Code Amendments 2026 News |
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Single-Family Neighborhoods
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Don't be surprised when your neighbor has an ADU for rent in their backyard.
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Don't be surprised when the "family" next door is actually just 4 unrelated adults.
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Under the proposed code amendments,
if a single-family neighborhood doesn't have strong protective covenants, any homeowner could put a free-standing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) of up to 850 sq. ft. in their backyard and rent it. As many backyards as you can see, that's how many ADUs you could be looking at. Neighborhoods would logically end up with more people, more cars, more deliveries, more trash pickups, and more noise. What's not to like? |
Under the proposed code amendments, the concept of a single-family neighborhood will be turned on its head. It will still be called single-family, but "family" members can all be unrelated.
Definition as proposed: "A single-family dwelling unit consists of one or more rooms which are arranged, designed or used as living quarters for one family including up to three unrelated adults, or four or fewer unrelated adults and their children and/or grandchildren." |
The proposed code amendments for ADUs and Single-Family Dwelling Units are part of Chapter 134, which covers multiple categories. Read Chapter 134 here.
If you're concerned about what's proposed, you can let the Commissioners know by phone, email and comments at the public hearings on October 6, 13 and 27. Commissioner contact information is in the right-hand column.
If you're concerned about what's proposed, you can let the Commissioners know by phone, email and comments at the public hearings on October 6, 13 and 27. Commissioner contact information is in the right-hand column.
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The Board of Commissioners will vote on the code amendments on Tuesday, October 27th.
Public Hearings Tuesday, Oct. 6, 9 a.m. Planning Commission (Chapter 134 only) Tuesday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m. Board of Commissioners Public Hearing Tuesday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. Board of Commissioners Public Hearing Location of all hearings: David Hankerson Building 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta 30090 2nd floor Board of Commissioners meeting room |
Concerns about ADUs voiced by homeowners
For many homeowners, an overall concern is that some of the amendments could significantly change the fabric of their neighborhoods, particularly older neighborhoods that don't have covenants to protect them.
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More traffic waiting to get in and out of the neighborhood
Every adult living in an ADU could have a car, which means more cars waiting to enter and exit.
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More delivery vehicles in the neighborhood
Everyone living in an ADU will get deliveries, so there will be more vehicles with packages and pizzas.
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More cars crowded into driveways
The cars of renters will add to the number parked in the driveway. New code would allow up to 5.
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More vehicles parked on the street
If the driveway is crowded, expect cars to end up parked on the street, irrespective of whether or not that's allowed.
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More noise in general
With more people, more pets, more households, more trash pickups, and more vehicles, there is simply more noise.
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Contacting Commissioners
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District 2 Commissioner
Erick Allen (770) 528-3315 |
District 3 Commissioner
JoAnn K. Birrell (770) 528-3317 |
County Main Phone
(770) 528-1000
Email links - Board of Commissioners
Chair Lisa Cupid
District 1 Keli Gambrill
District 2 Erick Allen
District 3 JoAnn K. Birrell
District 4 Monique Sheffield
(770) 528-1000
Email links - Board of Commissioners
Chair Lisa Cupid
District 1 Keli Gambrill
District 2 Erick Allen
District 3 JoAnn K. Birrell
District 4 Monique Sheffield
It's suggested you contact each commissioner, because they each have a vote.
Below is the page content from 2024
2024 Proposed Code AmendmentsBOC Withdraws Controversial Code Amendments At its Meeting on Nov. 12, 2024
Single-family neighborhoods had raised concerns about proposed code amendments, which were only introduced on Sept. 27th
There's a lot to digest on this topic, which involves proposed amendments to Chapter 134 of the Cobb zoning code, particularly those pertaining to single-family homes. We urge you use the links on the right to visit multiple sources of information. See the official Cobb Chapter 134 document. Read stories in the MDJ and East Cobb News. Watch Cobb TV recordings on YouTube for relevant discussions at meetings of the Planning Commission and the Board of Commissioners. And more.
Proposed amendments receiving particular attention: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) 134-37 would allow the owner of a single-family home to build a detached residential dwelling in their backyard. This structure, called an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), could be up to 850 square feet and could be rented for terms as short as 31 days. Up to five vehicles parked in driveway 134-1 includes a proposed amendment that would increase the number of vehicles that can be parked in a driveway, from four to five. Changes in definitions related "Single-Family Dwelling Unit" 134-1 also has proposed amendment that would significantly expand the definition of what qualifies as a "family" occupying a dwelling. It gets quite detailed, so we urge you to read through 134-1 in the Chapter 134 Code Amendment document, which is linked on the right. Concerns voiced by homeowners For many homeowners, an overall concern is that some of the amendments could significantly change the fabric of their neighborhoods, particularly older neighborhoods that don't have covenants to protect them. Other concerns stated: - More traffic in and out of the neighborhood - More vehicles parked on the street - More impervious surfaces to shed stormwater - More walkers in the street - More strain on the overloaded code enforcement department - More chance of overcrowded schools Public hearings and calls for delay in BOC vote Public hearings are November 12th and November 21st. The BOC vote is scheduled for November 21st, after the public hearing. However, because the amendments were only released at the end of September, at the height of election season, there are calls to push back the vote, so the public is not rushed to give its input. The Planning Commission, which advises the BOC, voted to deny approval of several amendments to allow more time for review and input. More time seems like a good idea. Use the links in adjacent column for more information, and visit the sources regularly to keep up with the latest news. |
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BOC Meetings
Location
Board of Commissioners Meeting Room 100 Cherokee Street Downtown Marietta Information linksBoard of Commissioners withdraws controversial amendments at November 12th meetingRead the story in East Cobb news
East Cobb News - Nov 12, 2024 Board of Commissioners meeting recording - Nov 12, 2024
Note: Use time counter to locate key content. Section on Chapter 134 begins at 51:30 Public comments begin at 1:07:00 Official Cobb Code, Chapter 134 - Proposed Amendments Sept 27, 2024
Cobb website announcement of proposed amendments Oct 2, 2024 East Cobb News - Nov 9, 2024 Marietta Daily Journal - Nov 8, 2024 East Cobb News - Oct 22, 2024 Planning Commission recording - Nov 5, 2024 public comments The Chapter 134 portion of the video begins at 6:33:41 Board of Commissioners work session recording - Oct 22, 2024 Section on Chapter 134 begins at 38:37 Email contacts for the Board of Commissioners
Email your opinion to each commissioner, because they each have a vote.
Board of Commissioners - Email links Chair Lisa Cupid District 1 Keli Gambrill District 2 Jerica Richardson District 3 JoAnn K. Birrell District 4 Monique Sheffield |
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