Bolthole Index

Union County, South Carolina

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Union County, South Carolina

60Index Score / 100
#20 of 46 in South Carolina

Union County, South Carolina requires building permits and enforces state and local construction rules through County Building Safety.1 A countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated land could not be confirmed, so ask Building Safety about the rules for a specific parcel before buying.2 For land without public or community sewer, SCDES septic approval comes before the county building permit.3

At a glance

Building permit
Required; Union County Building Safety issues permits1
Zoning
Countywide zoning could not be confirmed; ask the county about the parcel2
Septic permit
SCDES approval is required where public or community sewer is unavailable3
Owner-builder
Allowed for a qualifying owner-occupied home, with statutory conditions4
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask County Building Safety before placing or occupying one2
Private residential well
$70 Notice of Intent fee before construction5
Septic soil outlook
38.1% of soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field6

Who to call

Building permits

Union County Building Safety & Floodplain Management

Building permits, construction-code enforcement, inspections and floodplain management for Union County

(864) 424-2341

[email protected]

1246 S. Duncan Bypass Suite B, Union, SC 29379

Septic permits

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services Onsite Wastewater Program

Questions about new onsite wastewater permit applications and permit modifications before submission

1-855-731-2504

[email protected]

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Union County, South Carolina?

Yes. Union County Building Safety issues building permits and enforces the county building code and South Carolina building code for construction in unincorporated areas.1 Union County's ordinance requires a permit before a building, structure or addition is erected or constructed, although the county publishes separate exemptions for some work.7 The mandatory statewide code set in effect is the 2021 South Carolina Building Codes, effective since January 1, 2023.8 South Carolina has adopted newer 2024 editions, but local implementation does not begin until January 1, 2027.9 Residential work covered by the county's procedures goes through staged inspections, and the county requires 24-hour notice for each inspection.10

Who is the Union County building department, and how do you reach it?

Union County Building Safety & Floodplain Management is the permit and inspection office for county construction work.11 The office is at 1246 S. Duncan Bypass Suite B, Union, South Carolina, and its permitting hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.11 Call (864) 424-2341 or email permit applications to [email protected].11 The department says its work includes sound new construction, maintenance of existing buildings, and enforcement under state and local codes, regulations, laws and ordinances.11 Building permit fees are set locally rather than by one statewide fee schedule, so ask the permit office for the current fee tied to the proposed work.12

Does Union County have zoning?

A countywide zoning ordinance with zoning districts for unincorporated Union County could not be confirmed.2 That uncertainty matters for RV occupancy, tiny homes, manufactured homes, minimum dwelling size, lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and building height, so do not treat rural land as unrestricted.2 South Carolina law allows a county to adopt zoning for all or only specific parts of its unincorporated area, which means the parcel location can change the answer.13 Ask Union County Building Safety & Floodplain Management what land-development or location review applies to the parcel and proposed use before relying on a seller's description.11 If the parcel lies inside a municipality, ask that municipality as well because municipal rules are separate from rules for unincorporated Union County.13

How do septic permits work in Union County?

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, not Union County, permits onsite wastewater systems for property without public or community sewer.3 SCDES approval and a Permit to Construct must come first; without that permit, Union County cannot issue the building permit.14 For questions before submitting an application or requesting a permit modification, call the SCDES Onsite Wastewater Program at 1-855-731-2504 or email [email protected].15 The installer must schedule an SCDES inspection before covering a new system.16 A septic permit cannot be issued where public sewer is accessible, so verify sewer availability before paying for design work.17 Only 38.1% of Union County soils avoid a severe limitation rating for a conventional drain field, so septic feasibility deserves an early site evaluation rather than an assumption based on acreage.6

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

We could not confirm a Union County rule that allows or prohibits living long-term in an RV on private land, and countywide zoning coverage is also unconfirmed.2 We also could not confirm a county rule for tiny-home occupancy, minimum dwelling size or manufactured-home placement.2 A tiny home used as a dwelling still raises building-code, sanitation and occupancy questions, while a manufactured home on land without public or community sewer needs SCDES septic approval.18 South Carolina's camping limit for state-park campsites applies to state parks, not private property, so it does not answer the private-land RV question.19 Before buying or moving a unit, give Union County Building Safety the parcel number and describe whether the unit has wheels, a foundation, plumbing and full-time occupancy.11

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

  1. Ask Union County Building Safety what parcel-specific land-development, floodplain and siting review applies, because countywide zoning could not be confirmed.211
  2. Obtain or verify the site address and confirm whether public sewer serves the property.20
  3. If sewer is unavailable, obtain SCDES septic approval before seeking the county building permit.14
  4. If using a private residential well, submit the required Notice of Intent and $70 fee before well construction.5
  5. Submit the building permit application and required construction information to Union County Building Safety.1
  6. An eligible owner-builder must personally supervise the work, personally sign the permit application and record the required notice; sale or rent within two years creates a statutory presumption against the exemption.21
  7. Give the county 24-hour notice for required residential inspections, then obtain the final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupying the completed dwelling.1022

What should you check before buying land in Union County?

Start with septic and sewer: only 38.1% of county soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and SCDES cannot issue an onsite wastewater permit where public sewer is accessible.617 Ask Union County Building Safety whether the parcel is in a regulated floodplain and what siting or land-development review applies, because floodplain triggers and countywide zoning coverage could not be confirmed.112 Confirm legal road access before closing; a driveway entering a South Carolina state highway is subject to SCDOT access rules.23 Union County is 85.6% wooded and 65.7% of its land has slopes of 15% or less, so inspect clearing needs, drainage and buildable terrain on the actual homesite.2425 The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $558.2627

Watch-outs

  • Union County requires SCDES septic approval before it can issue a building permit for land without public or community sewer, so settle septic feasibility early.14
  • Countywide zoning, RV occupancy, tiny-home rules, setbacks and minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask Union County Building Safety about the exact parcel and proposed use.2
  • South Carolina's owner-builder exemption carries supervision, disclosure and recording duties, and selling or renting within two years can undermine the exemption.21

Sources

  1. Union County - Building Safety/Floodplain Management (2026 county census)
  2. (2026 county census)
  3. SC DES - Septic Tanks, Residential Single Home Builder (2026 county census)
  4. South Carolina Code of Laws Title 40, Chapter 59 (§ 40-59-260) (2026 county census)
  5. Private Drinking Water Wells (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  6. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  7. Building Safety/Floodplain Management – Union County, quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Code Adoption (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. 2024 Building Code Modification Index (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Residential Inspection Procedures, quoted and re-checked
  11. Union County Building Safety & Floodplain Management (gearupunionsc.com)
  12. Building Codes Council Frequently Asked Questions (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. South Carolina Code Title 6, Chapter 29 — Local Government Comprehensive Planning (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services Onsite Wastewater Program (des.sc.gov)
  16. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  17. Professional Soil Classifiers - Sewer Accessibility Verification (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Septic Tanks - Residential, Single Home Builder, quoted and re-checked
  19. South Carolina Code Title 51, Chapter 3, State Parks (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. How to Obtain a Commercial Permit, quoted and re-checked
  21. South Carolina Code Title 40, Chapter 59, quoted and re-checked
  22. How to Obtain a Commercial Permit, quoted and re-checked
  23. Engineering Directive ED-16: Driveway Entrances (South Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 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 South Carolina

60
County map
Union County highlighted among the South Carolina counties · colored by Index score

How Union County scores

Seclusion33100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency71100% ev.
Admin Boringness5177% ev.
Durability61100% ev.
Property Autonomy46100% ev.
Carry Cost85100% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$136kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$3,814Land / acre
45.3"Annual rain
7.7% of yrsSevere drought
13.1 / yr (+11.3)Mid-century 100°F days
14.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.26" (+8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.4×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,129Home insurance / yr
0% / yrInsurance growth
1.15%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
50,756People within 30 min
6,036,474People within 2 hr
45,789Radius comparison (15 mi)
51.8People / sq mi
19.4%Federal land
65.7%Land at 15% slope or less
38.1%Septic soil without severe limits
124,296 acWorkable land screen
85.6%Wooded land
50.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
61.5°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

    Commercial construction requiring a Union County building permit.

    • The commercial permit instructions require site-plan, sewage-disposal-system, and construction-drawing approvals before the construction permit can be issued.
    • The cited page does not establish that every type of minor work requires a permit; Union County separately publishes exemptions.
    “After approval of the site plan, the sewage disposal system and the construction drawings must be approved before the permit for construction can be issued.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Building-code enforcement by the Union County Department of Building Safety.

    • The county page refers to both state and local codes, regulations, laws, and ordinances; the specific code editions and adoption dates were not stated on the page.
    “The Department of Building Safety will work to ensure sound construction of new building, promote steady maintenance of existing buildings and enforce regulations and development practices in accordance with state and local codes, regulations, laws, and ordinances.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential building construction subject to Union County inspection procedures.

