Union City, CA Tree Protection: Heritage & Protected Trees (2026)
Key Facts
- Eligible trees
- Significant trees or landscaping
- Designation vehicle
- City Council ordinance
- Post-designation control
- Planning Commission approval required
- Governing chapter
- Ch. 18.106 LHP overlay zone
Summary
Union City can individually designate a 'significant tree' a Landmark under § 18.106.110, triggering Chapter 18.106's overlay-zone protections against removal or alteration without Planning Commission approval.
"Landmark" means any site, including significant trees or other significant permanent landscaping located on a site, place, building, structure, street improvement, street furniture, sign, work of art, natural feature or other object representative of the historical, archaeological, cultural, architectural, community, aesthetic or artistic heritage of the City and which has been designated a landmark pursuant to this Code.
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's Chapter 18.106 Landmark and Historic Preservation Overlay Zone lets the City Council designate a significant tree, or other permanent landscaping, as a Landmark by ordinance, after Planning Commission review and public hearing under §§ 18.106.220-18.106.240. Once designated, § 18.106.250(B) prohibits any construction, alteration, demolition, or removal work requiring a City permit on that landmark site unless the Planning Commission approves it first.
Violations & Fines
Permit-required work on a designated landmark tree site without Planning Commission approval under § 18.106.250(B) is prohibited; the City enforces through its standard zoning permit process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a single tree get special protection in Union City?
What protection does a landmark-designated tree get?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Union City
California rules heatmap·Compare Union City to another location·View the California tree protection overview
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Heritage & Protected Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle heritage & protected trees.