool application also makes several construction-stage requirements clear:
- Do not cover the pool until the bonding inspection has passed.
- A final inspection must be requested after the pool is complete and its required barrier is installed.
- Electrical work must be permitted by a state-licensed contractor.
- Gas-line work must be permitted by a state-licensed contractor.
- The barrier is permitted together with the pool permit.
- Commercial pools and residential pools on septic require Environmental Health approval.
- Zoning and Site Plan Review approvals are required as applicable before permitting.
Completed pool forms are currently directed to poolpermits@cobbcounty.gov. See the official Cobb County pool and spa page before submitting.
Cobb County Building Codes in Effect for 2026
Cobb County’s official Codes, Standards and Guidelines page identifies the following Georgia State Minimum Standard Code editions as effective beginning January 1, 2026.
| Code area | 2026 Cobb County reference |
|---|---|
| Building | 2024 International Building Code with Georgia Amendments |
| Residential | 2024 International Residential Code with Georgia Amendments |
| Fire | 2024 International Fire Code; applicable state fire-safety requirements also apply |
| Plumbing | 2024 International Plumbing Code with Georgia Amendments |
| Mechanical | 2024 International Mechanical Code with Georgia Amendments |
| Fuel gas | 2024 International Fuel Gas Code with Georgia Amendments |
| Electrical | 2023 National Electrical Code with applicable Georgia requirements |
| Energy | 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with Georgia supplements and amendments |
| Swimming pools and spas | 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with Georgia Amendments |
| Property maintenance | 2018 International Property Maintenance Code with Georgia Amendments |
Cobb County also notes an important residential detail: Georgia did not adopt the IRC’s plumbing, electrical and energy provisions as the controlling requirements for one- and two-family dwellings. Those areas use the applicable International Plumbing Code, National Electrical Code and International Energy Conservation Code requirements instead.
For the official local list and amendment references, use Cobb County Codes, Standards and Guidelines. Our Atlanta building code guide also explains the broader Georgia code-and-amendment structure, but Cobb County’s own requirements control projects under Cobb County jurisdiction.
Zoning, Site Plan Review and Land Disturbance
A building permit is only one part of some projects. Zoning determines issues such as permitted land use, setbacks and development limitations. Site Plan Review can become involved when work changes the site, grading, drainage, access or development configuration.
Cobb County’s fee schedule identifies a $100 Site Plan Review fee for listed residential new homes, additions, decks, pools, retaining walls and accessory structures. A Land Disturbance Permit can involve separate fees and review requirements.
Before preparing expensive plans, use the Cobb County Zoning Division information and contact Site Plan Review at 770-528-2147 if the work changes the site.
Third-Party Plan Review and Inspections Under Georgia HB 493
Cobb County has a process for private/third-party permitting review and inspections under Georgia House Bill 493. This is not something to switch into casually after a permit is already issued.
Cobb County states that applicants choosing a third-party provider must designate that choice when applying. Once a permit has been issued through the standard county process, the applicant is generally expected to continue through that process rather than moving the permit to third-party inspections.
The county maintains its own list of approved third-party providers and states that listing a provider does not constitute a county recommendation or endorsement.
Certificate of Occupancy and Letter of Completion
Completing construction is not the same as completing the permit. Required final inspections must be passed and applicable departments must complete their approvals before the project receives the required final occupancy or completion documentation.
For commercial projects, building, Fire Marshal, site, special inspections, utilities and other applicable final approvals can all affect closeout. Cobb County Fire Marshal information states that a new business, tenant or building generally requires the appropriate Certificate of Occupancy process.
For an existing commercial location where the new business is essentially the same use as the previous approved use, the Fire Marshal may have an Information Change / re-occupancy path rather than requiring the same process as a completely new use. Verify eligibility before assuming it applies.
Residential projects may receive a Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion depending on the permit. Keep copies with your property records after the permit closes.
Which Cobb County Office Should You Call?
| Your question | Best starting contact |
|---|---|
| Residential permit or homeowner application | 770-528-2060 |
| Commercial building permit | 770-528-2071 |
| Zoning review | 770-528-2035 |
| Site Plan Review / grading questions | 770-528-2147 |
| Building Division general email | building@cobbcounty.gov |
| Pool permit forms | poolpermits@cobbcounty.gov |
| Building inspection scheduling help | 770-528-2060 |
Common Mistakes That Delay Cobb County Permits
- Applying to the wrong jurisdiction. Verify city limits before preparing the application.
