Bolthole Index

Fulton County, Georgia

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Union City, Georgia

Most construction projects inside Union City, Georgia require a city building permit, and work cannot begin until the permit is issued.1 Union City administers its own zoning, while the Fulton County Board of Health permits and inspects septic systems where public sewer is unavailable.23

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most construction projects inside Union City1
Zoning
Administered by Union City, with district-specific uses and dimensions24
Septic
Fulton County Board of Health permits and inspects systems where public sewer is unavailable35
Owner-builder
Available with Union City's homeowner affidavit and its conditions6
RV living
Not confirmed; ask Community Development before occupying an RV on a parcel2
Tiny home
Must satisfy Georgia building codes and Union City siting and zoning rules72
Private well
Use a licensed well contractor and notify county health before drilling8

Who to call

Building permits

Union City Community Development

Building permit applications, plan submission, status tracking and building inspections inside Union City

770-515-7950

5041 Union St, Union City, GA 30291

Online permits →

Septic permits

Fulton County Board of Health Environmental Health Services

On-site sewage management system permitting and inspections for Fulton County properties not served by public sanitary sewer

770-520-7500

10 Park Place S.E. | Atlanta, GA 30303

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Union City means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Union City, Georgia?

Yes. Most construction projects inside Union City require a building permit obtained by the property owner or a licensed and bonded contractor acting for the owner, and work may start only after issuance.1 Georgia's mandatory construction codes also apply statewide, even when local enforcement arrangements vary.9

Union City publishes a fee schedule; the listed residential new-construction building permit charge is $0.25 per square foot.10 Fees can change, so confirm the current amount before budgeting. The city also requires inspections for permitted work, scheduled through its online portal with the permit number and contractor code.11

Who issues building permits in Union City, Georgia?

Union City Community Development is the building-permit and inspection contact for projects inside the city, not Fulton County's unincorporated-area permit office.1 Applicants can use the city's online system to submit building and trade permit applications, upload plans, pay invoices, track status, handle resubmittals and schedule inspections.12

An owner-builder route is available, but Union City's affidavit says the applicant must hold title, plan to use the property as a primary residence, perform the construction and not sell for 2 years.6 Electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning work still needs the required licenses and permits.6 Contact Union City Community Development before filing if the project scope or contractor licensing is uncertain.13

Does Union City have zoning, and what does it mean for homes?

Union City has its own zoning ordinance with residential, manufactured-home, commercial, industrial, overlay and other districts, so the parcel's mapped district controls the answer.24 In the R-1 district, a single-family detached dwelling needs at least 2,000 square feet of floor area on a lot of at least 43,560 square feet.1415 R-1 setbacks are 75 feet in front, 50 feet in the rear and 25 feet on each side.16

Those R-1 figures are not citywide minimums. The R-3 checklist, for example, gives a 1,600-square-foot minimum dwelling area and a 17,000-square-foot lot area, so buyers should verify the parcel's district before using any dimensional standard.1718

How do septic permits work inside Union City?

The Fulton County Board of Health Environmental Health Services program permits and inspects on-site sewage systems for properties that are not served by public sanitary sewer, including addresses inside Union City.3 Obtain county health approval before installing a septic system; the Board of Health reviews and inspects the installation and individual drinking-water supplies.195 The system cannot be backfilled or used until the County Board of Health completes its final inspection and gives written approval.20

Georgia requires connection to a public or community sewer when service is available within 200 feet of the property line or in an abutting public right-of-way.21 For a Union City sewer project, Fulton County permits and inspects only after receiving a city letter indicating awareness and authorization.22

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Union City?

We could not confirm a Union City rule allowing long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land. Ask Union City Community Development for a written zoning determination before buying land or connecting utilities, because Union City regulates uses through parcel-specific zoning districts.2

A site-built or modular tiny home is treated as a dwelling under Georgia building codes and must also receive local siting approval under Union City's zoning rules.7 The city's district dimensions can rule out a small dwelling even when the structure itself meets a building code; for example, the R-1 district requires at least 2,000 square feet of floor area.14 Manufactured homes are expressly permitted in the MHP district, subject to an approved development plan and the district's utility and dimensional conditions.23

Building a home in Union City: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm that the parcel is inside Union City and obtain its zoning district from Community Development, because permitted uses, lot size and setbacks vary by district.4
  2. Verify water and sewer availability; if public sewer is unavailable, contact Fulton County Environmental Health before site development for septic review.19
  3. Prepare plans that satisfy Georgia's mandatory construction codes and Union City's zoning requirements.92
  4. Submit the building permit application and plans through Union City's online system, then pay the required fee.12
  5. Do not start work until Union City issues the building permit.1
  6. Schedule required building inspections through the city portal and obtain final septic approval before backfilling or using an on-site system.115

What should you check before buying land in Union City?

Start with the parcel's city limits, zoning district and recorded lot dimensions; Union City's residential standards differ substantially by district.4 Confirm sewer availability early, because Georgia requires a sewer connection when qualifying service is within 200 feet of the property line or in an abutting public right-of-way.21 If a private well is contemplated, a licensed water-well contractor must install it and notify the county health department before drilling.8

For conventional septic drain fields, 59.4% of Fulton County soils are rated without severe limitations, but that countywide figure cannot replace a parcel-specific site evaluation.24 Fulton County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, with a median annual property-tax bill of $3,847; verify the actual parcel assessment and city charges before closing.2526

Watch-outs

  • Union City announced a 180-day moratorium adopted on March 24, 2026 that affects acceptance, processing and approval of zoning-map amendments, text amendments and conditional-use applications; ask Community Development whether it remains in effect before pursuing one of those applications.13
  • Union City's published R-1 and R-3 dimensional standards differ, so do not apply one district's minimum home size, lot area or setbacks to another parcel.1417
  • We could not confirm Union City's rules for RV residence, temporary camping or accessory dwellings; request a written answer from Community Development for the specific parcel.2

Sources

  1. Building Permits (Commercial & Residential) (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  2. Union City Zoning Ordinance (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  3. Land-use - Fulton County Board of Health, quoted and re-checked
  4. Planning and Zoning (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  5. Land-use - Fulton County Board of Health, quoted and re-checked
  6. Homeowner Affidavit (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  7. Georgia Tiny House Fact Sheet (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Well Water (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  9. Mandatory and Permissive State Codes (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  10. City of Union City Combined Fee Schedule (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Permits (Commercial & Residential) (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Permit Forms and Applications (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  13. Union City Community Development (unioncityga.gov)
  14. Union City Zoning Ordinance (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  15. Union City Zoning Ordinance (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  16. Union City Zoning Ordinance (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  17. Preliminary Plat-Review Checklist (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  18. Preliminary Plat-Review Checklist (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  19. Land-use - Fulton County Board of Health, quoted and re-checked
  20. Rule 511-3-1 On-Site Sewage Management Systems (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  21. Rule 511-3-1 On-Site Sewage Management Systems (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  22. Public Works Permitting Process, quoted and re-checked
  23. Union City Zoning Ordinance (Union City), quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Union City

Union City’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Most construction projects inside Union City city limits, including construction, alteration, and repair.

    • Permit must be obtained by the property owner or a licensed and bonded contractor acting for the owner.
    • Work may only begin after the permit is officially issued.
    • Permit expires if construction does not commence within 180 days of issuance or is suspended or abandoned for more than 180 consecutive days; a new application is then required.
    “Most construction projects require a building permit, which must be obtained by the property owner or a licensed and bonded contractor acting on behalf of the owner. Work may only begin after a permit has been officially issued.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A homeowner constructing a primary residence on property inside Union City city limits.

    • Homeowner must hold title.
    • Homeowner must plan to reside at the property as the primary residence.
    • Homeowner must not sell for two years.
    • Electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning work still require proper licenses and permits.
    • Homeowner must comply with zoning ordinances and building regulations in effect at permit application.
    “I hold title to the above property, plan to reside there as my primary residence, will not sale for two years, and I am planning on doing the construction. (O.C.G.A. 43-41-17.h)”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A homeowner building on property inside Union City city limits.
      “I hold title to the above property, plan to reside there as my primary residence, will not sale for two years, and I am planning on doing the construction.”
    • Conditional — A homeowner building on property inside Union City city limits.
      “This department understands that as the homeowner you have the right to build on your property. [...] I hold title to the above property, plan to reside there as my primary residence, will not sale for two years, and I am planning on doing the construction.”
    • Available (with conditions) — A homeowner-builder constructing on property in Union City city limits.
      “I hold title to the above property, plan to reside there as my primary residence, will not sale for two years, and I am planning on doing the construction. (O.C.G.A. 43-41-17.h)”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Residential construction inside Union City city limits.

    • The cited city form identifies the 2018 International Residential Code but does not establish every adopted state minimum code.

    residential code edition: 2018 International Residential Code

    “I have a copy of the 2018 International Residential Code and understand that this department and its inspectors are there to help enforce and interpret the code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Permitted construction inside Union City city limits.

    • Inspections must be scheduled through the City's online portal.
    • The permit number and contractor's code are required to schedule an inspection.
    • Next-business-day inspections must be scheduled before 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
    • Inspections are conducted by Falcon Engineer under state-mandated guidelines and city ordinances.
    “All inspections must be scheduled through the City's online portal. You must have your permit number and contractor's code to schedule an inspection.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Commercial buildings and businesses seeking a Union City certificate of occupancy or occupational tax certificate.

    • The cited requirements are expressly for a Certificate of Occupancy Inspection and/or Occupational Tax Certificate and are not a universal residential rule.
    “Listed below are items that will be considered during a Certificate of Occupancy Inspection and/ or Occupational Tax Certificate”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Union City city limits.

    • The City website identifies a Planning Division and provides a current zoning ordinance link.
    “The Planning Division is a forward-thinking division within the Department of Planning and Community Development dedicated to promoting balanced policies and regulations that foster sustainable development and vibrant communities throughout the City of Union City, serving both current and future residents. [...] Current Zoning Ordinance”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present — Land inside Union City city limits; the City administers a zoning ordinance with named residential, manufactured-home, commercial, industrial, overlay, and other districts.
      “For the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity and general welfare of the City of Union City, Georgia, the Mayor and Council of Union City, under the authority of Georgia Law, hereby ordain and enact into law the following Articles and Sections.”
    • Present — Land inside Union City city limits; Union City administers its own zoning ordinances.
      “I understand that as a homeowner/builder I must abide by all zoning ordinances and building regulations in effect at the time of permit application.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Union City zoning districts and district-specific use and dimensional standards.

    • The City Planning and Zoning page identifies a current zoning ordinance.
    • The ordinance includes R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-6, RMD-1, RM, MHP, commercial, industrial, overlay, and other districts.
    “Section 6-1 R-1 Single-Family Residential [...] Section 6-8 MHP Manufactured Home Park [...] Section 6-12 RSC Regional Shopping Center [...] Article VII –Overlay Districts”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Zoning districts inside Union City city limits.
      “Section 6-1 R-1 Single-Family Residential [...] Section 6-7 RM Residential Multifamily [...] Section 6-8 MHP Manufactured Home Park”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family detached dwellings in the R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district.

    • The cited dimensional requirements apply within the R-1 district.

    minimum floor area per dwelling unit: >= 2000 square feet

    “3. Minimum floor area per dwelling unit: 2,000 square feet;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — The R-3 zoning district inside Union City city limits.
      “Minimum floor area per dwelling unit: 1,600 square feet”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    The R-3 zoning district inside Union City city limits.

