Union City R-5000 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-5000 (R-5000 ZONING DISTRICT) 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 R-5000

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	30 ft Applies: one-family dwellings; or 2 stories, whichever is less; measured above average adjoining grade § 18.88.100 · code text One family dwellings shall be restricted to a maximum height of two stories above the average adjoining grade of the property, or 30 feet, whichever is the lesser.
Maximum number of stories	2 stories Applies: one-family dwellings; or 30 ft, whichever is less; measured above average adjoining grade § 18.88.100 · code text One family dwellings shall be restricted to a maximum height of two stories above the average adjoining grade of the property, or 30 feet, whichever is the lesser.
Minimum front setback	20 ft Applies: one-family dwellings; 5 ft less when all required parking is on the rear half or entered parallel to the front line § 18.88.090 · code text A minimum front yard setback of 20 feet, with the following exceptions:
Minimum side setback	5 ft Applies: 10 ft where adjacent to a street or alley § 18.88.090 · code text A minimum side yard setback of five feet, but 10 feet where adjacent to any street or alley;
Minimum rear setback	10 ft § 18.88.090 · code text A minimum rear yard setback of 10 feet.
Minimum lot size	5,000 sq ft Applies: single-family dwelling use § 18.88.070 · code text Lots for single-family dwelling use will be not less than 5,000 square feet and no less than 50 feet in width.
Maximum lot coverage	60% Applies: one story structure; single-family dwelling § 18.88.080 · code text Lot coverage shall not exceed the following maximum: For single-family dwellings, a one story structure will be allowed not more than 60% lot coverage; a two story structure will be allowed not more than 50% lot coverage.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-5000:

Minimum side setback: 10 ft — where adjacent to any street or alley § 18.88.090
Maximum lot coverage: 50% — two story structure; single-family dwelling § 18.88.080

Not on this page

We did not find a general FAR, density limit for R-5000 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 R-5000 zone?

30 ft (one-family dwellings; or 2 stories, whichever is less; measured above average adjoining grade) — Union City Municipal Code § 18.88.100.

What is the maximum number of stories in Union City's R-5000 zone?

2 stories (one-family dwellings; or 30 ft, whichever is less; measured above average adjoining grade) — Union City Municipal Code § 18.88.100.

What is the minimum front setback in Union City's R-5000 zone?

20 ft (one-family dwellings; 5 ft less when all required parking is on the rear half or entered parallel to the front line) — Union City Municipal Code § 18.88.090.

What is the minimum side setback in Union City's R-5000 zone?

5 ft (10 ft where adjacent to a street or alley) — Union City Municipal Code § 18.88.090.

What is the minimum rear setback in Union City's R-5000 zone?

10 ft — Union City Municipal Code § 18.88.090.

General information, not legal advice.