- Submitting an incomplete package. Cobb County checklists repeatedly warn that missing required documents can prevent processing.
- Starting construction before permit issuance. The published fee schedule lists a penalty of double the permit fee, up to $1,000.
- Ignoring zoning or site review. Building-code compliance does not automatically satisfy property setbacks or site requirements.
- Covering work too soon. Rough work and pool bonding are examples of items that may need inspection before being concealed.
- Not completing the text inspection request. You must send CONFIRM when Cobb County’s text system prompts you.
- Using an outdated drawing after revisions. Keep the latest approved stamped plan set available during construction.
- Assuming permit approval means final completion. Verify final inspections and CO/LOC status before treating the project as closed.
Official Cobb County Permit Resources
- Building Division — main permit, inspection and development-services hub.
- Residential Building Permitting — residential process, forms and project checklists.
- Commercial Building Permitting — commercial applications and project requirements.
- Citizen Access — search applications and access online development services.
- Schedule an Inspection — official online and text instructions.
- Community Development Forms — permit forms, trade requests and supporting documents.
- Codes, Standards and Guidelines — 2026 code editions and county standards.
Looking for another jurisdiction? Browse our U.S. Building Guide for additional city and county permitting guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Cobb County Building Department located?
Cobb County’s Building Division is at 1150 Powder Springs St, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30064. The published office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding applicable county closures.
2. Does Cobb County issue building permits everywhere in Cobb County?
No. Cobb County’s Building Division primarily handles construction in its permitting jurisdiction in unincorporated Cobb County. Incorporated cities may issue their own permits. Check the official jurisdiction tool before applying. Mableton, for example, began accepting its own Building and Development permits on March 1, 2025.
3. How do I apply for a Cobb County building permit?
First confirm jurisdiction, then select the residential or commercial project checklist, prepare the required application, plans and supporting approvals, and follow the submission method listed by Cobb County for that permit type. Monitor review comments, pay assessed fees and wait for the permit to be issued before starting regulated work.
4. Can a homeowner get their own building permit in Cobb County?
Cobb County provides a homeowner-permit process for qualifying owner-occupants. Its published checklist says the applicant must perform the work personally at their primary residence, the property must be in the homeowner’s name and the home cannot be a rental property or titled to a company for that pathway.
5. How much is a Cobb County building permit?
The amount depends on the project. Cobb County’s currently published schedule lists residential building permit fees from $80 for construction cost up to $15,000, with higher tiers above that amount. Projects over $75,001 use a published rate of $6 per $1,000 of calculated construction cost. Site review, technology, trade and other fees may be additional.
6. How do I schedule a Cobb County building inspection?
You can schedule online through the county inspection portal or text SCHEDULE to 877-376-1455. Follow the prompts and send CONFIRM to finalize the request. Text CANCEL to cancel and RESULTS to check available inspection results.
7. Can I search Cobb County building permits online?
Yes. Cobb County’s Accela Citizen Access system includes Building Permit search services. Open the portal, choose Building Permits, use the available application or permit search fields and open the matching record to review available status and inspection information.
8. What building codes apply in Cobb County in 2026?
Cobb County’s official code page lists the 2024 IBC and 2024 IRC with Georgia Amendments, 2024 plumbing, mechanical and fuel-gas codes, the 2023 NEC, the 2015 IECC with Georgia supplements and amendments, and the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code among the principal codes effective January 1, 2026.
9. Do pools need a permit in Cobb County in 2026?
Yes where Cobb County has permitting jurisdiction. A county amendment effective January 1, 2026 requires a valid permit before construction of a pool or spa covered by the applicable swimming-pool code. Pool-builder licensing or recognized certification requirements also apply.
10. How do I get a Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion?
Complete every required final inspection and resolve outstanding approvals for the project. Commercial projects may also require Fire Marshal, utility, site or special-inspection approvals. After the applicable approvals are complete, follow Cobb County’s closeout process for the required Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of Completion.
Information reviewed: October 24, 2026. This independent guide summarizes current Cobb County government permitting, inspection, fee, form and code information to help users understand the process. Government procedures, fees, contacts and forms can change. Cobb County and other responsible authorities remain the final source for project-specific requirements and approvals.