Create a Marietta Site Plan in Minutes – No CAD Required
Why Marietta Is One of the Most DIY‑Friendly Cities in Georgia
Marietta stands out from most metro Atlanta cities for one simple reason: the city explicitly allows homeowners to act as their own contractor under Georgia Code § 43‑41‑17(h), meaning you can pull a permit and do your own work on a single‑family home without hiring a licensed GC. That’s a big deal for small projects like sheds, decks, fences, and patio covers — work that would require a contractor in many neighboring cities.
On top of that, fence construction is exempt from building permits altogether in Marietta. While you still need to follow zoning rules for height and placement, you don’t have to pull a permit or wait on plan review just to install a fence.
And unlike some cities that require stamped plans for every residential project, Marietta allows homeowners to submit a lot survey with a proposed building footprint for most small residential work, rather than demanding full architectural or engineering seals.
But here’s the catch: Marietta still requires a site plan or survey for exterior work with land disturbance. And if you’re submitting plans through the city’s SagesGov system, you need a clean, readable drawing that shows property lines, setbacks, easements, and the proposed footprint.
SitePlans.ai helps you create a preliminary, conceptual site plan from your address — so you can start your SagesGov application with a clear drawing, not a napkin sketch. For final submission, verify with the city whether your specific project requires a sealed survey.
> SitePlans.ai is for preliminary, conceptual site plans where local rules allow homeowner or contractor‑prepared drawings. It is not a licensed survey or sealed engineering plan. Always verify requirements with the Marietta Building Department.
What Marietta Asks For On A Site Plan
Based on official City of Marietta requirements, here’s what a residential site plan (or lot survey) typically needs to show:
| Element | Why Marietta Requires It |
|---|---|
| Lot survey with building footprint | Required for all residential building permit applications |
| Square footage of existing and proposed | Needed for permit fee calculation ($5 per $1,000 of construction value) |
| All setback lines | Front, side, and rear setbacks vary by zoning district |
| Easements | Utility, drainage, and access easements must be shown |
| Floodplain limits | Required if property is in a flood zone |
| Proposed work clearly indicated | Distinguish existing from new construction |
| Scale and dimensions | Drawings must be to scale with all measurements |
| North arrow | Orientation reference |
| Title block | Address, owner name, project description, date |
For projects involving exterior work with land disturbance, a site plan is required. For commercial projects or work requiring a variance, the site plan must be prepared by a state‑registered architect, engineer, or land surveyor with a professional seal. But for most small residential work, a homeowner‑prepared survey/site plan is acceptable if it includes all required information.
Marietta’s Online Permitting System: SagesGov
Marietta has been fully online since April 2018. All permit applications and plan submissions are processed through SagesGov.
| What You Need to Know | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | SagesGov (sagesgov.com/marietta-ga) |
| Submission Format | PDF only — no faxed, emailed, or paper copies accepted |
| Account Required | Create a secure online account to submit plans and track reviews |
| Multiple Jurisdictions | If you have a SagesGov account elsewhere, you must set up access specifically for Marietta |
| Review Time | Allow 14 days from submittal for site development plan review |
| Residential permit review | Typically 5 to 10 business days for initial review |
Pro tip: Addresses must be in the GIS system before you can submit. Contact the GIS Team at 770‑794‑5550 with any address‑related questions.
Marietta Setbacks: What You Need to Know
Setbacks in Marietta vary by zoning district. Here are general guidelines for common residential zones:
| Setback Type | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front yard | Varies by district — check your zoning |
| Rear yard | Varies — accessory structures generally 5 feet from rear and interior side property lines |
| Side yard | Varies by district and lot width |
| Pool setbacks | 10 feet from side and rear property lines |
| ADU setbacks | If over 15 feet tall: 10 feet from side, 35 feet from rear (or equal to height, whichever is less) |
Always check your specific zoning district before placing any structure. Contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 770‑794‑5669 for your property’s exact requirements.
> Important: New one‑ and two‑family dwellings built closer than 20 feet from another structure or closer than 10 feet to the property line must have fire sprinklers with an approved system.
