Building

Building Division: The Building Division counter is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and every other Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., for over-the-counter permits, plan submittals, and resubmittals. For assistance please email or call the Building Division at building@unioncity.org or 510.675.5313.  

  • Inspection Requests – The Building Department is capping the number of inspections per business day, call early. Please refer to the inspection request handout received with your permit for more information. 

  • Plan Submittals and Resubmittals – Submittals, resubmittals, and revisions are accepted at the Building Division Counter during business hours. Questions? Please email or call the Building Division at building@unioncity.org or 510.675.5313.

  • Over-the-Counter Permits (OTC) – OTC permits may be issued at the Building Division counter during business hours. OTC permits may also be obtained via email or mail as a  CA State Licensed Contractor or an  Owner/Agent.
  • Solar App+ for Solar Installers  -  Solar Permit Request- Limited SolarApp Pilot starting 08/07/2023 until launch of service, please use standard building permit process.

General Information

Adopted Codes & General Design Information

The Building Division adheres to the following standards:

  • Volumes 1 and 2 of the 2022 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Fire and, Green Building Standards Codes
  • 1997 California Codes - Administrative, Uniform Code for Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, Uniform Housing, and Uniform Security Codes.
  • Basic Wind Speed - 85 mph
  • Building Exposure - B
  • Climate Zone - 3
  • Rainfall - 1.5 inch/hour
  • Seismic Site Class - D
  • Soil Bearing Value - 1500 (presumptive)
  • Soils Hazard Zones - East of Mission and West of Union City Boulevard
  • Wildland Urban Interface Zone - East of Mission Boulevard

Other Important Phone Numbers

  • Building and Residential Fire Sprinkler Inspection Hotline: 510-487-0711
  • Commercial Fire Alarm, Ansul System and Commercial Fire Sprinkler Inspections: 510-675-5470
  • Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Requirements 510-675-5466