Understanding Cobb County Tree Removal Permits: What You Need to Know

Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Cobb County?

The short answer: for most homeowners removing a tree on private property in unincorporated Cobb County, no county-wide permit is required. However, there are several important exceptions — and if you live within an incorporated city like Marietta, Kennesaw, or Acworth, different rules apply.

This guide covers what actually triggers a permit requirement in Cobb County, what the county ordinance says, and when to call the county before you call us.

Cobb County Tree Ordinance — The Key Rules

In unincorporated Cobb County, the tree protection ordinance is enforced by the Community Development Agency. Most residential tree removals on private property do not require a permit on their own. A permit becomes required when:

• Your project involves land disturbance — grading, filling, site prep for new construction, or subdivision development
• The total site density factor after removal would fall below 15 units per acre
• Trees are being removed from protected zones on the property (stream buffers, steep slopes, designated specimen trees)

For land disturbance projects, you must submit a site plan to the Community Development Agency for review before work begins. The agency evaluates scope and determines if a land disturbance permit is required. Projects that do require removal beyond ordinance thresholds must include a tree replacement plan.

Trees That Cannot Be Removed Without Documentation

Even on private property, Cobb County restricts removal of trees in protected zones unless you can document one of the following:

• The tree is dead, dying, or diseased
• The tree presents a documented hazard to people or structures
• There is documented economic hardship that makes preservation infeasible

If none of these apply and the tree is in a protected zone, removal requires county approval. Contact the Community Development Agency to confirm before proceeding.

What If You Live in Marietta, Kennesaw, or Acworth?

Incorporated cities within Cobb County have their own tree ordinances that are separate from the county rules. If your property address falls within city limits, the city's ordinance controls — not the county's. Marietta, Kennesaw, and Acworth each have different threshold sizes, permit requirements, and replacement ratios. Check with your city's planning or public works department before removing significant trees.

When in Doubt, Contact the County First

Contact the Cobb County Community Development Agency directly to verify requirements for your specific parcel and project scope before work begins. The permit application process — if required — starts with submitting a site plan for review. For more detail on the ordinance statutes, see the Cobb County Tree Ordinance (Chapter 50, Article VI).

Aable John's can also help you navigate this if you're unsure. Call us at (770) 218-0068 — we've been working with Cobb County permits for over 40 years and can tell you quickly whether your project is likely to need county sign-off before we start.

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