Union City, CA Outdoor Lighting: Light Trespass & Shielding (2026)

Maximum Height of Freestanding Lighting Standards. The maximum height of a freestanding lighting standard in pedestrian areas and courtyards is 16 feet. Lighting shall be shielded from adjacent residential windows and private outdoor areas.

c. Attached Fixtures. Fixtures on buildings shall be attached only to walls or eaves, and the top of the fixture shall not exceed the height of the parapet or roof or eave of roof.

Figure 18.24.050(D)(4): Lighting Fixture Design 5. Utilities. All new transformers, switching boxes, and similar appurtenances and utility equipment shall be located below-grade, in closets or interior of buildings, or in locations not visible from public right-of-way, unless prohibited by the utility provider. When screened within an enclosure, the enclosure shall have walls matching the material and color of the nearest building, be located no closer to the street than a building, and be surrounded by landscaping such as trees, shrubs, and climbing vines, that screen the enclosure, unless prohibited by the utility provider.

a. Reductions and Exceptions. A reduction or exception to the applicable objective utility standard may be granted by the decision maker if a finding can be made that the proposed design reduces the visual impact of utilities to the greatest extent feasible.

6. Vehicle Parking.

a. Access.

i. Access to parking facilities shall be from an alley or secondary street, wherever such alley or secondary access is feasible.