As a long-term resident, I hold a profound love for the peaceful, tightly-knit neighborhood that I—and many others—are privileged to call home. Each brisk morning and quiet evening serves as a testament to the sense of community we possess, founded on familiarity, trust, and mutual respect. I know my neighbors, and I consider them an extended family, not transient renters. However, the Cobb Board of Commissioners is aiming to alter our way of life with an amendment that would permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on residential lots.

The BOC's plan is to allow separate, tiny-home style dwellings to be constructed in rear yards of every residential lot meeting the setback requirements. The owner must reside on the property in either the primary dwelling or the ADU. While the ADU will feature a separate entrance and living space with no connection to the primary dwelling, the ADU will have to share the street address, parcel ID# and utilities. This creates an all-included, private, quiet rental home in each backyard in Cobb. 

This proposal is alarming, and I'm not alone in this sentiment. Despite the severity of this issue, there has been no opportunity for community input. Neither have the county's building or construction boards been consulted - a striking lapse in responsible decision-making. The BOC has not created a steering committee or approached any neighborhood leaders to encourage them to plan for this change. 

ADUs would transform single-family homes into duplexes and lead to an influx of cars making use of our quiet streets for parking, thereby increasing risk to those enjoying the outdoors or simply commuting to work or school. This proposed shift means, inevitably, more traffic and heightened risk of accidents, both of which compromise the safety of our children and loved ones.

More than just an inconvenience, this amendment threatens to transform our long-standing communities into transient populations which could potentially lead to increased crime rates—an unwelcome prospect for any neighborhood. Coupled with this, Cobb County’s failure to outline any plans to address the effect this will have on the homestead exemption or the senior tax exemption presents a profound concern. 

Our neighborhood stands as a symbol of strong community bonds and family value. We urge the Cobb Board of Commissioners to reconsider this amendment and to foster a transparent discussion with all stakeholders involved. Every citizen deserves to be heard; every concern deserves to be addressed. 

We are directly impacted by these changes, and as such, we beseech you - keep our neighborhood's charm alive, consider our safety, our children, and our way of life. This is our community, our home. Let's stand together to protect what we cherish. Please, sign this petition to say "NO" to the Accessory Dwelling Units code amendment.

If you wish to donate. please support Preserve West Cobb directly: https://secure.anedot.com/0bbf42f5-b7a9-4b83-8347-670763d5dcf2/support-city-of-lost-mountain