Welcome

Every year goes by faster. I’m not sure how Thanksgiving suddenly became one week away, but it’s right on schedule like the showers of oak leaves outside and the (suddenly interesting) GA vs GT game. Also, right on time, are this year’s zoning code amendments. Maybe less exciting, but always an important process that has a local impact. I’ll get in this in today’s The Big Story.

As I do every year at this time, I will highlight a local nonprofit helping those in our community who need extra assistance during the holiday season. MUST Ministries has been a longstanding contributor to Cobb and the metro area, and there are many ways for you to get involved. Details are below in the Community Spotlight.

Wishing everyone a healthy and safe Thanksgiving.

What’s Happening in the District 

Outdoor Movies!

Lights, Camera, Avenue! is returning to The Plaza at Avenue East Cobb for a relaxed outdoor movie night that’s perfect for families, strollers, and lawn chairs. Movies will start around 6pm, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is a good idea to secure a great spot. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs, and best of all, the event is free to attend.

Details from the Avenue East Cobb website:

“Gather in East Cobb’s hometown hangout to kick back, relax, & enjoy movie classics on the jumbo LED screen starting at 6PM in The Plaza.

December Schedule:

• Thursday, December 4th: Elf

• Thursday, December 11th: How The Grinch Stole Christmas

• Thursday, December 18th: The Santa Clause

Additional Event Details:

• To ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone, we kindly ask that guests refrain from touching the screen or stepping onto the stage during the film. Failure to comply with this rule will result in being asked to leave The Plaza.

• Movie showings are free for all guests & seating is open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis. Guests are encouraged to bring extra chairs & blankets.

• No outside food or beverage is permitted, but takeout from our onsite restaurants is encouraged. Click HERE to view our on-site dining options.

• Lights, Camera, Avenue is RAIN OR SHINE.”

Community Spotlight 

MUST Ministries

With the holiday season approaching, MUST Ministries is inviting volunteers to help support its food pantries and mobile distribution programs in Cobb County. One of their primary locations is the Marietta campus at 1260 Cobb Parkway North, Marietta, GA 30062. Volunteers can sign up online through their volunteer portal. The work includes sorting donated food items, packing boxes for families, and helping with mobile pantry events that reach neighborhoods throughout Cobb. During the holidays, when costs rise and school-break schedules disrupt usual food supports, this support becomes especially vital.

MUST Ministries has a long-standing presence in the metro Atlanta region, including Cobb County, providing food, housing, workforce development, clothing, and other services to individuals and families in need. The food program includes neighborhood pantries, mobile pantry visits, and client services at their campuses. By engaging volunteers, they expand capacity and deepen their impact in the community. This local presence in Cobb means that your time and effort go toward neighbors in your region, helping maintain dignity, stability, and hope at a time of year when many people face extra financial stress.

Serving in Cobb County with MUST Ministries at this time of year holds added significance. Many families face greater pressures during the holidays, including higher utility bills, higher food costs, and children out of school who rely on school meal programs. Volunteering for the food pantry helps ensure that fewer families go without and that children and adults can share in the season’s warmth rather than feel forgotten. If you are interested, the volunteer page on MUST’s website provides current shift times and registration details.

Here are some upcoming volunteer opportunities for MUST Ministries in Cobb:

• Holiday Toy Shop volunteer shifts: For Cobb County this December, shifts run from December 1 to December 21 at the Donation Center, 1280 Field Parkway, Marietta, GA 30066, with 3-hour increments covering morning, midday, and later time slots.

• Mobile Pantry volunteer opportunities: For example, in Cobb, there is a mobile pantry shift at 1150 Powder Springs St., Marietta (Cobb County Government Building), held on the first Saturday of each month, 10:00am–11:30am

Location:

• 1260 Cobb Pkwy N., Marietta, GA 30062

Volunteer portal:

• You need to create an account, complete orientation, and sign up for shifts here: https://mustministries.org/support-must/volunteer/

The Big Story 

On Thursday, November 20th, at 6:00pm, the Board of Commissioners will hold the second and final public hearing on the proposed 2025 code amendment package. The meeting will take place at the County Government Building, 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta.

During the hearing, residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to offer public comment on amendments spanning multiple chapters of the official code. This addresses everything from environmental regulations and utility management to building permits and subdivision standards. These amendments were drafted by the Planning & Zoning Division and published in advance for public review.

