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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Union County
UCC permits are required for all new construction; living space additions; attached garages; decks or ramps over 30 inches high; structural roof framing work; in-ground pools and permanent above-ground pools over 24 inches deep; fences over 6 feet; retaining walls 4 feet or higher; detached accessory structures over 1,000 square feet; and renovations affecting egress, load-bearing walls, plumbing, or electrical systems.
Ordinary repairs that do not affect structure, egress, or mechanical, plumbing, gas, or electrical systems
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a story below
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Above-ground prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons
Swings and playground equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings
Window awnings within code limits, movable cases/counters/partitions under 5 feet 9 inches, and window replacement without structural change
Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs listed in 34 Pa. Code section 403.42
Agricultural buildings (an agricultural building exemption form is required from CKCOG; other local approvals may still apply)
- Exempt Ordinary repairs that do not affect structure, egress, or mechanical, plumbing, gas, or electrical systems
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Above-ground prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings within code limits, movable cases/counters/partitions under 5 feet 9 inches, and window replacement without structural change
- Exempt Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs listed in 34 Pa. Code section 403.42
- Exempt Agricultural buildings (an agricultural building exemption form is required from CKCOG; other local approvals may still apply)
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, land development, setback, floodplain, sewage, or other local and county requirements. Confirm with CKCOG and your municipality before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed CKCOG building permit application
- Construction plans (2 sets residential, 3 sets commercial)
- Zoning approval (where required by the municipality)
- Sewage, land development, driveway, floodplain, GIS address, and conservation approvals as applicable
- Residential energy worksheet for new residential construction
- Workers compensation proof or owner exemption affidavit if a contractor is involved
- Flood elevation certificate where applicable
- Commercial plan review deposit ($1,000)
- Building code
- Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code under Act 45. CKCOG notes the 2021 I-Codes became effective January 1, 2026.
- Permit validity
- Unpaid UCC applications and permits become abandoned and null and void 1 year after application submission.
- Owner-builder
- Residential plans may be drawn by the homeowner. Homeowners performing all associated work themselves may sign the CKCOG exemption affidavit in lieu of providing workers compensation coverage.
- Contractor requirements
- CKCOG requires workers compensation proof or exemption from all contractors. Pennsylvania home improvement contractors performing covered work must register with the Office of Attorney General under HICPA unless they perform less than $5,000 of work in a calendar year.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Residential review typically takes less than 1 week when complete; Pennsylvania UCC requires residential permits within 15 business days if not returned for corrections. Commercial review takes up to 30 business days.
- 01 Confirm whether your municipality requires a zoning permit or other local approvals (sewage, land development, driveway, floodplain, GIS address, conservation) before a building permit will be issued.
- 02 Prepare the UCC application, plans, and supporting documents. Residential projects require two plan sets; commercial projects require three plan sets and a $1,000 plan review deposit.
- 03 Submit the completed application package to CKCOG by email, mail, or in-person delivery, including workers compensation proof or exemption if a contractor is involved.
- 04 CKCOG reviews the submission for completeness and code compliance, then contacts the applicant when the permit is ready and calculates the fee.
- 05 Pay the permit fee in full before permit release or inspections. A 3% credit card convenience fee applies.
- 06 Schedule required inspections with CKCOG by phone, email, or fax with at least 24 hours notice (48 hours recommended).
- 07 Obtain the final certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance after all inspections are approved.
Typical processing time: Residential review typically takes less than 1 week when complete; Pennsylvania UCC requires residential permits within 15 business days if not returned for corrections. Commercial review takes up to 30 business days.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in residential permit fees. Commercial submissions require a $1,000 plan review deposit credited toward review and permit charges.
02
Permit fee formula
Residential new work uses CKCOG valuation or hourly-inspection formulas; 2026 residential schedule shows an $83 hourly rate plus a $4.50 state surcharge. Commercial uses: square foot construction cost x area x 0.007.
03
Reinspection fee
Work started before permit issuance is subject to special fees set by the Building Code Official. No general public reinspection fee schedule was identified.
04
Penalty (no permit)
Work started before permit issuance triggers special fees set by the Building Code Official.
Payment in full required before permit release or inspections. CKCOG adds a 3% credit card convenience fee. Printing charges may apply for emailed 11x17 residential alteration drawings.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 1, 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- CKCOG — (570) 522-1326 (phone)
- Email CKCOG at permits@ckcog.com (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Minimum 24 hours notice required; 48 hours recommended.
- Time windows
- Early AM (8:00–10:00), Late AM (10:00–12:00), Afternoon (1:00–3:00)
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footer/post hole, foundation, frame and masonry, rough plumbing/mechanical/gas/electrical, insulation, lath/wallboard, and final. Decks and pools follow modified sequences.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Union County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Union County, PA? ▸
UCC permits are required for all new construction; living space additions; attached garages; decks or ramps over 30 inches high; structural roof framing work; in-ground pools and permanent above-ground pools over 24 inches deep; fences over 6 feet; retaining walls 4 feet or higher; detached accessory structures over 1,000 square feet; and renovations affecting egress, load-bearing walls, plumbing, or electrical systems.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Union County, PA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Union County, PA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Residential new work uses CKCOG valuation or hourly-inspection formulas; 2026 residential schedule shows an $83 hourly rate plus a $4.50 state surcharge. Commercial uses: square foot construction cost x area x 0.007.. Plan check fee: Included in residential permit fees. Commercial submissions require a $1,000 plan review deposit credited toward review and permit charges..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Union County, PA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Union County, PA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm whether your municipality requires a zoning permit or other local approvals (sewage, land development, driveway, floodplain, GIS address, conservation) before a building permit will be issued. 2. Prepare the UCC application, plans, and supporting documents. Residential projects require two plan sets; commercial projects require three plan sets and a $1,000 plan review deposit. 3. Submit the completed application package to CKCOG by email, mail, or in-person delivery, including workers compensation proof or exemption if a contractor is involved. 4. CKCOG reviews the submission for completeness and code compliance, then contacts the applicant when the permit is ready and calculates the fee. 5. Pay the permit fee in full before permit release or inspections. A 3% credit card convenience fee applies. 6. Schedule required inspections with CKCOG by phone, email, or fax with at least 24 hours notice (48 hours recommended). 7. Obtain the final certificate of occupancy or certificate of compliance after all inspections are approved.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Union County, PA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Union County, PA typically run Residential review typically takes less than 1 week when complete; Pennsylvania UCC requires residential permits within 15 business days if not returned for corrections. Commercial review takes up to 30 business days.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Union County, PA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Union County, PA. The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs that do not affect structure, egress, or mechanical, plumbing, gas, or electrical systems; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over a story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Above-ground prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons; Swings and playground equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings; Window awnings within code limits, movable cases/counters/partitions under 5 feet 9 inches, and window replacement without structural change; Minor electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing repairs listed in 34 Pa. Code section 403.42; Agricultural buildings (an agricultural building exemption form is required from CKCOG; other local approvals may still apply). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, land development, setback, floodplain, sewage, or other local and county requirements. Confirm with CKCOG and your municipality before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Union County, PA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Union County, PA via: CKCOG — (570) 522-1326, Email CKCOG at permits@ckcog.com. Minimum 24 hours notice required; 48 hours recommended..
last verified April 2026
source Central Keystone Council of Governments (CK-COG), Uniform Construction Code Management / Building Permits ↗
entry id permits/pennsylvania/union/union-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Central Keystone Council of Governments (CK-COG), Uniform Construction Code Management / Building Permits before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.