Landscaping Rules in Union City, CA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Union City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Union City requires eight feet of branch clearance over sidewalks, twelve feet over residential streets, and fourteen feet over truck routes: anything less is declared a public nuisance under § 12.16.130.
Union City Street Tree Clearance Height
Some RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 12.16.130(G)
Branches of trees or shrubs which extend within eight feet from the ground over any portion of the sidewalk or within twelve feet from the ground over any portion of a residential street abutting the property on which the tree or shrub is growing, or within fourteen feet on streets designated truck routes, except that portion within three feet from the curbline of any of the foregoing; H. Fe...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Union City requires a permit before trimming or removing protected trees, generally those with a 35-inch trunk circumference on residential lots, or 12 inches when tied to a zoning or subdivision approval, per Alameda County, California code § 12.16.170.
Union City Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 12.16.170
The trees protected by this chapter are: All trees which have a thirty-five-inch or greater circumference of a trunk... on residential property... All trees which have a twelve-inch or greater circumference of any trunk, when removal relates to any transaction for which zoning approval or subdivision approval is required... It is unlawful for any person to trim or remove a tree covered by this ...
Weed Ordinances
Union City's Chapter 7.08 Weed Abatement Ordinance authorizes the City to abate hazardous weeds and rubbish on streets, sidewalks, and private property, with the Fire Chief enforcing removal and unpaid cleanup costs becoming a lien on the property.
Union City Weed Abatement Ordinance
Some RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 7.08.020
It is the intent of this weed abatement ordinance to provide regulations whereby the City may, upon following the procedure hereinafter set forth, abate weeds in an effort to protect the health and safety of the citizens of Union City from the hazards created by weed growth upon streets, sidewalks or private property and from all rubbish, refuse and dirt upon parkways, sidewalks or private prop...
Water Restrictions
Covered new and rehabilitated landscapes in Union City must run overhead sprinklers only between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m., with the stricter of the City's or Alameda County Water District's hours controlling.
Irrigation Watering Window in Union City, CA
Some RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 18.112.110(A)(2)
Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. unless weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from those stipulated by the Alameda County Water District, the stricter of the two shall apply. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance. 3. For implementation of the ...
Native Plants
Union City's landscape ordinance requires covered projects to pick at least one water-efficiency method, listing protection of native species and selection of local native plants as the first two options.
Native Plant Landscaping Rules in Union City, CA
Light RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 18.112.070(A)(2)(a)
The estimated total water use of selected plants in the landscape area shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following: i. Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation; ii. Selection of water-conserving plant, tree and turf species, especially local native plants; iii. Selection...
Composting
Union City lets residents pile leaves, grass clippings and similar yard debris for backyard composting or mulching, exempting that material from the citywide ban on storing solid waste on private property.
Union City Backyard Composting Exemption
Few RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 7.04.070(E)
Storage Prohibited—Private Property. Other than as herein set forth, it is unlawful for any person to dump, bury, or otherwise dispose of or store or accumulate any solid waste on any private or public property within the City, provided, however, that leaves, grass clippings, and the like may be permitted for the purpose of backyard composting or mulching.
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Union City city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Alameda County →