City of Union

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.

Note: Consult the City's zoning and planning ordinances or contact the Planning Department directly for local exemptions and special provisions.

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
   Access Building Permit forms and resources at www.cityofunion.net/documents (Planning Department/Permitting section).
2. 02
   Submit permit application to the City Planning/Building Department in person or by mail.
3. 03
   City staff reviews application for compliance with South Carolina Building Code (2021 edition) and City of Union zoning and development ordinances.
4. 04
   Obtain zoning approval if required (conditional use, variance, etc.).
5. 05
   Schedule inspections at key construction phases.
6. 06
   Obtain Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval.

Typical processing time: 5-10 business days

Source: City of Union Planning/Building Department ↗

• (864) 429-1700 (phone)

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