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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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez