Union City VMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

VMU (Village Mixed Use) is a zoning district in Union City. Every value below was read from the Union City Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.

The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.

Uses the code's use tables allow in VMU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

• Child care center — Needs an administrative use permit (zoning administrator approval, chapter 18.54)

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in VMU:

• Maximum building height: 50 ft — subject to a use permit; requires a finding that excess height will not be detrimental to surrounding light, air or privacy § 18.27.160
• Minimum front setback: 5 ft — on Union City Boulevard; additionally, a minimum of 15 feet is required from the face of curb § 18.27.130
• Minimum side setback: 20 ft — where the side property line adjoins property in a R, RS or RM district § 18.27.140
• Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — where the rear property line adjoins property in a R, RS or RM district § 18.27.150
• Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.5 — mixed-use development, inclusive of residential and nonresidential uses § 18.27.100

We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage limit for VMU in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Union City Municipal Code.

• A
• CMU
• CPA
• CSMU
• MG
• ML
• MMU
• MS
• R-5000
• SEMU-R