Union City, CA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Surface required
- stabilized, permanent material
- Coverage cap
- 60% or 600 sq ft, less
- Permeable surfaces
- not permitted
- Vehicles allowed
- registered and operable only
- Standalone pads
- prohibited in front/side yards
Summary
Union City requires any vehicle parked on a front or side yard driveway or apron to sit on a stabilized permanent surface, caps the paved parking area at 60% of the required front yard or 600 square feet, and bans permeable paving and stand-alone parking pads.
such parking shall be limited to currently registered operable vehicles and shall be located on a stabilized permanent surface installed in accordance with this section. Except for cul-de-sac or fan-shaped lots with reduced front yards, such vehicle parking areas shall not cover more than 60% of any required front yard or an area greater than 600 square feet, whichever is less. Parking on permeable surfaces in any instance shall not be allowed. Parking pads independent of the driveway or driveway apron shall not be allowed in the front or street side yards.
J. In the RM 1500 and RM 2500 Zoning Districts, a minimum of one bicycle parking facility shall be provided for every three units. Bicycle parking facilities shall be designed and installed in conformance with the criteria outlined in Section 18.28.080. Bicycle parking may be substituted for automobile parking subject to the provisions outlined in Section 18.28.090 and approval by the decision maker.
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
Under § 18.32.160(I), parking in a front, side, or setback yard is generally unlawful except on a driveway or concrete apron, and that exception only covers currently registered, operable vehicles parked on a stabilized permanent surface. Except on cul-de-sac or fan-shaped lots with reduced front yards, the paved parking area cannot exceed 60% of the required front yard or 600 square feet, whichever is smaller. Permeable paving is never allowed for these areas, and a parking pad built separately from the driveway or apron is prohibited in front and street-side yards.
Violations & Fines
Parking on an unpermitted surface, exceeding the coverage cap, or building a stand-alone pad violates § 18.32.160 and Chapter 10.36, enforceable as a zoning and traffic violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on gravel or grass in my front yard?
How much of my front yard can I pave for parking?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
California rules heatmap·Compare Union City to another location·View the California parking rules overview
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Driveway Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle driveway rules.