At a high level, the amendments aim to modernize Cobb County’s code to reflect current state law, streamline development review, strengthen stormwater and utility regulation, and improve overall clarity and enforceability. Among the notable changes is a proposed shift in stormwater funding: moving away from payment through water and sewer rates toward a dedicated stormwater service fee based on impervious surface area.

The process has followed a deliberate path. After the draft package was released, the BOC scheduled two hearings (the first was on November 12th at 9:00am) to engage public feedback. Following the November 20th hearing, the board may vote to adopt the amendments, at which point the updated code will become law and apply to future development, permitting, and utility projects.

These amendments are necessary because the county code is the foundational document governing land use, infrastructure, utilities, and environmental protections across unincorporated Cobb. With growth continuing and infrastructure needs increasing, a more precise, up-to-date code helps ensure predictable outcomes for builders, homeowners, and the county alike, supports efficient permitting, and safeguards taxpayer-funded systems.

Here are some highlights of the upcoming code amendments. For a complete list, you can visit cobbcounty.gov/news/2025-code-amendment-package-available

Chapter 50 – Environment / Stormwater & Land-Disturbing Activities

One of the most significant changes in this chapter is the move toward a dedicated stormwater utility. Under the proposal from Cobb County Water System, funding for stormwater services would shift away from being bundled within water/sewer bills and instead be charged by a new monthly fee based on impervious surface area (for example, a flat fee of $4.75 for a residential unit and proportional charges for commercial properties).

In addition, subdivisions and developments would face stricter rules on when and how private stormwater facilities can be transferred to the county, and associations would assume greater responsibility for long-term maintenance.

Chapter 110 – Subdivisions & Final Plat Approval

The amendments propose a new section titled “Structural Stormwater Controls” within subdivision standards. This would require that new developments have stormwater management systems designed with longer-term maintenance in mind and that HOA or other owner associations formally accept responsibility for private systems.

Other changes clarify platting language, right-of-way dedications, and owner acknowledgments. For builders and landowners, this means earlier and more detailed commitments. For existing HOAs, it’s a prompt to review whether their declarations cover ongoing drainage maintenance.

Chapter 106 – Streets, Sidewalks & Other Public Places

In this chapter, proposed updates include a new Section 106-11 governing “Limited Access Highways.” Developers seeking new curb cuts or direct access to major corridors such as Barrett Parkway or the East-West Connector would need county approval from the Department of Transportation.

For East Cobb neighborhoods and similarly situated subdivisions, this could mean greater scrutiny of driveway access, traffic-flow impacts, and subdivision layout when parcels connect major thoroughfares.

Chapter 102 – Solid Waste, Recycling & Residential Collection

The draft changes strengthen definitions of waste-collection businesses, tighten permitting requirements, and clarify enforcement of collection schedules and container placement.

Vendors collecting trash/recycling must hold the proper permit, and the county’s auditing ability is increased. Residents might also see clearer standards if they report unauthorized haulers or service irregularities.

BOC Meeting Recap 

At the November 12th meeting of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners, the session opened with a series of presentations honoring contributions across the community. The Board recognized November as National American Indian Heritage Month and designated November 3 as Election Hero Day in Cobb County. The Cobb PARKS Department was also commended for receiving the 2025 GRPA Agency of the Year Award. Following this, the Board held the first public hearing on a wide-ranging set of proposed code amendments spanning multiple chapters, including building regulations, fire protection, solid waste, taxation, and more.

The consent agenda addressed routine yet important operations across multiple departments. The District Attorney’s Office secured continued grant funding for victim services. The Water System received approvals for both infrastructure relocation and property sales. The Transportation Department updated the county’s official list of roadways for speed enforcement. Library branches were cleared to receive new office furniture, and Senior Services was awarded a grant to improve nutrition education for older adults. Fire and Emergency Services moved forward with several operational improvements, including maintenance contracts, equipment transfers, and the creation of a capital contingency fund. The Board also adopted a revised fund balance policy and approved necessary budget amendments.

Under the regular agenda, the Board approved reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds to support a new public health project in South Cobb, redirecting funds from a previously planned bridge project. Additional ARPA funding was allocated to bolster mental and behavioral health services. The Transportation Department advanced several drainage repair and road improvement contracts, as well as design work for upcoming trail and sidewalk projects. Finally, the Board reappointed Troy Refuge to the Board of Tax Assessors and Geraldine Savage Aldridge to the Historic Preservation Commission before concluding the meeting with commissioner addresses and public comment.