Home Business in Union City, CA (2026)
5 verified home business rules for Union City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning Restrictions
Union City allows home businesses as 'home occupations' under Municipal Code Section 18.32.020.G. The use must be clearly secondary to the residence, use no more than 20 percent of the home's floor area, operate only inside the legal dwelling by residents, and not use garages, sheds, or detached structures.
Union City Home Business Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsSignage Rules
Union City strictly limits home business signage. Under Municipal Code Section 18.32.020.G, only one sign measuring 1.5 square feet is allowed, mounted flat against a wall or window. No other business displays may be visible in windows, front yards, or on the dwelling.
Union City Home Business Sign Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCottage Food Operations
Union City permits home food businesses only when they qualify as a 'cottage food operation' under the California Homemade Food Act. Municipal Code Section 18.32.020.G prohibits any food use that does not meet the state cottage food definition; cottage food permits come from Alameda County environmental health.
Union City Cottage Food Operation Rules
Some RestrictionsHome Daycare
Union City treats home child care as a residential use, consistent with California law. Large family day care homes are permitted in all areas zoned for single-family or multifamily residential use, subject to state licensing, and applicants must notify property owners within 100 feet of the proposed home.
Union City Home Daycare Rules
Few RestrictionsHome Occupation Permits
Union City requires any business operating from a residence to complete a Zoning Compliance Review with the Planning Division before getting a business license. The residential application carries a $59 fee, and an approved review is valid for 180 days and is not itself an entitlement.
Union City Home Occupation Permit Process
Some RestrictionsLooking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Union City city rules.
Home Business in Alameda County →