2026 Code Amendments

For Unincorporated Cobb County

Board of Commissioners approves controversial Code affecting
​single-family neighborhoods.

The vote was Oct. 27, 2026.
Code for ADUs and Single-Family Dwelling Units is part of Code Chapter 134, which covers multiple topics.
​Read the final approved Chapter 134.

For final approved versions of other Chapters, see the list on this page.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) of up to 850 sq. ft. can be built in the backyard of a single-family home and it can be rented. 
Proponents say ADUs are a solution to housing affordability and a way to add living space for extended family.

Opponents say the code already allowed homeowners to add living space for extended family. They believe ADUs will mainly be rental units that change single-family neighborhoods and bring more people, traffic and noise.
The definition of Single-Family Dwelling is changed to allow up to 4 unrelated adults and their children and/or grandchildren.
Proponents say the change will open up single-family housing to more people and help affordability.

Opponents voice concerns it will lead to investors buying homes and turning them into multi-tenant rentals, changing the fabric of the single-family neighborhoods that attracted them to Cobb County.
New code also increases outside parking allowance to 5 vehicles. 
The maximum number of vehicles that can be parked outside of a garage, carport or within the adjacent right-of-way increased from 4 to 5.
Homeowner concerns about ADUs
The overall concern, particularly for older neighborhoods without covenant protection, is that the amendments could significantly change the fabric of their neighborhoods. 
More cars in the neighborhood
More delivery vehicles
More crowded driveways
More street parking

See ALL approved amendments, including those for Data centers

There were amendments in many categories besides ADUs. A county web page has PDFs, but they are identified only by chapter number. Below is a list with chapter numbers AND categories. 

Click any chapter below to open the FINAL approved version.
Summary of Revisions: Final 
Chapter 2:     Administration
Chapter 6:     Alcoholic Beverages
Chapter 10:   Animals
Chapter 50:   Environment
Chapter 54:   Fire Prevention
Chapter 66:   Historic Preservation
Chapter 78:   Licenses, Permits, Bus.
Chapter 83:   Nuisances
Chapter 106: Streets, Sidewalks, Public Places
Chapter 118: Traffic And Vehicles
Chapter 134: Zoning (ADU, Data Centers)
​
Earlier versions of Chapter 134
​The proposed amendments to Chapter 134 were first published 9-4-26, but were revised several times before the final version was approved on Oct. 27th.
Chapter 134 as of 10-21-26 
Chapter 134 as of 9-4-26
​
Public Hearings - Videos
David Hankerson Building
100 Cherokee Street, Marietta 30090
2nd floor Board of Commissioners meeting room

Oct. 6, 2026
​Watch Video - ADU section starts at about 1:48:00
Oct. 13, 2026
​Watch Video - Ch. 134 starts at about 1:10:00
​Oct. 27, 2026
Watch Video - Public hearing starts 41:17:00
Vote was held at this meeting.
When you can't be there...
​watch online!
Give your feedback to each Commissioner
It's suggested you contact each member of the Board of Commissioners, because they each have a vote. Use phone, email and comments at the public hearings on October 6, 13 and 27. The Commissioners will vote at the Oct. 27th meeting.
County Main Phone to reach other Commissioners
​(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

Below is the page content from back in 2024

September 2024 was when similar code amendments were originally proposed. They were withdrawn on November 12, 2024. The content below is from 2024 and tracks the debate, which is actually similar to the debate in 2026. 

2024 Proposed Code Amendments

BOC 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.
Sign up for email updates on the Powers Ferry Corridor.​​
BOC Meetings
Location
Board of Commissioners Meeting Room
100 Cherokee Street
Downtown Marietta

Information links

Board of Commissioners withdraws controversial amendments at November 12th meeting

Read 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
​