Project Types That Need A Site Plan In Marietta
| Project | Permit Required? | Site Plan / Survey Needed? | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fence | ❌ Exempt from building permit | ⚠️ Not for permit, but zoning rules apply | Must follow height/location rules: front yard 4‑foot decorative only, chain link not allowed |
| Shed | ✅ Permit required | ✅ Yes, lot survey with footprint | Check zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits |
| Deck | ✅ Permit required | ✅ Yes, site plan showing footprint and setbacks | Decks under 200 sq ft and under 30″ tall may be exempt |
| Patio | ✅ Permit required for exterior work with land disturbance | ✅ Yes, site plan showing location and dimensions | Estimated permit fees $100–$500 |
| Pool | ✅ Permit required | ✅ Yes, site plan with 10‑foot setbacks | Follows International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with Georgia Amendments |
| Garage | ✅ Permit required | ✅ Yes, lot survey with footprint | Must show setbacks and driveway access |
| ADU | ✅ Permit required | ✅ Yes, detailed site plan | Setbacks vary by height; check zoning |
| Driveway | ⚠️ May require right‑of‑way permit | ✅ Yes, showing location and access | Contact Engineering Division |
| Addition | ✅ Permit required | ✅ Yes, lot survey showing existing + proposed | Must show updated setbacks and lot coverage |
What Reviewers Actually Look For
Based on official City of Marietta checklists, here’s what plan reviewers check first:
| Review Item | Why It Gets Flagged |
|---|---|
| Actual measurements | Floor space, walls, depth, height must be shown |
| Materials specified | Size of members, bolts, draft‑stop, firewalls |
| Blocking or reinforcing | Must be indicated on plans |
| Utility locations | Must show relationship to the project |
| Survey with footprint | Required for all residential building permit applications |
| Setback lines | Must be clearly shown on the survey |
| Easements | Must be shown |
| Floodplain limits | Must be shown if applicable |
| Sprinkler requirement | New dwellings within 10 ft of property line need sprinklers |
How SitePlans.ai Helps In Marietta
SitePlans.ai is built for homeowners and small contractors who need a clean, readable site plan to start their Marietta permit application — without learning CAD or waiting on a drafter.
What SitePlans.ai can do:
- Enter your Marietta address and see property context where data is available
- Add your proposed project — shed, deck, patio, pool, garage, ADU, or addition
- Label distances, setbacks, and structures
- Create a clean, permit‑style PDF for early planning or to share with the Building Department
Important: Marietta requires a lot survey with a proposed building footprint for residential building permit applications. While Marietta is more DIY‑friendly than most cities, some projects — especially those requiring variances — must be prepared by a state‑registered architect, engineer, or land surveyor. SitePlans.ai does not provide sealed plans. Use it for:
- Early project visualization
- Understanding what information you need
- Creating a draft to share with a licensed professional
- Projects where you’re confirming scope before hiring a professional
If your project is complex, has been rejected, is urgent, or requires a human‑reviewed plan, consider the done‑for‑you option from SitePlans.us.
When To Use SitePlans.ai vs A Surveyor Or Engineer
| Situation | Best Path |
|---|---|
| Simple fence (exempt from permit) | Follow zoning rules — no site plan needed for permit |
| Small shed, deck (under 200 sq ft, under 30″ tall), or patio | SitePlans.ai for planning + submit survey/footprint; verify if sealed plan required |
| Any project requiring a variance | Licensed architect, engineer, or surveyor (seal required) |
| Property line uncertainty or boundary dispute | Licensed land surveyor |
| Project in floodplain | Licensed surveyor + engineer |
| Major addition, new construction, or structural work | Architect or engineer |
| City reviewer rejects your plan | Licensed professional or done‑for‑you service |
Step‑By‑Step: Create A Site Plan For A Marietta Property
- Enter the property address — Start with your Marietta address in SitePlans.ai.
- Check the property lines — Review the parcel data shown. Verify with Marietta GIS if something looks off.
- Look up your zoning district — Check with Planning & Zoning at 770‑794‑5669 for setback requirements.
- Add the project type — Select shed, deck, patio, pool, garage, ADU, or addition.
generate road by selecting frontage of your lot
Manage layers to handle the clean drawing
place existing trees by looking at aerial image
must save project so that work done is not lost
pick front of the lot and click generate button to generate the right of way
must read full tutorial guide from our support desk
- Show distances and setbacks — Label distances from proposed structures to property lines.
create Dimensions from property lines to structures
- Add flood zone information — Include floodplain limits if applicable.
- Add labels and notes — Include north arrow, scale, title block, and any site‑specific notes.
- Export the PDF — Download your preliminary site plan.
learn how to download pdf site plan
- Submit through SagesGov — Upload your PDF when completing your online application.
- Confirm with the Building Department — Verify whether your specific project requires a sealed survey.
