Union City, CA Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Sidewalk clearance
- 8 feet minimum
- Residential street clearance
- 12 feet minimum
- Truck route clearance
- 14 feet minimum
- Enforcement cost
- Liened to property
Summary
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.
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. Fences, hedges or growth installed on the public right-of-way shall be in accordance with provision of Section 18.32.040 for residential sites, Section 18.40.150(E) for industrial sites and Section 18.36.040 for commercial sites. (Ord. 318-89, 1989)
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 § 12.16.130 lists overhanging branches as a public nuisance when they don't clear eight feet above a sidewalk, twelve feet above a residential street, or fourteen feet above a designated truck route (excluding the three feet nearest the curb). The Public Works Director enforces this under § 12.16.140: written notice to the property owner, a chance to correct the condition, then a City Council hearing before the City abates it and assesses the cost as a lien on the property.
Violations & Fines
Uncorrected clearance violations become a City Council-declared nuisance; the City can abate them and place the abatement cost as a special assessment lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must tree branches be trimmed over a Union City sidewalk?
What happens if I don't trim overhanging branches?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
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Tree Trimming in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle tree trimming.