Union City, CA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Retail zones
- ML, MS, CN, CC, CVR, CPA, CUL
- Cultivation/mfg zones
- Light Industrial (ML), Special Industrial (MS) only
- Outdoor cultivation
- Prohibited in every zoning district
- Union Landing cap
- Only one cannabis permit allowed
- Permit required
- Separate City commercial cannabis permit, Ch. 5.44
Summary
Commercial cannabis uses are banned in every Union City zoning district except the specific industrial and commercial zones expressly listed in Chapter 18.117, each requiring a City-issued permit.
The purpose of this chapter is to impose zoning restrictions on various commercial cannabis uses authorized and licensed by the State of California pursuant to State law. ... If a commercial cannabis use is not specifically permitted in this chapter it is not allowed in any zone within the City. ... A. Commercial cannabis uses are prohibited from operating in all zoning districts in the City except as expressly permitted by and in conformance with the provisions of this chapter as well as Chapter 5.44.
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
Union City Municipal Code § 18.117.040(A) prohibits commercial cannabis uses in all zoning districts except as expressly permitted by Chapter 18.117. Cultivation, manufacturing, testing, distribution, and microbusinesses are allowed only in the Light Industrial (ML) and Special Industrial (MS) districts; dispensaries/retail may also locate in the Neighborhood Commercial, Community Commercial, Visitor and Recreation Commercial, Professional and Administrative Commercial, and Union Landing Commercial districts, capped at one permit for Union Landing. Outdoor commercial cultivation is prohibited citywide, and every use still needs a separate Chapter 5.44 commercial cannabis permit.
Violations & Fines
Operating a commercial cannabis use outside a listed zone, or without both a City commercial cannabis permit and required Title 18 site development review, exposes the operation to nuisance abatement and code enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Union City opted out of cannabis businesses?
Where can a cannabis dispensary open in Union City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
California rules heatmap·Compare Union City to another location·View the California cannabis regulations overview
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Dispensary Zoning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle dispensary zoning.