Unincorporated Union County

A building permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, or demolition of buildings or structures, and for installation or modification of electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

• Exempt Minor repairs to pipes, drains, or fixtures not affecting structural integrity
• Exempt Interior painting or cosmetic alterations
• Exempt Small sheds or storage structures under county size/valuation thresholds

Note: Contact the Building Official for a complete list of permit-exempt improvements.

Building code

South Carolina Building Code 2021 (based on IBC 2021)

Owner-builder

South Carolina law allows property owners to build or improve on one-family or two-family residences if work is not offered for sale or rent for two years following construction, owner supervises construction directly (with licensed contractors for specialty trades), and owner files a notice with the register of deeds after construction.

Contractor requirements

Licensed contractors required for specialty trades; commercial work over $10,000 requires SC Contractor's Licensing Board license.

1. 01
   Contact Union County Building Safety via email (dpettit@countyofunion.com), phone ((864) 424-2341), or in-person at 1246 S. Duncan Bypass Suite B.
2. 02
   Submit permit application and required documents in person or by email.
3. 03
   County staff reviews application for compliance with South Carolina Building Code (2021 edition) and Union County ordinances.
4. 04
   Schedule final inspections upon approval.
5. 05
   Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval.

Typical processing time: 5-10 business days

Source: Union County Department of Building Safety & Floodplain Management ↗

• (864) 424-2341 (phone)
• dpettit@countyofunion.com (email)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: foundation/footing, framing, electrical/plumbing/mechanical rough-in, final/Certificate of Occupancy.