Union City protects significant trees on private property. Under UCMC 12.16.170 it is unlawful to trim or remove a protected tree without a Public Works permit, and trees in any street, park, or public place also require a permit.
Union City is unusual in regulating trimming of private trees. UCMC §12.16.170 protects, on residential property, any tree of 35-inch or greater trunk circumference (about 11-inch diameter) or multi-trunk trees totaling 70 inches; on commercial, industrial, or vacant land the threshold drops to 12-inch circumference, measured three feet above ground. Section 12.16.170(C) makes trimming or removing a covered tree without a permit unlawful. Applications go to the Public Works Director listing each tree, type, reason, and method; permits may be granted, denied, or conditioned. Separately, §§12.16.090 and 12.16.120 bar anyone but the Director from trimming any tree in a street, park, or public place without a permit valid no longer than 30 days. Orchard trees and emergencies are exempt (§12.16.170(D)).
Violations are a nuisance the City may abate or enjoin (UCMC §12.16.200(A)). For unlawful trimming, the City may assess the tree's full ISA-appraised replacement value (§12.16.200(B)), and remedies are cumulative (§12.16.210).
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Union City prohibits entering or remaining in any public park, playground, plaza, or recreation area between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. under UCMC Chapter 12.28, unl...
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle tree trimming.
See how Union City's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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