Fence Regulations in Union City, CA (2026)
4 verified fence regulations for Union City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Union City limits residential fences to six feet in rear and interior side yards, three feet in front and street-side yards, with an eight-foot exception near flood channels, rail lines, schools, and major arterials.
Union City Privacy Fence Height Limits
Some RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 18.32.040(A)(1), (3)
In the required rear and interior side yards the maximum height shall be six feet as measured above the surface of the ground, except that an additional one and one-half foot of lattice may be added above a six-foot high fence. 2. Height Exception. Fences a maximum of eight feet in height may be allowed in the required rear yard or interior side yards when the yard abuts a flood control chan...
Fence Permit Requirements
Before Union City issues any permit touching a fence, the Community Development Director must confirm the project meets Title 18 zoning rules, including the height and material limits in Section 18.32.040.
Union City Fence Permit Zoning Review
Some RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 18.52.050
Except as hereinafter provided, no permit or business license pertaining to the use of land or buildings shall be issued by an officer, department or employee of this City unless the application for such permit has been examined by the Office of the Director and it has been indicated thereon that the proposed use of land, building or structure complies with all the provisions of this title. An...
Retaining Walls
Union City caps free-standing retaining walls in residential districts at three feet, requires architectural treatment on exposed faces, and lets a fence stack on top up to the combined yard height limit.
Union City Retaining Wall Height Limit
Some RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 18.32.040(B)(1), (3)
A retaining wall which is not part of a building shall not exceed three feet in height. 2. Fencing on top of a retaining wall is permitted when the total height of both the wall and fence do not exceed the applicable maximum height requirement in Section 18.32.040(A). 3. The sides of exposed exterior retaining walls shall be architecturally treated. 4. Exceptions. Exceptions may be gra...
Material Restrictions
Union City requires residential fences to be built of wood, masonry, or earth materials: metal and plastic are barred except as posts or other support elements.
Union City Fence Material Rules
Significant RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 18.32.040(A)(6)
Fences shall be wood, masonry, or earth materials. Metal, plastic, or other similar materials shall not be used except as posts or other support elements. B. Retaining Walls. Retaining walls located in any residential district, except for those located in the hillside combining district, shall be subject to the following restrictions. 1. A retaining wall which is not part of a building sh...
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Union City city rules.
Fence Regulations in Alameda County →