Bolthole Index

Union County, Georgia

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

65Index Score / 100
#89 of 159 in Georgia

Union County, Georgia requires a building permit for a dwelling, including an RV, tiny home or yurt used as a part-time or full-time residence1. The county regulates unincorporated land through its Land Use ordinance2. A septic construction permit and site approval go through the County Board of Health, with Union County Environmental Health as the local contact34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for dwellings and many land-disturbing projects1
Zoning
Yes — the county Land Use ordinance applies in unincorporated areas2
Septic
Union County Environmental Health is the local contact; site approval comes before construction534
RV living
A permit is required when an RV is used as a residence; full siting rules remain unconfirmed6
Tiny homes
A residential tiny home requires a county permit and local siting approval78
Owner-builder
State contractor-license exemption available; county permits still apply910
Conventional septic soils
Only 3.8% of soils lack severe drain-field limitations11
Permit term
Building permits are valid for one year1

Who to call

Building permits

Union County Building & Development Department

Building permits, building inspections, land-disturbance permits and environmental enforcement.

706-439-6045

[email protected]

46 Hughes Street Suite A Blairsville, GA 30512

Septic permits

Union County Environmental Health (District 2 Public Health)

Local environmental-health procedures for onsite sewage, site review and inspections.

706-781-3824

46 Hughes Street, Suite B Blairsville, GA 30512

Floodplain permits

Union County Building & Development Department

Building and land-disturbance permits, including projects in designated flood-hazard areas.

706-439-6045

[email protected]

46 Hughes Street Suite A Blairsville, GA 30512

Roads & driveways

Union County Road Department

Maintenance of Union County roads and right-of-way questions.

706-439-6062

[email protected]

311 Industrial Boulevard Blairsville, GA 30512

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Yes. Union County requires a building permit for dwellings, accessory structures larger than 150 square feet, work that changes a structure's footprint, projects needing water, sewer or electrical connections, land disturbance, and work in designated stream-buffer or flood-hazard areas1. The permit requirement also covers mobile homes and an RV, tiny home, yurt or other alternative habitable structure used as a part-time or full-time residence1. Permits and inspections must be in place before grading or starting the project, and a building permit remains valid for one year from issuance1. Inspections cover all phases of new residential and commercial construction12. For permits dated January 1, 2026 or later, the county lists mandatory Georgia minimum-code editions subject to Georgia amendments13.

Who issues Union County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The Union County Building & Development Department issues building permits, conducts building inspections, issues land-disturbance permits and handles environmental enforcement14. The office is at 46 Hughes Street Suite A in Blairsville; call 706-439-6045 or email [email protected]14. A building-permit application calls for the project and owner information, a recorded plat, a site plan showing setbacks and water bodies, the deed, plans or floor plans, and applicable supporting approvals15. Supporting material may include a culvert permit, an approved DOT driveway permit, an elevation certificate, engineered plans, a septic permit, state environmental paperwork or an erosion-and-sediment plan15. The county accepts applications by email or fax15. Published commercial plan-review charges are $500 initially and $100 for each revision; those figures are not a complete residential fee schedule16.

Does Union County have zoning?

Union County administers a Land Use ordinance that functions as zoning in the county's unincorporated areas2. Georgia gives counties zoning authority over unincorporated territory, but district boundaries and parcel-level uses come from the applicable local ordinance rather than a uniform state map1718. We could not confirm a complete county district map or countywide rules for minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setbacks, accessory dwellings, lot coverage or general building height. Ask Building & Development for the parcel's land-use designation and written rules before relying on a listing description14. A site-built or modular tiny home needs local siting approval, and local zoning may control its use, location, dimensions, foundation and minimum lot or building size8. A used manufactured home moved into or within Union County also needs a county evaluation19.

How do septic permits work in Union County?

Georgia's onsite-sewage rules require the County Board of Health to find a site suitable before issuing a construction permit, and the permit lasts no more than 12 months3. Union County is served through District 2 / North Health District, while Union County Environmental Health is the local office for onsite-sewage questions and services5. The local office is at 46 Hughes Street, Suite B in Blairsville and 706-781-38244. New systems and repairs to malfunctioning systems are inspected, but the available rule does not establish periodic inspections for every existing system20. The County Board of Health must give written approval before an onsite system is backfilled or used21. Only 3.8% of Union County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make site evaluation an early purchase contingency11. Where public or community sewer is available within 200 feet of the property line or in an abutting public right-of-way, state rules require connection22.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Union County?

