Building permits and zoning in Marietta

Last checked Oct. 5, 2026. Facts on this page come from the City of Marietta’s Building Permits, Planning and Zoning, Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals pages.

Two city departments handle building in Marietta. The Building Inspection Division issues building permits and inspects the work. The Planning and Zoning Department, on the second floor of City Hall, handles zoning, rezonings, variances, fences, signs and historic districts. Every permit and zoning application is filed online through SagesGov; the city no longer accepts paper, faxed or emailed plans.

Who to call

• Building permits and inspections: Building Inspection Division, 770-794-5659, or email building inspections
• Zoning, fences, rezoning, variances: Planning and Zoning, 770-794-5669, City Hall, 205 Lawrence St., second floor, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays
• Meeting and deadline dates: Planning and Zoning coordinator, 770-794-5440
• Address questions: city GIS team, 770-794-5550
• Official page: Building Permits

First, check you are in the city

Many homes with a Marietta mailing address are in unincorporated Cobb County, which issues its own permits. The city tells homeowners to look up the parcel on Cobb County’s qPublic property search. If the tax district shows (4) MARIETTA, the city handles your permit. If it shows (9) UNINCORPORATED, Cobb County does.

When you need a building permit

The city requires a permit whenever an owner or contractor builds, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves or demolishes a building, or installs or alters an electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system. The city’s examples:

• Decks, new, repaired or replaced
• Water heater replacement
• New windows
• A new heating and air system, in part or whole
• Sheds and other outdoor accessory structures
• A change of occupancy

No building permit is needed for painting, flooring or a fence. Fences still have to meet the zoning rules on height, location and configuration in the city’s fence guidelines.

What it costs

From the city’s permit fee schedule:

A $20,000 deck, for example, costs $50 plus $100, or $150.

Doing the work yourself

A homeowner can act as the building contractor on their own home if they meet the conditions in Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 43-41-17(h)). To apply as a homeowner you need:

• the notarized Property Owner’s Affidavit (PDF)
• a recent utility bill or deed showing you own the home
• a copy of your driver’s license
• construction plans showing the existing and proposed floor plan, room uses and measurements, with the name of whoever drew them
• a site plan for any exterior work that disturbs the ground

Homeowners cannot pull mechanical, electrical or plumbing permits; the licensed tradesperson has to apply. Georgia does not require stamped plans for houses, but changing the loads on the structure needs a design professional. Work within 10 feet of a property line may need a survey. The city’s homeowner permit page has step-by-step videos.

Zoning, rezoning and variances

The official zoning map (PDF) and the planning and zoning case map show what each parcel is zoned and what cases are pending.

• Rezoning: the Planning Commission hears the case and makes a recommendation. The City Council makes the final decision and can attach conditions. The application needs a sealed plat, a site plan and proof that the property taxes are paid.
• Variances: the Board of Zoning Appeals hears requests to bend setback and other rules.
• Historic districts: the city has five National Register historic districts, three local residential historic districts, four local landmarks and the Downtown Marietta Historic District. Check the historic preservation page before changing the outside of a building in one of them.

The applicant or an agent must attend every public hearing. The city warns that scammers have emailed fake invoices to recent applicants. It takes payment only through SagesGov or in person; call 770-794-5440 or 770-794-5669 before paying anything else.

Meeting dates

All hearings are in the council chamber on the lobby level of City Hall, 205 Lawrence St.

Filing deadlines are in the 2026 Planning Commission schedule (PDF) and the 2026 BZA schedule (PDF). Agendas are posted before each meeting in the city’s Agenda Center.

What this means for you

• Check the tax district first; the wrong government means the wrong permit.
• Budget $50 plus $5 per $1,000 of the job for a residential permit.
• Hire a licensed electrician, plumber or HVAC contractor for those permits.
• Watching a rezoning near you? The Planning Commission hearing is the first chance to speak.

Related guides: who to call at City Hall, property taxes and moving to Marietta.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to build a deck in Marietta?

Yes. The city requires a permit for new, repaired or replaced decks, and for any work that builds, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves or demolishes a structure. Apply online through SagesGov.

How much is a building permit in Marietta?

A residential permit costs a $50 base fee plus $5 for every $1,000 of total construction cost, labor and materials included. There is no plan review fee for residential work.

Do I need a permit for a fence in Marietta?

No building permit is needed for a fence, painting or flooring. Fences still must meet the Planning and Zoning Department’s height and location rules; call 770-794-3957.

When does the Marietta Planning Commission meet?

Usually the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. in the council chamber at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St. City Council makes the final decision on rezonings, usually on the second Wednesday at 7 p.m.

How do I know if my home is in the city of Marietta?

Look up the parcel on the Cobb County qPublic site. A tax district of (4) MARIETTA means the city; (9) UNINCORPORATED means Cobb County handles your permits.