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South Carolina, Union County HVAC Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Union County Building & Safety Division and Unincorporated Areas

Union County, South Carolina, has a dedicated Building Safety & Floodplain Management Department responsible for overseeing construction and safety regulations. This department enforces the South Carolina Building Code (2021 edition) and Union County ordinances. For properties located in unincorporated areas of Union County, this department serves as the primary authority for building permits and safety compliance.

A building permit is required for various construction activities, including the installation or modification of mechanical systems like HVAC.

HVAC Permit Requirements

Properties in Unincorporated Areas

The Union County Department of Building Safety & Floodplain Management has jurisdiction over all unincorporated areas of Union County. This means that residents and property owners in these areas must adhere to the same permit requirements and building codes as those in incorporated areas, as enforced by this department.

While specific exemptions from permits may exist for minor repairs or small structures, it is crucial to contact the department to confirm whether a project requires a permit before commencing work.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within South Carolina, including Union County.

South Carolina Hvac Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

State Statutes and Adopted HVAC Codes

In South Carolina, building codes are mandated by the state legislature and enforced at the local level. The state utilizes the International Code Council (ICC) family of codes as the foundation for its statewide standards. As of the most recent major update effective January 1, 2023, South Carolina has adopted the 2021 editions of the International Codes, including the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the International Residential Code (IRC), with specific South Carolina-approved modifications. These codes establish the minimum requirements for the design, installation, maintenance, and inspection of HVAC systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Primary State Agency

The South Carolina Building Codes Council is the primary state body responsible for adopting, modifying, and overseeing the implementation of these building codes. The Council, which operates under the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), reviews ICC code editions and determines necessary state-specific amendments to address local environmental and construction conditions. While the Council sets the standards, the actual enforcement of these codes is carried out by local jurisdictions (cities and counties), which are required to employ certified building officials to conduct plan reviews and field inspections.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Union County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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