Cobb County, GA Building Permits: Review Times and Permit Guide
Cobb County, GA building permits: Plan review takes 10 to 21 days depending on project type and complexity. The Cobb County Building Department issues permits for unincorporated areas. Cities within the county handle their own permitting.
Home to 766,149 residents, Cobb County, GA covers 5 cities and communities including the county seat of Marietta. Building permit review at the county level typically takes 10 to 21 days for initial plan check. Below you will find links to city-specific permit guides along with county-level permit information for unincorporated areas.
Cobb County Building Department
Cobb County Building Department
- Website: www.cobbcounty.gov/community-development/building-development
- Contact: [email protected]
- Online Portal: cobbca.cobbcounty.org/CitizenAccess
- Building Code: Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Codes
Cities in Cobb County, GA
Cobb County contains 5 major cities and communities. Permit Place has detailed permit guides for 1 of these cities. Each city operates its own building department and issues permits for projects within city limits.
Marietta, GA
Smyrna, GA
City permit info
Kennesaw, GA
City permit info
Acworth, GA
City permit info
Austell, GA
City permit info
Projects in unincorporated Cobb County (outside any city limits) require permits from the Cobb County Building Department.
County vs. City Permits: When to Contact Cobb County
Cobb County, GA has both incorporated cities and unincorporated areas. Knowing which jurisdiction covers your project site is the first step in the permit process.
Contact Cobb County Building Department When:
- Your project is in unincorporated Cobb County (outside any city limits)
- You are unsure whether your address falls within a city or the county
- Your project spans both city and county jurisdictions
Contact the City Building Department When:
- Your project is within the city limits of Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, or another incorporated city
- You have confirmed your address falls within city jurisdiction
If you are unsure about your property’s jurisdiction, the Cobb County building department can help you verify. A permit expediter like Permit Place can also determine the correct jurisdiction for your project.
Permit Types Available in Cobb County
Cobb County issues several categories of building permits for projects in unincorporated areas.
Building Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review required across all building disciplines
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: required for structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC changes
- Additions and renovations: any work that changes the building footprint or structure
- Change of use: required when converting a building from one use category to another
Trade Permits
- Electrical: new wiring, panel upgrades, and electrical service changes
- Plumbing: new fixtures, piping, and water heater installations
- Mechanical (HVAC): heating, cooling, and ventilation system work
- Fire protection: sprinkler systems and fire alarm installations
Cobb County Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in Cobb County are based on project valuation and type. Below are typical ranges for common project categories.
Commercial Projects
- Tenant improvements: $500 to $5,000+
- New commercial construction: $2,000 to $25,000+ (based on valuation)
- Plan review fee: typically 50-65% of the building permit fee
Trade Permits
- Electrical: $50 to $500
- Plumbing: $50 to $500
- Mechanical: $50 to $500
Fee ranges are estimates. Actual fees depend on project valuation and scope. Contact the Cobb County building department or Permit Place for exact costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cobb County Building Permits
How do I get a building permit in Cobb County?
Apply for a building permit through the Cobb County Community Development Agency at 1150 Powder Springs Street, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30064, or online through the county’s permit portal. Commercial permits require construction documents sealed by a Georgia-registered architect or engineer, site plan, structural calculations, MEP drawings, and energy code compliance documentation. Cobb County follows the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes (based on 2018 IBC with Georgia amendments).
How long does it take to get a building permit in Cobb County?
Cobb County commercial building permit review typically takes 15-30 business days for initial plan review. Simple tenant improvements may receive comments in 10-15 business days. Complex projects requiring multiple department reviews (fire marshal, DOT, stormwater) can take 4-6 weeks. PermitPlace has managed J. Crew, WellBiz/Elements Massage, and AM/PM permits in Cobb County and navigates the multi-department review process to keep projects moving.
How much does a building permit cost in Cobb County?
Cobb County building permit fees are calculated based on project valuation. Commercial permits typically cost $0.20-$0.40 per square foot in total fees, with plan review fees at 50% of the permit fee. A typical retail tenant improvement permit in Cobb County costs $1,500-$5,000. Additional sub-permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are required and billed separately. Impact fees for new commercial construction range from $2,000-$10,000+.
What building codes does Cobb County follow?
Cobb County enforces the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes, which include the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), and 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) — all with Georgia amendments. Georgia also has specific accessibility requirements that supplement federal ADA standards.
Need Help with Cobb County Building Permits?
PermitPlace has managed 7+ commercial permits in Cobb County including J. Crew store renovations at the Avenue at West Cobb in Marietta (initial TI and deferred racking permits), WellBiz Brands Elements Massage salon build-outs (4 projects), and AM/PM convenience store tenant improvements. Our Cobb County experience spans retail, wellness, and convenience store build-outs.