Cobb County Building Permits: A Comprehensive Guide

For developers and builders looking to start work in Cobb County, Georgia, the success of a project depends on knowing the laws and procedures of applying for a permit. 

This guide will help you understand what you need in order to successfully apply for and obtain a Cobb County building permit.

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What requires a building permit in Cobb County?

Cobb County building permits are typically issued for projects that require contractor work, usually when they construct a new building or make significant changes to an existing one. For example, while painting a wall won’t require a permit, knocking one down might. 

Projects that might require a Cobb County building permit could include:

• New construction
• Additions to an existing building
• Renovations or remodels
• Demolitions
• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work
• Building a deck or patio
• Installing swimming pools

Many other projects require permits as well, so make sure to check with Cobb County Community Development if you have questions.

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Do I need a permit to remodel my bathroom in Georgia?

Yes. Because most bathroom remodels involve contractor work, they require a permit to get started. 

You will need a permit for work such as:

• Plumbing, like moving or adding pipes
• Electrical, like adding or moving outlets
• Structural, like removing or adding walls

You probably won’t need a permit to replace a plumbing fixture, but you will need one to relocate it.

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Who issues building permits in Cobb County?

Cobb County’s Community Development Agency handles the issuing of building permits. Within the agency, different departments work together during the permitting process:

• Development and Inspections: Reviews plans and does inspections
• Planning Division: Makes sure projects follow zoning laws
• Zoning Division: Handles zoning permits and variances
• Business License Division: Issues licenses for contractors

When you apply for a permit, you'll be working with these departments to get your project approved.

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How much does a building permit cost in Cobb County, GA?

The cost of Cobb County building permits vary depending on the type and size of each project. 

Here's a general idea of how they calculate fees:

• Fees for new buildings or additions are based on the square footage of the project.
• Fees for renovations or remodels are based on the total cost of the project.
• Some permits, like those for electrical or plumbing work, have flat fees.
• There may be extra fees for plan review, inspections, or impact fees.

As of 2024, here are some example fees:

• New single-family home: $6 per $1,000 of construction value (minimum $50)
• Commercial building: $7 per $1,000 of construction value (minimum $100)
• Electrical permit: $50 base fee plus $10 per $1,000 of job cost
• Plumbing permit: $50 base fee plus $10 per $1,000 of job cost

As always, check with the Cobb County Community Development Agency for up-to-date fee information.

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How do I obtain a building permit in Cobb County?

The basics of getting a building permit are finding the right paperwork and submitting a complete application to Cobb County. Let's break it down:

Get paperwork together

The County wants to know that your project is fully planned out and functional. By showing that you already have permission and skilled personnel to do the work, you can avoid common delays and get your permit sooner.

Here are some of the documents you should have ready:

• Detailed project plans: These should show what you're planning to build or change
• Contractor information: If you're hiring a contractor, you'll need their license number and contact information
• Description of work: A clear and highly detailed explanation of what you're planning to do
• Cost estimate: An estimate of how much the project will cost

Some bigger projects require further documentation, such as structural calculations and energy compliance forms.

Complete your application

Once you have all the documents, you can start filling out your permit application. You can submit your application via email or in person at the Community Development Agency office.

Here's how to do that:

1. Fill out the application form with your personal information and requested details.
2. Upload or attach all required documents.
3. Pay the application fee. This is different from the permit fee and is usually non-refundable.
4. Submit your application.

After that, the county will begin reviewing your application. This can take a few days or several weeks depending on the scope and size of your project.

Cobb County may call and ask you for more information, so keep an eye out for calls and emails in order to respond quickly. 

Once your application is approved, pay the permit fee and boom—you can get started on your project.

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Contacting Cobb County Development and Inspections

The Cobb County Development and Inspections department is available by phone and in person from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Phone: (770) 528-2060
• Email: comdevhelp@cobbcounty.org
• Address: 1150 Powder Springs Street, Suite 400, Marietta, GA 30064

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Use PermitFlow to secure your permit

Getting your permit application done right can be stressful and complicated, but you don’t have to do it all yourself. PermitFlow can help. 

PermitFlow is a software-based permitting tool that takes the guesswork out of project approval by managing your application and keeping your paperwork organized. Our team of construction experts has experience pulling permits in Cobb County and can simplify the process from start to finish.

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How PermitFlow simplifies permitting

The biggest hurdles to pulling a permit in Cobb County are knowing where to start and avoiding mistakes. PermitFlow’s permit experts can help you submit accurate information and can even expedite the process in many cases. 

PermitFlow pays for itself by providing:

• Expert knowledge: The PermitFlow team knows the ins and outs of Cobb County's permitting process to guide you through each step
• Document preparation: Get help creating site plans and filling out applications correctly
• Time savings: PermitFlow handles the details so you can focus on planning your project
• Updates and tracking: Stay updated on the status of your application and know right away once your permit is ready
• Handling complex projects: For bigger or more complicated projects, PermitFlow can manage multiple permits
• Local knowledge: Navigate Cobb County's specific rules and requirements, even as they vary from other counties

Every successful building project in Cobb County starts with having the right permits. The better you can navigate the process, the easier it will be to avoid costly mistakes. Set yourself up for a smooth and legal construction experience by getting help from experts.