Union City · Zoning · SEMU-R
Union City SEMU-R zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Union City's SEMU-R zone, generally buildings can be up to 100 ft tall and the front setback is 6 ft, with the conditions listed below (Union City code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 100 ft (buildings)
- Minimum front setback: 6 ft
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 6 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: No restriction (provided the development meets all applicable standards)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.40 to 3.0 (the code sets a range: at least 0.40, at most 3.0)
SEMU-R (Station East Mixed Use Residential) 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 SEMU-R
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 | 100 ft Applies: buildings § 18.37.130 · code textThe maximum height of buildings shall be 100 feet. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 6 ft § 18.37.120 · code textFront, side, and rear yard setbacks shall be a minimum of six feet. |
| Minimum side setback | 6 ft § 18.37.120 · code textFront, side, and rear yard setbacks shall be a minimum of six feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | 6 ft § 18.37.120 · code textFront, side, and rear yard setbacks shall be a minimum of six feet. |
| Maximum lot coverage | No restriction Applies: provided the development meets all applicable standards § 18.37.110 · code textThe amount of the site area covered by structures shall not be restricted provided the development meets all applicable standards. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.40 to 3.0 Applies: the code sets a range: at least 0.40, at most 3.0 § 18.37.090 · code textThe allowed floor area ratio (FAR) range is between 0.40 and 3.0. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in SEMU-R:
- Minimum front setback: 3 ft — from property lines located adjacent to private alley ways that provide access to private garages § 18.37.120
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — buildings located along Decoto Road or 7th Street § 18.37.120
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft — up to 10% of the building frontage along Decoto Road or 7th Street, subject to site development review approval § 18.37.120
- Minimum side setback: 3 ft — from property lines located adjacent to private alley ways that provide access to private garages § 18.37.120
- Minimum rear setback: 3 ft — from property lines located adjacent to private alley ways that provide access to private garages § 18.37.120
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, density limit for SEMU-R 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Union City's SEMU-R zone?
100 ft (buildings) — Union City Municipal Code § 18.37.130.
What is the minimum front setback in Union City's SEMU-R zone?
6 ft — Union City Municipal Code § 18.37.120.
What is the minimum side setback in Union City's SEMU-R zone?
6 ft — Union City Municipal Code § 18.37.120.
What is the minimum rear setback in Union City's SEMU-R zone?
6 ft — Union City Municipal Code § 18.37.120.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Union City's SEMU-R zone?
No restriction (provided the development meets all applicable standards) — Union City Municipal Code § 18.37.110.
General information, not legal advice.
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