Union City, CA Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issued by
- Public Works Director
- Applies to
- Streets, parks, public places
- Governed by
- City Tree Planting Policy
- Separate permit
- Needed to remove/trim trees
Summary
Union City requires a Public Works Director permit before planting any tree in a street, parkway, park, or public place, under the City's adopted Tree Planting Policy.
It is unlawful for any person to plant any tree in or upon any street, park or public place, without first having obtained permission therefor from the Public Works Director, in accordance with the City Tree Planting Policy, as adopted by resolution of the City Council.
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
Section 12.16.080 requires anyone planting a tree in a Union City street, park, or public place, including the parkway strip, to first get permission from the Public Works Director under the City's adopted Tree Planting Policy. The chapter defines 'parkway' at § 10.08.110 as the portion of a street outside the roadway and sidewalk, and 'street tree' at § 12.16.020. Once planted, a street tree is protected: cutting, trimming, removing, or damaging it without a separate permit violates § 12.16.090, and overgrown branches blocking sidewalk or street clearance can be declared a public nuisance under § 12.16.130.
Violations & Fines
Planting a tree in a street or parkway without Public Works Director approval violates § 12.16.080; cutting, trimming, or damaging an existing street tree without a permit separately violates § 12.16.090.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a tree in the parkway strip in front of my Union City home?
Do I need a separate permit to remove a city street tree?
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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Parkway Planting in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Alameda County handle parkway planting.