How do I apply for a building permit in Union, SC?

1. Access Building Permit forms and resources at www.cityofunion.net/documents (Planning Department/Permitting section). 2. Submit permit application to the City Planning/Building Department in person or by mail. 3. City staff reviews application for compliance with South Carolina Building Code (2021 edition) and City of Union zoning and development ordinances. 4. Obtain zoning approval if required (conditional use, variance, etc.). 5. Schedule inspections at key construction phases. 6. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Union, SC?

Typical processing time is 5-10 business days.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Union, SC?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (864) 429-1700.

City Building Permits

Union, SC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Union, South Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

South Carolina Union County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Union.

Department: City of Union Planning/Building Department
Address: 101 Sharpe Avenue, P.O. Box 987, Union, SC 29379
Phone: (864) 429-1700 or (864) 429-1717
Website: http://www.cityofunion.net

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Union Website

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Building Permit Forms and Resources

Application Process

Access Building Permit forms and resources at www.cityofunion.net/documents (Planning Department/Permitting section).
Submit permit application to the City Planning/Building Department in person or by mail.
City staff reviews application for compliance with South Carolina Building Code (2021 edition) and City of Union zoning and development ordinances.
Obtain zoning approval if required (conditional use, variance, etc.).
Schedule inspections at key construction phases.
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval.

Typical processing time: 5-10 business days

Source: City of Union Planning/Building Department

General Requirements

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.

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.

Fees

Payment note: Contact the Planning Department at (864) 429-1700 for current permit fees.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Union Planning/Building Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(864) 429-1700 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Residential inspection procedures follow the SC Building Code framework: foundation/footing, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, final/Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: South Carolina Building Code 2021 (based on IBC 2021)
Verify contractor license: SC Contractor's Licensing Board
SC Building Codes Council
License lookup guide: South Carolina Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: South Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
South Carolina hub: South Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Union Planning/Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Union Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Union, SC?: 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.
How do I apply for a building permit in Union, SC?: 1. Access Building Permit forms and resources at www.cityofunion.net/documents (Planning Department/Permitting section). 2. Submit permit application to the City Planning/Building Department in person or by mail. 3. City staff reviews application for compliance with South Carolina Building Code (2021 edition) and City of Union zoning and development ordinances. 4. Obtain zoning approval if required (conditional use, variance, etc.). 5. Schedule inspections at key construction phases. 6. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Union, SC?: Typical processing time is 5-10 business days.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Union, SC?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (864) 429-1700.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Union can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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