Union County requires a building permit when an RV, tiny home, yurt or other alternative habitable structure is used as a part-time or full-time residence67. That permit rule does not, by itself, establish where an RV may be placed or how long it may be occupied6. We could not confirm the county's complete RV-duration, temporary-camping or parcel-specific siting rules, so ask Building & Development for a written answer tied to the parcel before moving an RV onto the land14. A site-built or modular tiny home remains subject to Georgia building codes and must receive local siting approval8. A manufactured home follows a different path: a licensed installer must obtain the state installation permit, while county zoning, utility and siting requirements still apply23. Off-grid sanitation is not a permit bypass because qualifying alternative systems remain subject to applicable health approvals and inspections24.

Building a home in Union County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Building & Development to identify the parcel's land-use rules, because Union County regulates unincorporated land and parcel standards come from the local ordinance214.
  1. Have Union County Environmental Health evaluate the septic site before finalizing the buildable area; state rules require site suitability before a construction permit can issue34.
  1. Confirm access: the county application may require a culvert permit or approved DOT driveway permit, depending on the project25. The Road Department handles county-road right-of-way questions at 706-439-606226.
  1. Submit the building application, recorded plat, setback-and-water site plan, deed, construction plans and applicable supporting approvals to Building & Development15.
  1. Obtain permits and inspections before grading or starting work, then keep the one-year building-permit term in view1.
  1. Complete required building inspections and obtain written septic approval before the onsite system is backfilled or used1221.

What should you check before buying land in Union County?

Start with septic feasibility: only 3.8% of Union County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field11. Then check terrain, because only 14.3% of county land has a slope of 15% or less, while 88.6% is wooded2728. Ask Building & Development whether the build area touches a designated stream buffer or flood-hazard area, since construction there requires a county building permit and may need an elevation certificate, engineered plans or other supporting documents2930. For a state-highway entrance, driveway work within the state right-of-way requires an application through the appropriate Georgia DOT district office31. If rental income is part of the plan, unincorporated Union County caps short-term-rental licenses at 5% of housing units, and septic capacity helps determine allowed occupancy32. A well contractor must contact the county health department for advance site review, but we could not confirm whether Union County separately requires a well-construction permit334.

Watch-outs

  • A residential RV or tiny home needs a county permit, but we could not confirm the full occupancy-duration and parcel-siting rules; get a written parcel-specific answer from Building & Development614.
  • Only 3.8% of Union County soils lack severe conventional-drain-field limitations, so make Environmental Health's site evaluation an early contingency114.
  • Projects in a designated stream buffer or flood-hazard area require a county building permit and may require added technical documents29.

Sources

  1. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  2. Union County Code of Ordinances (Ch. 44 Land Use) (2026 county census)
  3. Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  4. Union County Environmental Health (District 2 Public Health) (phdistrict2.org)
  5. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  7. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  8. Georgia Tiny House Fact Sheet (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Residential and Commercial General Contractors Frequently Asked Questions (2026 county census)
  10. Residential and Commercial General Contractors Frequently Asked Questions (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  12. Building Inspection | Union County, GA, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Inspection | Union County, GA, quoted and re-checked
  14. Union County Building & Development Department (unioncountyga.gov)
  15. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  17. Georgia Zoning Statutes Compilation (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Governing Statutes, Regulations, and Guidance (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  20. Onsite Sewage, quoted and re-checked
  21. Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. GA DPH Onsite Sewage Manual (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Manufactured Housing (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  26. Union County Road Department (unioncountyga.gov)
  27. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  30. Union County Building & Development Department (unioncountyga.gov)
  31. Regulations for Driveway & Encroachment Control Manual (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Union County Short-Term Rental Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  33. Water Well Standards (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written September 29, 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.

