Cobb County, GA Chicken Laws: Hens, Roosters, Permits and Coop Rules

Coop Ready Georgia Cobb County

Allowed with a permit

Yes, after you file an application. On lots under 2 acres you can keep 1 hen per 5,000 sq ft, so a 10,000 sq ft lot gets 2 hens.

This covers unincorporated Cobb County only. Cities inside the county, such as Marietta, Kennesaw and Smyrna, set their own rules. Hens must stay in a fenced area behind the house, there is no slaughter on site, and coops over 144 sq ft must meet the accessory structure rules for the zoning district.

Hen limit

1 hen per 5,000 sq ft on lots under 2 acres

Roosters

Banned on lots under 2 acres

Permit

Yes: an application to Community Development before you get hens

Coop placement

Coop at least 25 ft from any property line

Checked against city code We read the official code section linked below for every fact on this page.

Read the official Cobb County rules ↗ Checked October 2026.

Will your coop fit in Cobb County?

Draw your lot, your house and your neighbor's house on a satellite map, drop in a coop, and Coop Ready measures the distances and compares them with the Cobb County rules above. Free, no account.

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Backyard chicken questions in Cobb County

How many chickens can I have in Cobb County?

The hen limit in Cobb County: 1 hen per 5,000 sq ft on lots under 2 acres.

Are roosters allowed in Cobb County?

No. Cobb County bans roosters (on lots under 2 acres).

Do I need a permit for backyard chickens in Cobb County?

Yes. You need an application to Community Development before you get hens.

How far does a chicken coop have to be from my neighbor in Cobb County?

Where the coop can go in Cobb County: coop at least 25 ft from any property line.

Can my HOA ban chickens if Cobb County allows them?

Yes. HOA rules, deed restrictions and leases can be stricter than city code. Read yours before you build.

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Coop Ready is a planning aid, not legal advice. City codes change, and zoning, HOA rules and your exact parcel can change what is allowed. Confirm with Cobb County before you build.