Union City, CA Water Use Rules: Turf Replacement Rebates (2026)

Turf is not allowed on slopes greater than 25% where the toe of the slope is adjacent to an impermeable hardscape and where 25% means one foot of vertical elevation change for every four feet of horizontal length (rise divided by run x 100 = slope percent).

e. Turf is not allowed in multifamily and non-residential areas unless it is a recreational area. Turf is allowed in single-family residential areas as long as the water budget is met.

f. High water use plants, characterized by a plant factor of 0.7 to 1.0, are prohibited in street medians.

g. A landscape design plan for projects in fire-prone areas shall address fire safety and prevention. A defensible space or zone around a building or structure is required per Public Resources Code Section 4291(a) and (b). Avoid fire-prone plant materials and highly flammable mulches. Refer to the local Fuel Modification Plan guidelines.

h. The use of invasive plant species, such as those listed by the California Invasive Plant Council, is strongly discouraged. At a minimum it is required that species listed in the California Invasive Plant Council's "Don't Plant a Pest" brochure as invasive in the project's region are not installed.

i. The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low-water use plants as a group.