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County locator

Union County in Georgia

65
County map
Union County highlighted among the Georgia counties · colored by Index score

How Union County scores

Seclusion46100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.
Admin Boringness45100% ev.
Durability63100% ev.
Property Autonomy56100% ev.
Carry Cost62100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$391kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$8,109Land / acre
63.9"Annual rain
8.6% of yrsSevere drought
0.6 / yr (+0.6)Mid-century 100°F days
12.8 daysMid-century dry spell
2.55" (+9.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.48×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,636Home insurance / yr
1.6% / yrInsurance growth
1%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
41,899People within 30 min
5,851,060People within 2 hr
48,082Radius comparison (15 mi)
84.2People / sq mi
36.6%Federal land
14.3%Land at 15% slope or less
3.8%Septic soil without severe limits
7,156 acWorkable land screen
88.6%Wooded land
78.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac
56.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Union County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Union County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction projects in Union County, including dwellings, accessory structures over 150 square feet, footprint alterations, utility connections, designated stream-buffer or flood-hazard locations, mountain-protection tree removal, and land disturbance.

    • Examples of permit-required projects include commercial and residential buildings, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, tiny homes, yurts, alternative habitable structures used as residences, and additions or system modifications.
    • Examples listed as not requiring permits include roofing-material or siding changes, floor-covering replacement, painting, wallpapering, sidewalks, driveways, and fences.
    • Permits and inspections are required before grading or project start.
    • Permits are valid for one year from issue; renewal or a new permit is then required.
    “Union County requires a building permit for all construction projects that: Are Dwellings (Part-Time or Full-Time) Are Accessory Structures over 150sf Alter the Existing Footprint of a Structure Require Water, Sewer, or Electric Connection Are Located Within a Designated Stream Buffer or Flood Hazard Area Require Tree Removal in a Designated Mountain Protection Area. Require Any Land Disturbance of Property.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Permits and construction inspected by Union County Building & Development.

    • The page lists mandatory Georgia state minimum standard code editions for permits dated January 1, 2026 or after.
    • All listed codes are subject to Georgia Amendments.

    permit date threshold: >= 2026-01-01

    “Mandatory Georgia state minimum standard code editions”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Permits issued by Union County on or after January 1, 2026.
      “Mandatory Georgia state minimum standard code editions for permits dated January 1, 2026 or after:”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New residential and commercial construction in Union County.

    • Inspections cover all phases of new residential and commercial construction.
    • The county page states permits and inspections are required before grading or project start.
    • A private professional provider may perform required plan review or inspection only with the notice and documentation described on the county page.
    “Building inspections are conducted on all phases”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New residential and commercial construction in Union County.
      “Building inspections are conducted on all phases of new residential and commercial construction projects to ensure that minimum code standards are met.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles used as part-time or full-time residences in Union County.

    • The county lists recreational vehicles used as part-time or full-time residences among projects requiring a building permit.
    • This claim does not establish the full occupancy-duration or siting rules.
    “Recreational vehicles, tiny homes, yurts, or any alternative habitable structures used as a part-time or full-time residence”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Tiny homes used as part-time or full-time residences in Union County.

    • The county lists tiny homes among alternative habitable structures requiring a building permit when used as a residence.
    “Recreational vehicles, tiny homes, yurts, or any alternative habitable structures used as a part-time or full-time residence”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile or manufactured homes in Union County.

    • Building permits are required for mobile homes.
    • Used manufactured mobile homes moved within or into Union County require a manufactured mobile home evaluation.
    “Mobile homes [...] Manufactured mobile home evaluations for used homes being moved within or into Union County”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site sewage management services for Union County through Georgia DPH and its local environmental health structure.

    • Georgia DPH identifies Union County as served by District 2 / Gainesville / North Health District.
    • The DPH onsite-sewage page directs locally related questions and services to the County Environmental Health Office.
    • The official county-office listing identifies a Union County Environmental Health office at 46 Hughes St., Suite B, Blairsville, Georgia, with phone number (706) 781-3824.
    “Counties served: Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Projects in Union County for which a driveway permit is necessary.

    • The permit page identifies an approved DOT driveway permit as potentially necessary application information; it does not state that every driveway requires one.
    • The page separately lists sidewalks and driveways as examples of work that do not require a building permit.
    “Other necessary information may include but is not limited to a culvert permit, an approved DOT driveway permit, an elevation certificate, engineered plans, a septic permit, a GA EPD Notice of Intent, and an approved Erosion and Sediment plan.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    All construction projects, structures, or disturbances located within a designated flood hazard area in Union County, Georgia.

