A decision on backyard chickens on less than two acres is expected Tuesday by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners during a second public hearing.

The meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the second floor Board of Commissioners meeting room, 100 Cherokee St., Marietta.

The change would require requests for backyard chickens to come to the county’s Planning Commission for recommendations and the commissioners for final decisions instead of bypassing them by having the final decision made by the county’s Board of Zoning Appeals.

Regulations for two-year permits would involve:

  • One hen, no roosters, would be allowed for each 5,000 square feet of lot area.
  • Coops or fenced areas have to be behind the house at least 30 feet from any property line.
  • Owners must eliminate odors, pollution, noise, insects, rodents and other wild animals.
  • On-site slaughter is prohibited.
  • Initial fees would be $150 for a land use permit with $100 for renewal fees every two years.

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Managing Partner at Atlantica Properties, Darion Dunn (center) talks with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens during a tour following the ribbon cutting of Waterworks Village as part of the third phase of the city’s Rapid Housing Initiative on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
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Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez