Tree Protection in Union City, CA (2026)
3 verified tree protection rules for Union City, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Union City can individually designate a 'significant tree' a Landmark under § 18.106.110, triggering Chapter 18.106's overlay-zone protections against removal or alteration without Planning Commission approval.
Union City Heritage Tree Landmark Designation
Significant RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 18.106.110
"Landmark" means any site, including significant trees or other significant permanent landscaping located on a site, place, building, structure, street improvement, street furniture, sign, work of art, natural feature or other object representative of the historical, archaeological, cultural, architectural, community, aesthetic or artistic heritage of the City and which has been designated a la...
Protected Tree Species
Union City doesn't protect trees by species, § 12.16.170(B)(2) sets protection by trunk size and property type, from a 12-inch threshold on commercial land up to 35 inches on residential lots.
Union City Protected Tree Size Thresholds
Some RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 12.16.170(B)(2)
The trees protected by this chapter are: a. All trees which have a thirty-five-inch or greater circumference of a trunk, or in the case of multitrunk trees, a total of seventy inches or more of the circumference of all trunks, where such trees are located on residential property; b. All trees which have a twelve-inch or greater circumference of any trunk, when removal relates to any trans...
Parkway Planting
Union City requires a Public Works Director permit before planting any tree in a street, parkway, park, or public place, under the City's adopted Tree Planting Policy.
Union City Street Tree Planting Permit
Some RestrictionsUnion City Municipal Code § 12.16.080
It is unlawful for any person to plant any tree in or upon any street, park or public place, without first having obtained permission therefor from the Public Works Director, in accordance with the City Tree Planting Policy, as adopted by resolution of the City Council.
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Union City city rules.
Tree Protection in Alameda County →