    • A building permit is required for construction projects located within a designated flood hazard area.
    • Permits and inspections are required before grading or the start of a project.
    • The permit application may require additional information, including an elevation certificate, engineered plans, a septic permit, a Georgia EPD Notice of Intent, or an approved Erosion and Sediment plan, as applicable.
    • Commercial plan review costs $500 cash or check at initial submission; each revision costs $100 cash or check at submission.
    • Building permits are valid for one year from the date of issue, after which renewal or a new permit is required.
    “Union County requires a building permit for all construction projects that: Are Located Within a Designated Stream Buffer or Flood Hazard Area”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or structures located within a designated flood hazard area or stream buffer in Union County.
      “Are Located Within a Designated Stream Buffer or Flood Hazard Area”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals in unincorporated Union County.

    • STR licenses are capped at 5% of total housing units as reported annually by the County Tax Assessor.
    • For STRs served by on-site septic, occupancy is based on bedrooms permitted by the septic permit or a Union County Environmental Health performance evaluation if no septic permit is on file.
    • Overnight occupancy may not exceed two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons per residence, and may not exceed 15 overnight persons.
    • Daytime occupancy equals twice overnight occupancy.
    • All applicable life-safety codes and other ordinance requirements apply.

    STR license cap: <= 5 percent of total housing units (reported annually by the Union County Tax Assessor) · maximum overnight occupancy: <= 15 persons · daytime occupancy: 2 times overnight occupancy

    “This license applies to all short-term rentals in unincorporated Union County. [...] Total number of STR licenses in Union County are limited to no more than 5% of total number of housing units as reported by the Union County Tax Assessor’s Office annually.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Fees stated on the Union County building-permit page.

    • The $500 and $100 fees are stated for commercial plan review and revisions, not as a complete residential fee schedule.
    • The county license-fee PDF separately lists a $50 Building Department fee for each inspection.

    commercial plan review fee: 500 USD (cash or check due at initial submission) · commercial plan review revision fee: 100 USD (cash or check due at submission) · building department inspection fee: 50 USD (fee schedule entry)

    “A commercial Plan Review fee of $500 cash or check is due at the time of initial submission. Each revision requires a fee of $100 in cash or check at the time of submission.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building-permit applications for structures built or placed on property in Union County.

    • Submit a completed building-permit application.
    • Provide owner, site, project, lot-size, value, project-type, and licensed-builder or subcontractor-affidavit information.
    • Provide a recorded plat and site plan showing setbacks and bodies of water, recorded ownership deed, plans/floor plans, and any necessary culvert, DOT driveway, elevation, engineered-plan, septic, EPD, or erosion-control documents.
    • Applications may be submitted by email or fax.
    • Permits are valid for one year from issue.
    “To obtain a building permit for a structure built or placed on your property, the following information must be submitted before it is issued.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Union County administers a Land Use ordinance (Code of Ordinances Chapter 44) that functions as county land-use/zoning regulation for unincorporated areas.

    Union County Code of Ordinances (Ch. 44 Land Use) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Georgia rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner building the owner's own home in Georgia, as an exemption from the state residential/general contractor licensing requirement.

    • The exemption concerns contractor licensure and does not waive local building codes, permits, inspections, zoning, or other requirements administered by the authority having jurisdiction.
    • The Georgia Secretary of State directs owners to check with the applicable local authority for all required local building codes and regulations.
    “Georgia does not require that you hold a license to build your own home; [...] comply with all required local building codes and regulations.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificate-of-occupancy issuance for Georgia construction projects where the applicable county or municipality requires or administers one.

    • Only a local governing authority may issue a certificate of occupancy.
    • Inspections may be necessary or required for issuance according to the governing authority's requirements.
    • The cited state materials do not establish a certificate-of-occupancy requirement for every building statewide.
    “Only a local governing authority shall be authorized to issue a certificate of occupancy.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Georgia zoning authority and local zoning-district systems.

