Union City, CA Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed materials
- Wood, masonry, or earth
- Barred as fence panels
- Metal, plastic, similar materials
- Exception
- Metal/plastic OK as posts/supports
- Applies to
- All residential district fences
Summary
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.
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 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 granted by the director where the director finds that no practical alternative exists, the purpose of the regulation will not be compromised, and no detrimental impact will result. (Ord. 55-64 § 6.3, 1964; Ord. 55.111-73 § 3, 1973; Ord. 55.124-74 § 2, 1974; Ord. 55.262-85 § 2, 1985; Ord. 55.322-91, Exh. A, 1991; Ord. 457-95 § 2, 1995; Ord. 609-03 § 2, 2003; Ord. 670-06 § 3, 2006; Ord. 900-22 § 4, 2022; Ord. 917-23, 9/26/2023)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4940544; v16 updated 2026-06-23).
Full Breakdown
Union City Municipal Code Section 18.32.040(A)(6) restricts fence construction in residential districts to wood, masonry, or earth materials. Metal, plastic, or similar materials cannot form the fence panels themselves; the code allows them only as posts or other structural support elements holding up an otherwise compliant wood, masonry, or earth fence. The rule applies to the full range of yard fencing covered by Section 18.32.040, including standard six-foot rear and side fences and the eight-foot height-exception fences.
Violations & Fines
A fence built from disallowed materials, such as solid chain-link or vinyl panels, is a zoning violation that Community Development can cite as an infraction under Section 1.16.020, with repeat violations of the same section escalating to a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install a chain-link fence in Union City?
What materials are allowed for a Union City backyard fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
California rules heatmap·Compare Union City to another location·View the California fence regulations overview
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Material Restrictions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle material restrictions.