Union City, CA Sign Regulations: Freeway-Facing Signs (2026)

Freeway-oriented signs, aimed at large retailers near I-880, are tightly restricted under § 18.30.090. They're allowed only in special industrial (MS) or commercial (C) districts, only on a lot of at least three acres, and only for tenants with 20,000+ square feet of floor area. The sign must sit within 500 feet of the freeway centerline but at least 10 feet from the right-of-way, is capped at 55 feet in height, and its area is set at 0.40 square feet per lineal foot of setback from the centerline, floored at 100 square feet and capped at 200 square feet. Only one sign per lot, pole signs are barred, and both sign-plan approval and Chapter 18.76 site development review are required.