Ready, Set, Build!

A guide for buying land and building your home in Union County.

Information about Buying Lots (not in platted subdivisions)

Zoning

Contact the appropriate township or municipal zoning official to determine if the land is properly zoned for your intended use. Each township and municipality has its own requirements such as minimum road frontages, setbacks, and square feet per household.

Soil Types

Contact the Union Soil & Water Conservation District to determine soil types and capabilities. Certain soil types in Union County are not suitable for building sites and/or on-site sewage disposal.

Water and Sewer

Contact the Union County Health Department to determine underground water availability and requirements for on-site sewage disposal systems and to set up a site inspection. Information typically obtained during a site inspection includes lot size, lot dimensions, soils data, topography analysis, homesite location, and any other desired uses for the property such as ponds, barns, or pastures.

Flood Hazard Areas

See Floodplain Regulation and check with our office to determine if your land is within a flood hazard area in the unincorporated area of the county. Inside incorporated municipalities, check with city or village officials.

Land Development

Contact LUC Regional Planning Commission for additional information on land development and planning.

Other Important Information You Need to Know

Mailboxes

Oversized mailboxes and those constructed with brick and masonry materials represent a severe hazard to the traveling public. If you install an oversized mailbox and someone runs off the road and hits the mailbox, you may be held liable. See Driveway & Address for the approved mailbox standard.

Drainage

There may be existing drainage swales or tiles crossing your property. You must not obstruct drainage swales or tiles. You have a legal responsibility to allow a reasonable amount of water to pass through your land from upstream or upground properties.

State and National Scenic Rivers

Big Darby Creek and Little Darby Creek are state and national scenic rivers. Your property may be within the Darby watersheds. Be careful how you use your land and how you dispose of wastes so that the quality of the Darbys is maintained for our future generations.

Subdivision Regulations

If you wish to subdivide or sell off any part of your property, you must do so in accordance with the Union County Subdivision Regulations. See Property & Survey for more information and contact our office if you have any questions.

Permits: When, Where and How

Zoning Permits

Zoning permits are required in most municipalities in Union County and in all townships in Union County except for Jackson Township. If you intend to build or expand a building, a zoning permit is probably required. Contact the appropriate township or municipal zoning official for more information. You need to locate your property corners before digging to assure you are placing your building in the proper place per set backs described on the zoning permit.

Well and Sewage Disposal System Permits

Well and sewage disposal system permits are required from the Union County Health Department. A site inspection must be completed before the septic and well permit will be issued.

Flood Hazard Area Permits

Flood hazard area permits are required if your home will be built within a flood hazard area. Certain building restrictions apply within flood hazard areas. See Floodplain Regulation and check with our office if your property is in the unincorporated area of the county. Inside incorporated municipalities, check with city or village officials.

Driveway Permits

A driveway permit is required if you plan to install a driveway. See Driveway & Address to apply for a driveway permit from our office if the driveway is along a county or township road. Contact the Ohio Department of Transportation if the driveway is along a state highway.

House (building) Numbers

House (building) numbers in the unincorporated area of the county are issued by our office. If you don't already have a house number, you should obtain a house number before applying for zoning, health, or building permits. You will need to identify the two closest addresses on either side and across the road from your property. See Driveway & Address to apply for a house number in the unincorporated area of the county. Inside incorporated municipalities, check with city or village officials.

Building Permits

Building permits are required in Union County. Contact our office for building permit information. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits are also required. Building permits cannot be issued until the above items have been addressed. See Building Regulation for more information and to apply for a building permit. Contact the Union County Health Department to apply for a plumbing permit.