    • The checklist labels these as examples of dimensional requirements; confirm the current ordinance text before relying on them.

    lot area per dwelling unit: 17000 square feet · lot frontage: 80 feet

    “Lot area per dwelling unit: 17,000 square feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family detached dwellings in the R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district.
      “1. Lot area per dwelling unit: 43,560 square feet;”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Single-family detached dwellings in the R-1 Single-Family Residential zoning district.

    • Front setback is measured from the right-of-way.

    front yard setback: 75 feet · rear yard setback: 50 feet · side yard setback: 25 feet

    “4. Front yard setback, as measured from the right-of-way: 75 feet; 5. Rear yard setback: 50 feet; 6. Side yard setback: 25 feet; and”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — The R-3 zoning district inside Union City city limits.
      “Front yard setback, as measured from the right-of-way: 40 feet”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home occupancy inside a mapped Union City MHP Manufactured Home Park/Modular Home Park district.

    • Manufactured homes are permitted in the MHP district; the district requires an approved development plan and central water, central sanitary sewage, electricity, and gas; the park must be at least 10 acres; each home lot must be at least 6,000 square feet and 60 feet wide at the pad.

    minimum manufactured-home-park area: >= 10 acres · minimum individual home lot area: >= 6000 square feet · minimum pad width: >= 60 feet

    “Within the MHP Zoning District, the following Permitted Uses shall be allowed: 1. Manufactured homes;”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site sewage systems inside Union City city limits are handled through Fulton County Environmental Health under Georgia’s onsite-sewage program.

    • Georgia DPH directs locally related services and inspections to the county environmental health office.
    • Fulton County is the identified county office for this jurisdiction.
    “For complaints, record requests, services, inspections, exams, or other locally-related questions, call your County Environmental Health Office (XLS, 27.6 KB) . [...] Fulton County: (770) 520-7500”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New sewer projects inside Union City city limits.

    • Fulton County may permit and inspect only when it receives a letter from Union City indicating awareness and authorizing Fulton County permitting.
    • The source does not establish a universal mandatory water or sewer connection distance rule.
    “In regards to Union City for all new projects that are located within the city limits of Union City regardless of the size of the sewer, we are only to permit and inspect sewer projects when we receive a letter from Union City indicating that they are aware of the project and permitting can be executed by Fulton County.””
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and platting inside Union City city limits.

    • The City website provides a Subdivision Regulations link through Planning and Zoning.
    “Development Regulations [...] Subdivision Regulations”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision activity inside Union City city limits.
      “### Development Regulations Click here to view * * * ### Subdivision Regulations Click here to view”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Union City building, certificate-of-occupancy, planning, development, inspection, and related permit fees.

    • The published schedule identifies current and proposed fee columns and may not reflect later amendments.
    • Residential new-construction building permit fee is listed as $0.25 per square foot.
    • Residential addition/renovation fee is listed as $3 per $1,000 of construction value.
    • Residential addition/renovation trade permits have a $50 minimum.
    • New residential, new commercial, and addition/renovation certificates of occupancy are each listed at $75.
    • First and second reinspection fees are each listed at $70.

    residential new construction building permit: 0.25 USD per square foot · residential addition/renovation building permit: 3 USD per $1000 construction value · new residential certificate of occupancy: 75 USD · new commercial certificate of occupancy: 75 USD · addition/renovation certificate of occupancy: 75 USD · reinspection: 70 USD (first and second reinspection)

    “Building Permit - Res New Construction $0.25/square foot $0.25/square foot”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Union City building, trade, inspection, certificate, and related development permits.
      “Trade Permits (Mech, Elec, Pl) $50.00 minimum $50.00 minimum [...] First Reinspection $70 $70 [...] Inspection outside Normal Business Hours $75 per hour ($150 minimum) $75 per hour ($150 minimum)”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit applications inside Union City city limits.