    • The state source establishes local-government authority to use zoning but does not publish the zoning districts for any particular parcel, county, or municipality.
    • The applicable zoning ordinance and district must be identified from the parcel's county or municipality.
    “It contains the Zoning Procedures Law which gives local governments the authority to use zoning to manage development activities.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Zoning regulation and zoning districts used to manage development activities in Georgia.
      “It contains the Zoning Procedures Law which gives local governments the authority to use zoning to manage development activities.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, repair, replacement, or addition of an onsite sewage management system in Georgia.

    • The County Board of Health must find the site suitable before issuing a construction permit.
    • Repairs, replacements, and additions to existing systems must be permitted and inspected.
    • A construction permit is valid for not more than 12 months from issuance.
    • If a public water supply system is to be used, that system must be approved before the onsite sewage construction permit is issued.

    permit validity: <= 12 months · conventional or chamber septic tank design capacity: 1000-10000 gallons

    “without having first obtained ... a construction permit”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    New on-site sewage management systems and repairs to improperly functioning systems in Union County under Georgia's statewide onsite-sewage program.

    • The cited state page specifically addresses inspection of new systems and repairs to improperly functioning systems; it does not establish a general periodic inspection requirement for every existing system.
    • Locally related inspection questions are directed to the County Environmental Health Office.
    “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid sanitation using privies, approved alternative onsite sewage systems, or certified composting toilets in Georgia.

    • Privies must meet the Manual's minimum design and construction criteria.
    • Alternative onsite sewage systems must be approved by the Department and meet the Manual's minimum design and construction criteria.
    • Composting toilets must be certified by the National Sanitation Foundation to current Standard 41 or certified by the manufacturer as meeting a nationally recognized standard.
    • Applicable County Board of Health permits and inspections remain required where the system is an onsite sewage management system.
    “composting toilets may be considered”
  • Well permitLimited

    Domestic and other water-well construction in Georgia.

    • All water wells must comply with the Water Well Standards Act.
    • A water-well contractor must contact the local county health department in advance for site review.
    • Certain county health departments require a well-construction permit before construction.
    • Agricultural irrigation wells require a Letter of Concurrence before drilling begins.
    • Well Construction Data must be sent to the owner and local health department within 30 days after completion.

    well construction data submission deadline: <= 30 days after completion

    “certain county health departments require well construction permits prior to well construction”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Buildings, residences, and properties designed or intended for human occupancy or congregation in Georgia when a public or community sewage treatment system is available.

    • Connection is required when a public or community sewage treatment system is available within 200 feet of the property line or in a public right-of-way abutting the property.
    • If an existing onsite sewage system fails, immediate connection to a public or community sewerage system is required if such a system is available.
    • If a public or community sewage treatment system is to be constructed, an existing public or community sewer is to be extended to serve a lot, or an approved onsite sewage management system is to be used, the building sewer must be installed to ensure gravity flow at a self-cleaning velocity throughout.
    • A residential onsite sewage system of less than 2,000 gallons per day that is failing may be exempted from connecting to sewer if repair or replacement meets the Manual for Onsite Sewage Management Systems criteria and the County Board of Health determines that sufficient area and usable soils exist.

    sewer availability distance: <= 200 feet from property line (A public right-of-way abutting the property is an alternative availability condition.) · failing residential onsite sewage system flow: < 2000 gallons per day (The County Board of Health must determine sufficient area and usable soils, and repair or replacement must meet the Manual for Onsite Sewage Management Systems criteria.)

    “Connection shall be made to a public or community sewage treatment system if such system is available within two hundred feet (200') of the property line, or available in a public right-of-way abutting the property. [...] If an existing on-site sewage system fails, immediate connection shall be made to a public or community sewerage system if such a system is available. (b) A residential on-site sewage system of less than two thousand gallons per day that is failing may be exempted from connecting to sewer if the repair or replacement of the system will meet the criteria set forth in the Manual for Onsite Sewage Management Systems and has sufficient area and usable soils as determined by the County Board of Health.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Bona fide agricultural and/or timber property qualifying for Georgia conservation-use current-use assessment.