    • A 24-hour notice is required for all inspections.
    • The procedures list footing, foundation, applicable under-slab plumbing, slab, rough trade, framing, insulation, power/meter release, final trade, and final building inspections, with conditional items identified in the source.
    “A 24-hour notice is required for all inspections. The following inspections are required:”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Commercial buildings and residential buildings covered by Union County final-building procedures.

    • The commercial instructions state that occupancy may occur only after final inspection and issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
    • A 24-hour advance notice applies to inspections.
    • The certificate-of-occupancy checklist states that a $25 re-inspection fee applies in the listed circumstances.

    re-inspection fee: 25 USD (Charged if entrance is inaccessible for scheduled inspections or after a re-inspection for corrections not completed.)

    “The building may be occupied only after a final inspection and a certificate of occupancy is issued by the Department of Building Safety.”
  • Permit processPublished

    Union County commercial and residential building-permit and inspection procedures.

    • Commercial applications require site plans and construction drawings; larger or specified uses require sealed plans.
    • Sewage-disposal-system approval or a sewer-service-provider letter is required for the commercial process.
    • The permit clerk provides directions for requesting inspections and obtaining inspection results.
    • Residential inspections require 24-hour notice.
    “You will need to submit two (2) sets of site plans and construction drawings.”

South Carolina rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Qualifying owner-built residential construction in Union County under South Carolina Code section 40-59-260.

    • The owner must perform the work personally, with the owner's employees, or with licensed contractors or registered entities or individuals.
    • The structure must be intended for the owner's sole occupancy or occupancy by the owner's family and not for sale or rent.
    • The general public must not have access to the structure.
    • The owner must personally appear and sign the building-permit application and receive the disclosure statement.
    • The owner must supervise construction and may build or improve a one-family or two-family residence for the owner's own use and occupancy.
    • Sale or rent within two years after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy is prima facie evidence of an impermissible sale-or-rent purpose unless otherwise approved by the commission.
    • The owner must promptly record a notice with the register of deeds; failure to do so revokes the statutory exemption.
    • The exemption does not authorize hiring an unlicensed or unregistered person or entity.

    residence type: one-family or two-family residence (Must be for owner's own use and occupancy.) · presumption period: 2 years (Sale or rent after completion or issuance of a certificate of occupancy.)

    “To qualify for exemption under this section, an owner must personally appear and sign the building permit application.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner-builder improving residential property or building or improving structures or appurtenances on that property for the owner's or the owner's family's occupancy.
      “This chapter does not apply to an owner of residential property who improves the property or who builds or improves structures or appurtenances on the property if:”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater permitting and inspection for properties in Union County not served by public or community sewer.

    • SCDES approval and permitting apply when the property is not served by a public or community sewer system.
    “If you are planning to build a home or place a manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system, you must first obtain SCDES's approval and a permit to install a septic system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State — Statewide permitting and administration of individual onsite wastewater and septic systems in South Carolina.
      “South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems. If you are planning to build a home or place a manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system, you must first obtain SCDES's approval and a permit to install a septic system.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction of a home or placement of a manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system.

    • SCDES approval and a permit to install the septic system must be obtained first.
    • Without the septic permit, the county cannot issue a building permit.
    • Permits to Construct are good for five years; renewal or approved changes require a new application and fee.
    • The rule applies where public or community sewer does not serve the property.

    permit validity: 5 years (Renewal or modifications require a new application and fee.)

    “If you are planning to build a home or place a manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system, you must first obtain SCDES's approval and a permit to install a septic system. Without this permit, your county will not be able to issue you a building permit.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Existing septic systems and new-home construction using a septic system statewide in South Carolina.

    • S.C. law does not require regular inspection of existing systems.
    • Some towns have local ordinances requiring regular inspections.
    • For a new home using a septic system, SCDES must evaluate the building site before issuing the septic construction permit.
    • During installation, the installer must contact SCDES for a final inspection before the system is covered.
    “While S.C. law does not require property owners to have existing systems inspected, some towns have passed ordinances that require their local residents to have their septic systems inspected regularly (See next question). If you live in an area that does not have a local inspection ordinance in place, the only time you would be required to have your septic system inspected is when you're building a new home that will use a septic system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of septic systems in Union County under SCDES permitting.
      “Before completing the installation of the septic system, the installer must contact SCDES to schedule a time for the inspection of the septic system before it is covered.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation for homes or manufactured homes in Union County on property not served by public or community sewer.

    • Off-grid septic sanitation requires SCDES approval and a permit to install the septic system.
    • The county cannot issue a building permit without the septic permit.
    • The cited source does not address every possible sanitation technology.
    “Without this permit, your county will not be able to issue you a building permit.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Construction of individual residential wells and irrigation wells statewide in South Carolina.

