FILE · LANDSCAPING x MARIETTA x GEORGIAPermit StackSpecs LedgerCostTimelineChecklistViolationsFAQ
LANDSCAPING x MARIETTA x GEORGIA

Landscaping contractors in Marietta, Georgia.

Landscaping contractors in Marietta, Georgia, operate under a decentralized regulatory environment. While general lawn maintenance does not require a state license, business owners must secure an Occupational Tax Certificate from the City of Marietta and adhere to local zoning and environmental codes.

Contractors performing specialized tasks such as pesticide application or complex irrigation installation must obtain specific state-level certifications. It is critical to consult with the Marietta Development Services Department before beginning any project involving significant grading, drainage, or structures like retaining walls to ensure all local building codes are met.

State License
STATE NoneGeneral Landscaping
Permit Issuer
Marietta Dev. ServicesCity Level
Avg. Plan Review
10-15 DaysFor Major Projects
Typical Start-Up
RANGE $500-$2,000Fees & Insurance
FILE · LANDSCAPING x MARIETTA x GEORGIA
Compliance Dossier
Public
File
05 / 2026
State AuthorityGeorgia Dept. of Agriculture
CountyCobb County
City AuthorityCity of Marietta
Statute / CodeMarietta Code of Ordinances
Federal Cert.EPA (Pesticides)
ReciprocityVerify with State Board
FILE LANDSCAPINGLOCATION MARIETTA, GEORGIATYPE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
VERIFIED 05 / 2026STATUS PUBLIC REFERENCE
What's specific to MariettaWhat this leaf carries beyond the Georgia state file.
Marietta Historic District
Landscaping projects within designated historic districts may require additional review by the Historic Board of Review.
Cobb County Watershed
Strict adherence to erosion and sediment control is required for all projects near Cobb County waterways.
Occupational Tax
Marietta uses a gross receipts-based tax model for business licensing, differing from flat-fee models in other Georgia cities.
§ 01 · Permit Stack

Three layers govern Landscaping work in Marietta.

Compliance is cumulative; start with the city business registration and add specialized state certifications as needed.

State — Floor
Georgia Dept. of Agriculture
Pesticide Applicator LicenseInsurance
County — Overlay
Cobb County
Erosion ControlStormwater Management
City — Where you file
City of Marietta
Occupational Tax CertificateBuilding Permits

Read it bottom-up.

Compliance is cumulative; start with the city business registration and add specialized state certifications as needed.

This file exists to show what changes when the trade is Landscaping and the jurisdiction is Marietta, Georgia.

Source · State, county, and city issuing authoritiesLast verified · 05 / 2026
§ 02 · Specs Ledger

Every requirement, with a number on it.

Each row names the issuing authority, cost, timeline, citation, and status behind the requirement.

RequirementIssued byCostTimeCitationStatus
Occupational Tax CertificateRequired for all businesses
City of Marietta
Verify with City
1-2 weeks
Marietta Code
REQUIRED
Pesticide Applicator LicenseFor chemical application
GA Dept. of Agriculture
Verify with Agency
Varies
GA Code
REQUIRED
General LiabilityRecommended for all
Private Carrier
Verify with Broker
Immediate
N/A
REQUIRED
Workers' CompMandatory for 3+ employees
Private Carrier
Verify with Broker
Immediate
GA Law
REQUIRED
Grading PermitFor major site work
City of Marietta
Verify with City
15 days
City Ordinance
REQUIRED
Retaining Wall PermitWalls over 4ft
City of Marietta
Verify with City
10 days
Building Code
REQUIRED
§ 03 · Year-One Cost

What it costs to start Landscaping in Marietta.

A practical floor for Marietta, Georgia. Verify each amount with the issuing authority.

Year-one ledger
Marietta, Georgia · Landscaping
Business LicenseAnnual feeVerify with City
Pesticide LicenseExam and renewalVerify with State
Liability InsuranceAnnual premiumVerify with Broker
Grading PermitPer projectVerify with City
Equipment RegistrationIf applicableVerify with City
BondingIf required by contractVerify with Surety
Year-one floorVariable
Excludes tools, vehicle purchase, payroll, and marketing.
Note
Tax Basis

Marietta's occupational tax is based on gross receipts, not a flat fee.

Note
Insurance

Premiums vary significantly based on company size and services offered.

Note
Permits

Permit fees are calculated based on project valuation.

§ 04 · Path to First Job

From day zero to first inspection.

A practical path for Landscaping contractors in Marietta.

1
Day 0
Business Registration
City of Marietta
2
Day 7
Insurance Procurement
Private Carrier
3
Day 14
Pesticide Certification
GA Dept. of Ag
4
Day 21
Permit Application
City of Marietta
5
Day 30
Project Commencement
N/A
6
Day 60
Final Inspection
City of Marietta
§ 05 · Compliance Checklist

Check them off.

Each item names the issuing authority, cycle, and citation.

01
Verify Zoning
Ensure the site allows for the proposed landscaping work.
ZoningPlanningMarietta Zoning Dept
ContractorIssuing authority
02
Check Utilities
Call 811 before digging.
SafetyUtilityGeorgia 811
ContractorIssuing authority
03
Erosion Control
Install silt fences as required by county code.
EnvironmentalComplianceCobb County
ContractorIssuing authority
04
Waste Disposal
Dispose of yard waste at approved facilities.
WasteEnvironmentCity of Marietta
ContractorIssuing authority
05
Client Contract
Ensure written agreement for all services.
LegalContractGA Consumer Law
ContractorIssuing authority
06
Safety Gear
Provide PPE for all employees.
OSHASafetyOSHA
ContractorIssuing authority
§ 06 · Local Enforcement Data

Violations cited most in Marietta.

When confirmed local data is unavailable, this section stays marked for verification.

Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Unpermitted Grading

Performing major site work without a grading permit.

PenaltyStop work order/Fines
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Illegal Dumping

Improper disposal of landscape debris.

PenaltyMunicipal fines
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Noise Violation

Operating loud equipment outside permitted hours.

PenaltyWarning/Citation
§ 07 · Marietta-specific FAQ

Questions Landscaping contractors ask about Marietta.

Q01Do I need a state license to mow lawns in Marietta?+
No, there is no state-level license for general landscaping services in Georgia.
LicensingGeneralSource · Georgia Secretary of State
Q02When do I need a permit for a retaining wall?+
A permit is required for any retaining wall exceeding 4 feet in height or one that supports a surcharge.
PermitsHardscapingSource · City of Marietta Development Services
Q03Is a pesticide license required for weed control?+
Yes, if you apply pesticides for hire, you must hold a Commercial Pesticide Applicator license.
CertificationPesticidesSource · Georgia Department of Agriculture
Q04Do I need a business license for Marietta?+
Yes, all businesses operating within the city limits must obtain a City of Marietta Occupational Tax Certificate.
BusinessTaxSource · City of Marietta Revenue Department
Q05Are there noise ordinances for landscaping equipment?+
Yes, contractors must adhere to city noise ordinances regarding hours of operation for power equipment.
OperationsNoiseSource · Marietta City Code
Q06Do I need a plumbing license for irrigation?+
Yes, if the irrigation system connects to the city water supply, a licensed plumber or irrigation contractor may be required.
PlumbingIrrigationSource · Georgia Construction Industry Licensing Board
§ 08 · Related

Adjacent files.

Other trades — Marietta

Marietta Building Permits

These are the documents Iris tracks for you.

Store licenses, permits, policies, and renewal dates in one place.