Landscaping Rules in Union City, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Union City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Union City's Weed Abatement chapter sets no numeric grass-height limit. Grass and weeds that grow tall enough to become a fire menace when dry, or are otherwise noxious, are a public nuisance the Fire Chief can order removed.
Union City Sets No Grass Height; Fire-Menace Weeds Abated
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Union City protects significant trees on private property. Under UCMC 12.16.170 it is unlawful to trim or remove a protected tree without a Public Works permit, and trees in any street, park, or public place also require a permit.
Union City Requires a Permit to Trim Protected Trees
Heavy RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Union City limits removal of significant trees. UCMC 12.16.170 makes it unlawful to remove a protected private tree without a Public Works permit, which may require replacement trees, and unauthorized removal triggers the tree's appraised value.
Removing a Significant Tree in Union City Needs a Permit
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
All weeds on streets, sidewalks, and private property in Union City are declared a public nuisance under UCMC Chapter 7.08. The Fire Chief gives a ten-day notice and, if ignored, abates the weeds and liens the cost.
Weeds Are a Public Nuisance Abated by the Fire Chief
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Union City's water purveyor is the Alameda County Water District (ACWD), serving the Tri-City area. ACWD enforces permanent water-waste prohibitions year-round and adds day-limited irrigation only when its Board declares a shortage emergency.
Alameda County Water District Sets Union City Watering Rules
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Union City does not prohibit residential rainwater capture. California's Rainwater Capture Act allows rooftop collection without a water right, and the City's Water Efficient Landscape ordinance (UCMC 18.112) credits on-site rainwater toward landscape needs.
Rainwater Harvesting Allowed and Encouraged in Union City
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Union City's Water Efficient Landscape ordinance (UCMC Chapter 18.112) implements California's MWELO. New landscapes of 500+ sq ft and rehab projects of 2,500+ sq ft must use climate-adapted, low-water plants, limit turf, and avoid invasive species.
Water-Efficient Plants Required for Permitted Union City Landscapes
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Union City has no ordinance banning artificial turf on private property, and California Civil Code 4735 voids HOA rules prohibiting synthetic grass. For permitted projects, turf still counts in landscape and drainage calculations under UCMC 18.112.
Artificial Turf Allowed in Union City; HOAs Cannot Ban It
Few RestrictionsComposting
Union City does not restrict backyard composting, and its Water Efficient Landscape ordinance (UCMC 18.112) requires compost in permitted landscape installations. SB 1383 organics recycling is provided through the City's curbside green-cart program.
Composting Encouraged; Required in Permitted Union City Landscapes
Few RestrictionsLooking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Union City city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Alameda County →