    • Before construction, the owner, owner's agent, or well driller must submit a Notice of Intent for coverage under the General Permit.
    • A $70 fee applies to each individual residential well and a $50 fee applies to each irrigation well.
    • The Department reviews a completed NOI within 48 hours.
    • The driller must notify SCDES 48 hours before installation with the exact date, time, and location.
    • The permit does not authorize public water-supply wells or wells prohibited by another regulation, local ordinance, or law.
    • Wells serving multiple households or a small business follow public-water-supply permitting procedures.
    • Withdrawals exceeding 3 million gallons in any month require a Groundwater Withdrawal Permit.

    individual residential well NOI fee: 70 USD · irrigation well NOI fee: 50 USD · NOI review period: 48 hours (The General Permit states the period excludes weekends and legal state holidays.) · installation notice: 48 hours (Notice must provide exact date, time, and location.) · monthly withdrawal threshold: > 3000000 gallons (A Groundwater Withdrawal Permit is required under R.61-113.)

    “Prior to construction of any individual residential well or irrigation well, a Notice of Intent (NOI) to obtain coverage under the General Permit is submitted by the well owner, agent of the well owner, or well driller.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Use of an onsite wastewater system where public sewer service may be accessible.

    • An onsite wastewater permit cannot be issued where public sewer is accessible.
    • Public sewer accessibility must be verified before applying for an onsite wastewater permit.
    • The cited source addresses sewer availability; it does not establish a statewide requirement to connect to municipal water.
    “Please Note: Onsite wastewater permits cannot be issued where public sewer is accessible. If a professional soil classifier is contracted by an individual to conduct a site and soil evaluation for the issuance of an onsite wastewater permit, verification of public sewer accessibility prior to onsite wastewater application is the responsibility of the PSC and/or the applicant.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Exemption from the federal Produce Safety Rule administered through the South Carolina Department of Agriculture for qualifying growers.

    • The grower must meet an exemption category and submit an application to SCDA.
    • The application requires information about the operation and certification of compliance; SCDA then issues a certificate of exemption.
    • Recognized categories include produce rarely consumed raw; produce for personal or on-farm consumption; produce receiving qualifying commercial processing; and average produce sales below $25,000 over the previous three years, adjusted for inflation.
    • A qualified exemption requires annual food sales below $500,000 adjusted for inflation and more than 50% of annual food sales to qualified end-users located in South Carolina, the same Indian Reservation, or within 275 miles of the farm.

    previous three-year average produce sales threshold: < 25000 USD (Adjusted for inflation using 2018 as the baseline year.) · previous three-year annual food sales threshold for qualified exemption: < 500000 USD (Adjusted for inflation.) · sales to qualified end-users: > 50 percent (Qualified end-users must be in South Carolina, the same Indian Reservation, or within 275 miles of the farm.)

    “In South Carolina, if a grower meets the requirements for an exemption they must submit an application to secure that exemption.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land-development approval within municipalities or counties that have adopted land-development regulations under South Carolina law.

    • After local land-development regulations are adopted, a subdivision plat or land-development plan may not be filed or recorded, and no building permit may be issued, until the plan bears the required approval stamp and signature.
    • A combination or recombination of previously platted lots with no increase in total lots is treated only as an information-record exception when resultant lots meet governing-authority standards.
    • A division into parcels of five acres or more with no new street is treated only as an information-record exception; the plats must be received as information and marked accordingly.
    • A combination or recombination of entire lots of record with no new street or change in existing streets is treated only as an information-record exception.

    exception parcel size: >= 5 acres (No new street; plat must be received as information by the planning agency and marked accordingly.)

    “no subdivision plat or other land development plan within the jurisdiction of the regulations may be filed or recorded”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Residential driveway entrances within the right-of-way of South Carolina state highways.

    • The driveway must provide ingress and egress to abutting property.
    • Access must not constitute hazardous conditions.
    • The property must be an existing developed residential property or property being developed for the owner's personal use.
    • Commercial, speculative, and resale purposes are excluded.
    • A standard driveway has a maximum paved throat width of 16 feet and may include up to a 30-inch diameter pipe where required for drainage.
    • Additional paved width or a larger pipe is discretionary and excess installation cost may be charged to the property owner.
    • Additional driveways require approval and may be constructed at the owner's expense.
    • The directive is effective December 6, 2024.

    maximum paved throat width: <= 16 feet (standard driveway) · maximum drainage pipe diameter: <= 30 inches (where required for drainage)

    “The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) shall permit and construct, at its expense, a single, all-weather driveway for the portion within the right-of-way of state highways, to provide ingress and egress to the abutting property at locations where access does not constitute hazardous conditions.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building-code permitting fees in South Carolina.

