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Environmental Rules in Union City, CA (2026)

4 verified environmental rules for Union City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Stormwater Management

Union City bans discharging anything but stormwater into the city storm sewer system under its Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Ordinance, covering runoff from parking lots, construction sites, and industrial facilities citywide.

Union City Storm Drain Discharge Prohibition

Significant Restrictions

Union City Municipal Code § 13.36.021

The discharge of nonstorm water discharges to the City storm sewer system is prohibited. All discharges of material other than storm water must be in compliance with an NPDES permit issued for the discharge (other than NPDES permit No. CA0029831).

Erosion Control

Union City requires a permit before any grading, filling, excavation or land-disturbing activity, with drainage facilities reviewed as part of the site map and grading plan under Title 21.

Union City Grading and Drainage Permits

Some Restrictions

Union City Municipal Code § 21.08.010

No person may grade, fill, excavate, store or dispose of soil and earth materials or perform any other land-disturbing or land-filling activity without first obtaining a permit as set forth in this title.

Flood Zones

Union City requires a development permit before any construction, filling, or grading in a mapped special flood hazard area, and violations of the floodplain chapter are a misdemeanor under the municipal code.

Union City Flood Zone Development Permit

Some Restrictions

Union City Municipal Code § 18.98.040(A)

A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazards established in Section 18.98.030(B). Application for a development permit shall be made on forms furnished by the Director and may include, but not be limited to: plans in duplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions and elevation of the area in question...

Flood Elevation Requirements

Union City requires new construction and substantial improvements in flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor to or above the base flood elevation, certified by a licensed engineer or surveyor.

Union City Base Flood Elevation Rule

Some Restrictions

Union City Municipal Code § 18.98.050(A)(3)(a)

New construction and substantial improvement of any structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the base flood elevation. Nonresidential structures may meet the standards in paragraph c of this subdivision. Upon the completion of the structure, the elevation of the lowest floor including basement shall be certified by a registered professional engineer or sur...

Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Union City city rules.

Environmental Rules in Alameda County