On October 27, 2026, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners approved a code amendment to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs). ADUs are secondary dependent residential units located on the same lot as a detached single-family home. Cobb County previously tried to pass a code change allowing ADUs in 2024, but the proposal was tabled due to public backlash.
The amendment allows ADUs with the following stipulations:
- The property owner must apply for a "special land use permit" and are required to appear before the commission for approval before the ADU can be constructed.
- ADUs are not allowed to be used as short-term rental properties and the owner must live in one of the structures on the property.
- ADUs are not allowed to exceed half the square footage of the main structure or 850 square feet, could not be taller than the main structure and could not be more than one story.
- ADUs must be located in the rear of the primary residence.
- ADUs must have at least one off-street parking spot available.
- ADUs must be connected to the same utility as the main structure and only one would be permitted per single-family lot.
- For more information, see the attached Marietta Daily Journal article recap of the meeting.
