Union City, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RS district height cap
- 30 feet
- RM 2500/3500 height cap
- 45 feet
- RM 1500 height cap
- 75 feet
- Appurtenance allowance
- Spires, chimneys up to 40 feet
Summary
Union City caps residential structures at 30 feet in RS districts, 45 feet in RM 2500 and RM 3500 districts, and 75 feet in the higher-density RM 1500 district.
In the RS District, no principal structure shall exceed 30 feet in height. Spires, cupolas, chimneys, elevator penthouses, flagpoles and necessary mechanical appurtenances may be allowed to a maximum height limit of 40 feet. Amateur radio antennas and antenna structures may be allowed to exceed the basic height limitation, subject to required approvals, in accordance with Section 18.32.190. In the RM 2500 and RM 3500 Districts, no structure shall exceed 45 feet in height. In the RM 1500 District, no structure shall exceed 75 feet in height. (Ord. 55-64 § 6.11, 1964; Ord. 55.239-81 § 3, 1981; Ord. 55.245-82 § 2, 1982; Ord. 457-95 § 2, 1995; Ord. 609-03 § 2, 2003; Ord. 670-06 § 3, 2006; Ord. 731-10 § 2, 2010; Ord. 764-11 § 2, 2011; Ord. 917-23, 9/26/2023)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4940544; v16 updated 2026-06-23).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 18.32 (Residential Districts), no principal structure may exceed 30 feet in the RS (single-family) districts, though spires, chimneys, elevator penthouses, and similar mechanical appurtenances may reach 40 feet, and approved amateur radio antennas may exceed the base limit per § 18.32.190. Multifamily RM 2500 and RM 3500 districts cap structures at 45 feet, and the higher-density RM 1500 district allows up to 75 feet.
Violations & Fines
Structures exceeding the district height cap are denied building permits or must seek a variance under Chapter 18.60; unpermitted excess-height construction is enforceable as a zoning code violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in Union City?
Are height limits different for apartments?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
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Structure Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle structure height limits.