Contact info:
- Building Permits: 770‑794‑5651
- Planning & Zoning: 770‑794‑5669
- GIS Team: 770‑794‑5550
- SagesGov portal: sagesgov.com/marietta-ga
Common Mistakes That Delay Marietta Permits
| Mistake | What To Do Instead |
|---|---|
| No survey with footprint | All residential building permits require a lot survey with proposed building footprint |
| Missing setback lines | All setback lines must be shown on the survey |
| No easements shown | Utility and drainage easements must be included |
| No floodplain information | Floodplain limits must be shown if applicable |
| Submitting paper copies | Marietta no longer accepts faxed, emailed, or paper copies — PDF only through SagesGov |
| Wrong SagesGov jurisdiction | If you have an account elsewhere, you must set up access for Marietta |
| Address not in GIS | Contact GIS Team at 770‑794‑5550 before submitting |
| Assuming fence needs a permit | Fences are exempt, but zoning rules still apply |
Local Official Sources
| Source | URL | What It’s Useful For |
|---|---|---|
| City of Marietta Building Permits | https://www.mariettaga.gov/443/Building-Permits | Permit requirements, fees, FAQs |
| City of Marietta Plan Review | https://mariettaga.gov/1156/Plan-Review | Submission requirements, survey requirements |
| City of Marietta Site Development | https://mariettaga.gov/282/Site-Development | Site plan review, engineering approvals |
| SagesGov Portal | https://www.sagesgov.com/marietta-ga | Submit plans online |
| Fence Guidelines | https://www.mariettaga.gov/1264/Fences | Fence height, location, and configuration rules |
| City of Marietta Zoning Ordinance | https://library.municode.com/ga/marietta | Official zoning code, setback requirements |
| Cobb County GIS | https://gis.cobbcountyga.gov/ | Property boundaries, parcel data |
| Georgia DCA Building Codes | https://www.dca.ga.gov/ | State building codes and amendments |
FAQ
1. Do I need a site plan for a fence permit in Marietta?
No. Fence construction is exempt from building permits in Marietta. However, zoning rules still apply: front yard fences are limited to 4‑foot decorative fences, and chain link fences are not allowed.
2. Do I need a site plan for a shed permit in Marietta?
Yes. Sheds require a building permit and a lot survey with the proposed shed footprint showing setbacks from property lines. Check zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits before placing your shed.
3. Do I need a site plan for a deck permit in Marietta?
Yes. Decks require a building permit and a site plan showing footprint, setbacks, and dimensions. Decks under 200 square feet and under 30 inches tall may be exempt.
4. Can a homeowner pull their own permit in Marietta?
Yes. Marietta allows homeowners to act as their own building contractor under Georgia Code § 43‑41‑17(h), provided they meet the conditions and submit a notarized Homeowner Affidavit.
5. What needs to be on a Marietta site plan?
A lot survey with proposed building footprint and square footage, including all setback lines, easements, floodplain limits, and other necessary information.
6. Can I use SitePlans.ai for a permit in Marietta?
Yes, for early planning and visualization. Marietta is more DIY‑friendly than most cities, but some projects may require a sealed survey by a state‑registered professional. Always verify with the Building Department.
7. What if my city requires a survey for a deck permit?
Some projects require a licensed survey. SitePlans.ai is not a survey. If your project requires a surveyor’s stamp, you’ll need to hire a licensed professional.
8. Does Marietta require fire sprinklers?
New one‑ and two‑family dwellings built closer than 20 feet from another structure or closer than 10 feet to the property line must have sprinklers with an approved system.
9. What if my property is in a floodplain?
Residential buildings in a floodplain must have a surveyor’s letter showing the lowest floor level is three feet above the floodplain before framing begins.
10. Does SitePlans.ai guarantee my permit will be approved?
No. SitePlans.ai helps you prepare a preliminary, conceptual site plan. Final acceptance depends on your local building department, zoning office, HOA, and project scope.
11. When should I use SitePlans.us instead of SitePlans.ai?
Use SitePlans.us when your project is complex, has been rejected, is urgent, requires human review, or when you want a permit‑ready plan prepared by a professional.
12. Can contractors use SitePlans.ai for client projects?
Yes. Contractor Pro and Builder plans are designed for GCs, fence contractors, deck contractors, pool contractors, and small builders who need site plans for multiple client projects.
13. How do I submit a permit application in Marietta?
All submissions are through SagesGov — PDF only. No faxed, emailed, or paper copies are accepted.
14. What if my property lines don’t look right in SitePlans.ai?
Some areas show cleaner county property lines than others. If your property lines don’t look right, verify with Cobb County GIS. You can also use the done‑for‑you option from SitePlans.us.
15. How much does a building permit cost in Marietta?
Residential permits: $5 per $1,000 of total construction costs with a $50 minimum. No plan review fee for residential.
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Important to know
SitePlans.ai helps create preliminary and permit‑style site plans for smaller residential projects where local rules allow homeowner or contractor‑prepared drawings. It is not a licensed land survey, engineering plan, architectural plan, or legal boundary document. Marietta requires a lot survey with proposed building footprint for residential building permits. Some projects require plans prepared by a state‑registered professional. Always confirm requirements with the Marietta Building Department before submitting.