    • Local jurisdictions have authority over permitting and fees.
    • The source does not establish a single statewide fee amount.
    “These functions include, but are not limited to, permitting, fees, required construction documents, and approval of alternate means and methods.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Camping at South Carolina state-park campsites.

    • Camping is subject to state-park facility rules and department permission.
    • A campsite may not be occupied for more than fourteen consecutive days without permission from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.
    • The rule concerns state parks and does not establish a statewide rule for private land or locally administered campgrounds.

    maximum consecutive campsite occupancy without department permission: <= 14 days (Longer occupancy requires permission from the department.)

    “No person or persons shall occupy a campsite for a consecutive period longer than fourteen days without permission from the department.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    South Carolina counties adopting zoning ordinances for all or specific parts of unincorporated areas.

    • A county may exercise the chapter's powers in the total unincorporated area or specific parts of the unincorporated area.
    • A zoning ordinance may be adopted when the local planning commission has prepared and recommended, and the governing body has adopted, at least the land-use element of the comprehensive plan.
    • Zoning regulations must be made in accordance with the comprehensive plan and must be uniform for each class or kind of building, structure, or use within each district, although regulations may differ between districts.
    • Before enacting or amending zoning regulations or maps, the governing authority or authorized planning commission must hold a properly advertised public hearing; if no established procedures exist, at least fifteen days' newspaper notice is required.
    • A municipality may exercise these powers within its corporate limits, and adjacent unincorporated areas may be added to municipal jurisdiction only through ordinances adopted by the municipality and county councils establishing boundaries, limitations of authority, and representation.
    “A county may exercise the powers granted under the provisions of this chapter in the total unincorporated area or specific parts of the unincorporated area. [...] When the local planning commission has prepared and recommended and the governing body has adopted at least the land use element of the comprehensive plan as set forth in this chapter, the governing body of a municipality or county may adopt a zoning ordinance to help implement the comprehensive plan.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    South Carolina counties enforcing building codes and providing building-official jurisdiction for unincorporated areas, including residential construction.

    • Counties must enforce only the national building and safety codes provided in Chapter 9, Title 6.
    • The statutory building-code provisions do not apply to certain electric cooperatives, the Public Service Authority, or specified public utility corporations, subject to the residential-housing exception stated in the statute.
    • Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations preempt the chapter where applicable to manufactured-housing construction and installation.
    • Each county must appoint a building official or contract with another political subdivision so that its unincorporated area is under a building official's jurisdiction.
    • A county may prescribe construction-permit and inspection fees through the building official or appointing authority.
    • A county may submit a financially based affidavit for exemption when it cannot arrange services within the recommended fee schedule; the exemption lasts until financially feasible or five years, whichever is less, and may be renewed at five-year intervals.
    • The state Building Codes Council adopts by reference only the latest editions of the listed nationally recognized building, residential, gas, plumbing, mechanical, fire, and energy codes; code provisions concerning building-official administration do not apply unless adopted by the county or municipality.
    • The statute's Section 6-9-10 history states that the 2003 amendment was effective July 2, 2003.
    “All municipalities, as defined by Section 5-1-20, and counties in this State shall enforce building, energy, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and fire codes, referred to as building codes in this chapter, relating to the construction, livability, sanitation, erection, energy efficiency, installation of equipment, alteration, repair, occupancy, classification, or removal of structures located within their jurisdictions and promulgate regulations to implement their enforcement. [...] Each county shall appoint a building official or contract with other political subdivisions as authorized in Section 6-9-20 so that the unincorporated area of the county is under the jurisdiction of a building official.”

Still unanswered

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

  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning in Union County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning within Union County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Union County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Union County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Union County.
10 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • 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.

Living off-grid in Union County, South Carolina

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

Union County scores 60/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 45.3″/yr rainfall plus 85.6% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 50,756 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Union County, South Carolina?

Union County generally requires a residential building permit. Onsite septic is permitted by South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). 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.

How much does land cost in Union County, South Carolina?

Land in Union County runs about $3,814 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Union County?

Union County gets about 45.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.7% of years.

How remote is Union County?

A representative private-land location has about 50,756 people within a 30-minute drive and 6,036,474 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 South Carolina

Compare side-by-side →See all 46 South Carolina counties ranked →