    • The property must be devoted to a qualifying conservation use.
    • The property must be maintained in a qualifying use for ten years.
    • The owner must file the application with the county board of tax assessors by the county deadline for filing ad valorem tax returns.
    • This is a property-tax assessment benefit and does not itself establish an exemption from local zoning or building regulations.

    assessment basis: 40 percent of current use value · minimum covenant period: >= 10 years

    “Real property that is devoted to bona fide conservation uses is assessed at 40% of its current use value.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Farm buildings or structures qualifying under Georgia law for exemption from the state minimum standard building codes.
      “exempts such buildings from the state minimum standard building codes.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Crop-management and animal-husbandry practices involved in producing agricultural or farm products on private property in Georgia.
      “regulating crop management or animal husbandry practices involved in the production of agricultural or farm products on any private property.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Statewide Georgia legal framework for subdivision creation and enforcement of properly adopted county subdivision ordinances.

    • County subdivision ordinances and regulations remain enforceable against the developer or owner seeking to create the subdivision.
    • Local subdivision ordinances may not alter the superior-court clerk’s mandatory recording duties or add recording requirements beyond those prescribed by general law.
    • The source is an Attorney General opinion addressing the recording statute and local subdivision regulation.
    “All of the properly adopted ordinances and regulations of a county remain fully enforceable against the developer or owner seeking to create the subdivision.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Creation and recording of subdivisions and subdivision plats in Georgia, subject to applicable state recording law and properly adopted local subdivision ordinances.
      “All of the properly adopted ordinances and regulations of a county remain fully enforceable against the developer or owner seeking to create the subdivision.”
    • Limited — Creation and recording of subdivisions and subdivision plats in Georgia, subject to applicable county and municipal ordinances and statutory plat-recording rules.
      “All of the properly adopted ordinances and regulations of a county remain fully enforceable against the developer or owner seeking to create the subdivision.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Georgia counties exercising zoning power over unincorporated areas within their territorial boundaries.

    • The Zoning Procedures Law confirms local-government zoning authority generally; it does not require a local government to exercise zoning power.
    • For counties, territorial boundaries are the unincorporated areas and certain areas defined in O.C.G.A. § 36-70-2(5.1).
    • County zoning ordinances and zoning decisions remain subject to the statutory minimum procedures, including public-hearing and notice requirements.
    • The statute defines zoning to include districting property for various uses, prohibiting other uses within zones or districts, and regulating development and improvement of real estate within those zones or districts.
    “While recognizing and confirming the authority of local governments to exercise zoning power within their respective territorial boundaries [...] “Local government” means any county or municipality”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Georgia counties administering and enforcing state minimum construction codes, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • Local governments must adopt reasonable administrative provisions for administering and enforcing state minimum standard codes.
    • Those administrative powers include inspecting buildings, employing inspectors and other personnel, requiring permits and establishing permit charges, and contracting with other local governments for code enforcement.
    • A local government may choose which mandatory state codes it locally enforces, but any mandatory code locally enforced must use the latest edition and DCA amendments.
    • Local amendments may not be less stringent than the state minimum code, must be based on local climatic, geologic, topographic, or public-safety factors, require legislative findings identifying the need, and must be submitted to DCA 60 days before proposed adoption.
    • Local amendments must be filed with DCA after adoption.
    “These powers include: [...] Requiring permits and to establishment charges for said permits; and Contracting with other local governments for code enforcement.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning rules across Union County and incorporated municipalities.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Union County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Union County.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in Union County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Union County.
3 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Camping on your land
  • Accessory dwellings

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.

Living off-grid in Union County, Georgia

Is Union County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Union County scores 65/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: mixed durability signals and limited workable ground: 14.3% at 15% slope or less and 3.8% without a severe conventional-septic limitation.

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

Union County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Union County Environmental Health (North Health District, District 2, GA DPH). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Union County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Union County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicles used as part-time or full-time residences in Union County. The county lists recreational vehicles used as part-time or full-time residences among projects requiring a building permit. This claim does not establish the full occupancy-duration or siting rules. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Union County, Georgia?

Land in Union County runs about $8,109 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Union County?

Union County gets about 63.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.6% of years.

How remote is Union County?

A representative private-land location has about 41,899 people within a 30-minute drive and 5,851,060 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Union compares in Georgia

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