Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
Union County and its municipal partners adopt the latest International Building Codes; the county's 2024 hazard-mitigation plan identifies the 2021 code adoption context. The applicable 2026 South Carolina cycle is the 2021 International Building, Residential, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes with South Carolina modifications, 2020 NEC and applicable state energy/accessibility requirements.
Inspection lane
A 24-hour notice is required for all inspections; contact the Building Safety office at 864-424-2341. Post and protect the permit and address at the site. Required residential stages include footing, foundation, under-slab plumbing, slab, rough plumbing/electrical/mechanical, fireplace where applicable, framing, insulation, power/meter release, final trade inspections and final building. A certificate of occupancy is issued after final building approval.
Minor-work playbook
The county lists retaining walls no higher than 4 feet; sidewalks and driveways no more than 30 inches above grade; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work; qualifying above-ground pools less than 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons; fences; minor electrical repairs such as replacing lamps or defective receptacles; portable heating appliances or replacement parts that do not alter equipment approval; and plumbing repairs such as leaks, drain/waste/vent repairs and stoppage clearing.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
A 24-hour notice is required for all inspections; contact the Building Safety office at 864-424-2341. Post and protect the permit and address at the site. Required residential stages include footing, foundation, under-slab plumbing, slab, rough plumbing/electrical/mechanical, fireplace where applicable, framing, insulation, power/meter release, final trade inspections and final building. A certificate of occupancy is issued after final building approval.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
This record is marked Municipal Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 864-424-2341.
N/A; the county publishes required plan and septic documentation but no standard permit-review timeline.
A 24-hour notice is required for all inspections; contact the Building Safety office at 864-424-2341. Post and protect the permit and address at the site. Required residential stages include footing, foundation, under-slab plumbing, slab, rough plumbing/electrical/mechanical, fireplace where applicable, framing, insulation, power/meter release, final trade inspections and final building. A certificate of occupancy is issued after final building approval.
Union County and its municipal partners adopt the latest International Building Codes; the county's 2024 hazard-mitigation plan identifies the 2021 code adoption context. The applicable 2026 South Carolina cycle is the 2021 International Building, Residential, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes with South Carolina modifications, 2020 NEC and applicable state energy/accessibility requirements. The county lists retaining walls no higher than 4 feet; sidewalks and driveways no more than 30 inches above grade; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work; qualifying above-ground pools less than 24 inches deep and not over 5,000 gallons; fences; minor electrical repairs such as replacing lamps or defective receptacles; portable heating appliances or replacement parts that do not alter equipment approval; and plumbing repairs such as leaks, drain/waste/vent repairs and stoppage clearing.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.