Union City CMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

CMU (Corridor Mixed Use Commercial) 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.

Development standards in CMU

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.

Maximum building height	55 ft Applies: excluding non-habitable architectural features, mechanical penthouses and elevator towers that cover no more than 25% of the roof area § 18.35.140 · code text The maximum height of buildings shall be 55 feet, excluding non-habitable architectural features, mechanical penthouses and elevator towers; provided, that they do not exceed 25% of the roof area of the building.
Minimum front setback	5 ft Applies: On Mission Boulevard; measured from the property line § 18.35.110 · code text On Mission Boulevard, the front yard setback shall be five feet from the property line and a minimum of 15 feet from the face of curb to ensure a comfortable pedestrian environment.
Minimum side setback	None required § 18.35.120 · code text No side yards shall be required, subject to the following exceptions:
Minimum rear setback	10 ft § 18.35.130 · code text A minimum rear yard setback of 10 feet shall be required.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	1.5 Applies: Mixed use developments § 18.35.080 · code text The minimum FAR shall be 0.5 and the maximum shall be 1.5 for mixed use developments.

Uses in CMU

Uses the code's use tables allow in CMU, 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)

When a different number applies

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

Minimum front setback: 15 ft — On Mission Boulevard; measured from the face of curb § 18.35.110
Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Side street side of a corner site § 18.35.120
Minimum side setback: 1 ft per 3 ft of excess height — Added at ground level to each interior side yard for each three feet of height by which the structure exceeds 12 feet § 18.35.120
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 — Standalone nonresidential uses § 18.35.080

Not on this page

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

Other Union City zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Union City's CMU zone?

55 ft (excluding non-habitable architectural features, mechanical penthouses and elevator towers that cover no more than 25% of the roof area) — Union City Municipal Code § 18.35.140.

What is the minimum front setback in Union City's CMU zone?

5 ft (on Mission Boulevard; measured from the property line) — Union City Municipal Code § 18.35.110.

What is the minimum side setback in Union City's CMU zone?

None required — Union City Municipal Code § 18.35.120.

What is the minimum rear setback in Union City's CMU zone?

10 ft — Union City Municipal Code § 18.35.130.

What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Union City's CMU zone?

1.5 (mixed use developments) — Union City Municipal Code § 18.35.080.

General information, not legal advice.