Union City, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- UCMC Ch. 18.112 § 18.112.070
- Banned list
- Cal-IPC 'Don't Plant a Pest'
- Applies to
- new/rehab landscapes ≥500 sq ft
- Enforced via
- landscape plan & permit review
Summary
Union City's water-efficient landscape ordinance bars installing any species on the California Invasive Plant Council's 'Don't Plant a Pest' list and strongly discourages other Cal-IPC-listed invasive plants.
The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California Invasive Plant Council, is strongly discouraged. At a minimum it is required that species listed in the California Invasive Plant Council's "Don't Plant a Pest" brochure as invasive in the project's region are not installed.
i. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group.
3. Water Features.
a. Recirculating water systems shall be used for water features.
b. Where available, recycled water shall be used as a source for decorative water features.
c. Surface area of a water feature shall be included in the high water use hydrozone area of the water budget calculation.
d. Pool and spa covers are highly recommended.
4. Soil Preparation, Mulch and Amendments.
a. Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils shall be transformed to a friable condition. On engineered slopes, only amended planting holes need meet this requirement.
b. Soil amendments shall be incorporated according to recommendations of the soil report and what is appropriate for the plants selected (see Section 18.112.060).
c.
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
Chapter 18.112 (Water Efficient Landscape) governs plant selection for new landscape projects of 500 square feet or more and rehabilitated projects of 2,500 square feet or more that need a building, landscape, or site development permit. The landscape design plan submitted with that permit must meet Section 18.112.070's plant-material standards, which flag Cal-IPC invasive species generally and flatly bar installing any species named in Cal-IPC's regional "Don't Plant a Pest" brochure. The same prohibition repeats in the prescriptive compliance option at Section 18.112.230(B)(3)(b) for smaller projects.
Violations & Fines
A landscape design plan that specifies a Cal-IPC 'Don't Plant a Pest' species on a covered project can be rejected at plan check, and installing one after approval can hold up the Chapter 18.112 certificate of completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to a homeowner's backyard garden?
Where is the banned-species list published?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
California rules heatmap·Compare Union City to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle prohibited species.