How much does a building permit cost in Union City, TN?

The minimum permit fee is $10 for the first $1,000 of construction value. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based, $10 for the first $1,000 plus $3 for each additional $1,000. Plan check fee: The page reviewed states plan review fees must be paid at submittal, but the specific formula was not visible on the main permit-fee page.

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

1. Confirm the project is within Union City and identify whether zoning, stormwater, or special review applies. 2. Start the permit through the iWorQ online portal or work through Planning and Codes at City Hall. 3. Submit plans and project information for review. Union City states that plan review fees are due at submittal and plans are not reviewed until fees are paid. 4. Pay the permit and any review fees. 5. Receive permit issuance after review and approval. 6. Complete inspections and obtain certificate of occupancy when required.

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

Typical processing time is No general turnaround time was posted in the public material reviewed.

What work is exempt from building permits in Union City, TN?

The following work is generally exempt: Thin public data: The public permit page does not publish a consolidated exemption list; Refer to the adopted city code and confirm with Planning and Codes before assuming an item is exempt.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Union City, TN?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Permit-specific workflow through Planning and Codes and the online portal; the public page reviewed did not show a detailed scheduling calendar.

City Building Permits

Union City, TN - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Tennessee Obion County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City department for permits, plan review, zoning, stormwater, property maintenance, and rental inspections inside Union City limits

Department: City of Union City Planning and Codes Department
Address: 408 S Depot St, Union City, TN 38261
Phone: (731) 885-0918
Email: Not clearly published on the main permit page , use the contact form or City Hall if needed
Website: https://www.unioncitytn.gov/planning-codes/

Online Permit Portal

Open Portal

Platform: iWorQ • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm the project is within Union City and identify whether zoning, stormwater, or special review applies.
Start the permit through the iWorQ online portal or work through Planning and Codes at City Hall.
Submit plans and project information for review. Union City states that plan review fees are due at submittal and plans are not reviewed until fees are paid.
Pay the permit and any review fees.
Receive permit issuance after review and approval.
Complete inspections and obtain certificate of occupancy when required.

Typical processing time: No general turnaround time was posted in the public material reviewed

Source: City of Union City Planning and Codes Department

General Requirements

Union City states building permits are part of the Planning and Codes function. The city also requires permits for work covered by its adopted codes and zoning ordinances, and it directs county-only applicants elsewhere.

Required Documents

Project information, permit application, plans, valuation or cost estimate, and any supporting zoning or stormwater documents as required by the department

Permit validity: The public pages reviewed did not clearly state a general citywide expiration rule
Building code: 2018 ICC International Residential Code for residential work; 2021 ICC International Building Code and Fire Code; 2012 ICC Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, and Property Maintenance Codes; ICC A117.1-2009; 2018 Energy Conservation Code with amendments
Owner-builder: Union City publishes owner, workman, and licensed contractor guidance. The building codes page says a property owner can obtain a permit for a private residence and assumes legal responsibility, subject to state limits on new home construction
Contractor requirements: Licensed contractors must show a current state contractor license number and workers compensation proof or waiver where applicable

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $10 for the first $1,000 of construction value
Plan check fee: The page reviewed states plan review fees must be paid at submittal, but the specific formula was not visible on the main permit-fee page
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based, $10 for the first $1,000 plus $3 for each additional $1,000
Reinspection fee: Not clearly published on the main fee page reviewed
Payment note: Fees are paid at customer service in City Hall; the city also offers online permit application through iWorQ

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

Permit-specific workflow through Planning and Codes and the online portal; the public page reviewed did not show a detailed scheduling calendar (online)

Inspection hours: City Hall hours were not used as a formal inspection window in the reviewed pages
Time windows: City Hall hours were not used as a formal inspection window in the reviewed pages

Typical inspection sequence: Depends on scope, but generally permit issuance, rough inspections, final inspections, and certificate of occupancy when applicable

No standalone reinspection schedule was located on the public permit page

Additional Resources

Building code: 2018 ICC International Residential Code for residential work; 2021 ICC International Building Code and Fire Code; 2012 ICC Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, and Property Maintenance Codes; ICC A117.1-2009; 2018 Energy Conservation Code with amendments
Zoning information: View zoning info
https://www.unioncitytn.gov/building-codes/
https://www.unioncitytn.gov/permit-utility-inspection-fees/
https://www.unioncitytn.gov/reference/
License lookup guide: Tennessee Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Tennessee Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Tennessee hub: Tennessee 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 City Planning and Codes Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Union City Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Union City, TN?: Union City states building permits are part of the Planning and Codes function. The city also requires permits for work covered by its adopted codes and zoning ordinances, and it directs county-only applicants elsewhere.
How much does a building permit cost in Union City, TN?: The minimum permit fee is $10 for the first $1,000 of construction value. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based, $10 for the first $1,000 plus $3 for each additional $1,000. Plan check fee: The page reviewed states plan review fees must be paid at submittal, but the specific formula was not visible on the main permit-fee page.
How do I apply for a building permit in Union City, TN?: 1. Confirm the project is within Union City and identify whether zoning, stormwater, or special review applies. 2. Start the permit through the iWorQ online portal or work through Planning and Codes at City Hall. 3. Submit plans and project information for review. Union City states that plan review fees are due at submittal and plans are not reviewed until fees are paid. 4. Pay the permit and any review fees. 5. Receive permit issuance after review and approval. 6. Complete inspections and obtain certificate of occupancy when required.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Union City, TN?: Typical processing time is No general turnaround time was posted in the public material reviewed.
What work is exempt from building permits in Union City, TN?: The following work is generally exempt: Thin public data: The public permit page does not publish a consolidated exemption list; Refer to the adopted city code and confirm with Planning and Codes before assuming an item is exempt.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Union City, TN?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Permit-specific workflow through Planning and Codes and the online portal; the public page reviewed did not show a detailed scheduling calendar.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Union City 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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