    • The official page provides application forms and online submission links.
    • Certificate-of-occupancy and other specialized forms are separately listed.
    “Click below the following application and submit it online. For more information, reach out to [email protected].”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Partial — Planning, zoning, subdivision, and permit applications inside Union City city limits.
      “Click below the following application and submit it online.”
    • Published — Building permit applications inside Union City city limits.
      “With IWORQ, you can handle these tasks online: Apply for permits (Building, electrical, plumbing solar, HVAC, pools roofing) [...] Pay invoices [...] Schedule inspections and check inspection status [...] Process resubmittals”
    • Published (with conditions) — Building and development permit processing inside Union City city limits.
      “Building Permit/ Land Disturbance Permit Extension Request(PDF, 76KB) [...] Sewer Permit Application(PDF, 77KB) [...] UC Building Permit Application(PDF, 200KB)”

Rules another office applies inside Union City

Union City does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Septic permitRequired

    Any lot or structure inside Union City city limits using an on-site sewage management system.

    • No physical development or installation may begin before a County Health Department construction permit.
    • Applications must include site, system, facility, water-supply, bedroom/person, soil, and ownership information; the County Board of Health may waive information already available.
    • Permits are issued only after favorable site inspection and remain valid for not more than twelve months.

    permit validity: <= 12 months

    “No person may begin the physical development of a lot or structure where an on-site sewage management system will be utilized, nor install an on-site sewage management system or component thereof, without having first obtained from the County Health Department a construction permit for the installation of an onsite sewage management system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — On-site sewage management systems inside Union City city limits.
      “No person may begin the physical development of a lot or structure where an on-site sewage management system will be utilized, nor install an on-site sewage management system or component thereof, without having first obtained from the County Health Department a construction permit for the installation of an onsite sewage management system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    On-site sewage systems inside Union City city limits.

    • Repairs, replacements, or additions must be permitted and inspected.
    • No person may backfill or use the system until final inspection and written approval by the County Board of Health.
    • Site inspection is required before construction permit issuance.
    “No person may backfill or use an on-site sewage management system until a final inspection has been made by the County Board of Health, and written approval has been issued by the County Board of Health.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — On-site sewage management systems inside Union City city limits.
      “No person may backfill or use an on-site sewage management system until a final inspection has been made by the County Board of Health, and written approval has been issued by the County Board of Health.”
    • Required — New and improperly functioning on-site sewage systems inside Union City city limits.
      “Regulation and inspection of new on-site sewage management systems (septic tanks/field lines). Investigation and inspection of repairs made to improperly functioning on-site sewage management systems.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid sanitation inside Union City city limits where public or community sewage is unavailable.

    • An approved on-site sewage management system sufficient for expected users is required when public or community sewage treatment is unavailable.
    • County Health Department construction permitting and final inspection apply.
    “If public or community sewage treatment systems are not available, the owner of a building, residence, or property that is designed or intended for human occupancy or congregation shall provide an approved on-site sewage management system sufficient for the number of persons normally expected to use or frequent the building, residence or other property for two hours or more.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Individual private wells serving property inside Union City city limits.

    • A licensed water-well contractor must install the well.
    • Before construction, the contractor must notify the county health department of intent to drill.
    • Required separation distances include 10 feet from sewer lines, 50 feet from septic tanks, and 100 feet from septic absorption fields.
    “Wells must be installed by a licensed water well contractor. By using a licensed water well contractor, you can ensure that they meet basic criteria listed below. In addition, prior to actual construction, the water well contractor must notify the county health department of the intent to drill a water well, providing such information as is required on forms prepared by the Water Well Council.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Union City or Fulton County directly.

  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage inside Union City city limits, including residential districts.
  • Building height — Building-height limits inside Union City city limits.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy inside Union City city limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Union City city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Union City city limits.
5 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Driveway access
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Union City publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Fulton County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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