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
- 2023 Building Division - Permit and Inspection Schedule
- ADU Certificate of Fee Payment
- ADU Information & Checklist
- Alameda County and Utility Contact List (PDF)
- Authorization for Owner-Builder (PDF)
- Building Division Fee Schedule Fiscal Year 2023-2024 (PDF)
- CalGreen Non-Residential Building Checklist 2022
- CalGreen Residential Building Checklist 2022
- Construction Hours (PDF)
- Construction and Demolition Waste Management Plan
- Construction Permit Application Form (PDF)
- Electric Vehicle Charging Devices for Single-family Homes
- Inspection Request Handout
- Owner-Building Note (PDF)
- Property Owner or Licensed Agent Application
- Residential Kitchen and Bath Remodel
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Affidavit Form
- Homeowner Acknowledgement Instant Solar Permit
- Special Inspection and Testing Agreement
- Submittal Requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Submittal Requirements for Commercial Tenant Improvements
- Submittal Requirements for a New Residential Home and/or Addition
- Submittal Requirements for Residential Interior Remodel
- Submittal Requirements for Residential Photovoltaic Projects
- Unreasonable Hardship Application
- Water Conserving Plumbing Fixtures
- Work Not Requiring a Construction Permit (PDF)
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