ORDINANCE NO. 2025-XXX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UNION CITY REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTERS 15.20, 15.40, 15.44, 15.48,
15.52, 15.80, 15.81, AND 15.84 OF TITLE 15, BUILDING AND
CONSTRUCTION, OF THE UNION CITY MUNICIPAL CODE TO
INCORPORATE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODES WITH
LOCAL AMENDMENTS
WHEREAS, the California Building Standards Commission has adopted a new Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, also referred to as the 2025 California Building Standards Code, consisting of the California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, California Fire Code, California Existing Building Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Energy Code, and California Reference Standards Code; and
WHEREAS, the updated California Building Standards Code becomes effective within the City on January 1, 2026, by default; and
WHEREAS, Section 17922 of the California Health and Safety Code requires local agencies to adopt the building standards contained in the California Building Standards Code; and
WHEREAS, California Health & Safety Code §§17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, 18938, and 18941.5 authorize local jurisdictions to adopt the California Building Standards Codes with amendments reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions, so long as a local agency adopts such findings; and WHEREAS, currently Title 15 "Buildings and Construction" of the Union City Municipal Code (the "Code") most recently adopted the building standards contained in the 2025 versions of the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Fire Code, the California Existing Building Code, and the California Green Building Standards Code (collectively, the "California Building Standards Code"); and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to repeal and replace specified chapters of Title 15 of the Union City Municipal Code and adopt new chapters incorporating the 2025 California Building Standards Codes with local amendments; and WHEREAS, concurrent with this ordinance, the City adopts findings, by resolution, justifying local modifications based on local climatic, geologic, and topographic conditions; and
WHEREAS, a duly noticed public hearing was advertised as required by Government Code sections 6066 and 65090; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a public hearing related to this Ordinance on November 25, 2025, and considered the staff report and public testimony received; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that no additional environmental review is necessary because this Ordinance is not a project that has the potential to cause Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
substantial or potentially substantial, adverse change in the environment and qualifies for an exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061 (b) (3), and further, the Ordinance establishes standards for the approval of ministerial projects that are not themselves subject to CEQA review; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the adoption of the 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Codes protects public health, safety, and welfare.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UNION CITY DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct and made a part of this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. Ordinance. The following Chapters of the Union City Municipal Code are hereby repealed and replaced in their entirety to read as attached:
1. Attachment 1- Chapter 15.40 Building Code
2. Attachment 2- Chapter 15.80 Residential Code
3. Attachment 3 - Chapter 15.81 Existing Building Code
4. Attachment 4 - Chapter 15.84 Green Building Standards Code
5. Attachment 5 - Chapter 15.48 Plumbing Code
6. Attachment 6 - Chapter 15.52 Mechanical Code
7. Attachment 7 - Chapter 15.44 Electrical Code
8. Attachment 8 - Chapter 15.20 Fire Code
SECTION 3. A copy of the 2025 California Building Standards Code, together with the Union City local amendments and the finding of facts, shall be maintained for public inspection in the office of the City Clerk.
SECTION 4. CEQA. Approval of the ordinance is exempt from further environmental review under the general rule in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. As a series of text amendments and additions that do not authorize any new activity, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment.
SECTION 5. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the Ordinance, including the application of such part or provision to other persons or circumstances, shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, provisions of this Ordinance are severable. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase hereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be held unconstitutional, invalid, or unenforceable.
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SECTION 6. Publication and effective date. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this Ordinance and cause the same to be published according to law. The effective date of this ordinance shall be January 1, 2026, consistent with the effective date established by the California Building Standards Commission for the 2025 California Building Standards Codes.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Union City at a regular meeting held on the 25th day of November 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
APPROVED:
GARY SINGH
Mayor
ATTESTED: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
THAI NAM N. PHAM
City Clerk
KRISTOPHER J. KOKOTAYLO
City Attorney
Attachments:
1. Attachment 1- Chapter 15.40 Building Code
2. Attachment 2- Chapter 15.80 Residential Code
3. Attachment 3 - Chapter 15.81 Existing Building Code
4. Attachment 4 - Chapter 15.84 Green Building Standards Code
5. Attachment 5 - Chapter 15.48 Plumbing Code
6. Attachment 6 - Chapter 15.52 Mechanical Code
7. Attachment 7 - Chapter 15.44 Electrical Code
8. Attachment 8 - Chapter 15.20 Fire Code
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ATTACHMENT 1
Chapter 15.40
BUILDING CODE AND UNIFORM BUILDING CODE
15.40.010 Adoption by Reference.
A. The 2025 California Building Code (Based on the 2024 International Building Code) and State of California Amendments, published by the International Code Council, and all revisions and amendments heretofore and hereafter adopted by the International Code Council, are hereby adopted by reference as the Building Code of the City of Union City, regulating the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of buildings within the City of Union City.
B. One copy of said Code and appendices thereto has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Union City at 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union. City, California, and the same or identical copy thereof, not less than one in number, shall at all times be kept on file for similar use.
C. The rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders, and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and be in full force on January 1, 2026.
15.40.020 Title.
This chapter may be cited and shall be known as the "Building Code of the City of Union City."
15.40.030 Definitions.
Whenever any of the names or terms defined in this section are in the Chapters or Codes adopted herein by reference, each such term or name shall have the meaning ascribed to it in this Section.
A. "Administrative Authority" shall mean the Building Inspection Division, Economic and Community Development Department.
B. "Building Official" shall mean the Chief Building Official of the City of Union City.
C. "City" shall mean the "City of Union City."
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D. "City Council" shall mean the City Council of the City of Union City.
E. "Code Enforcement Division" shall mean the Building Inspection Division.
F. "Mayor" shall mean the Mayor of the City of Union City.
15.40.040 Violation an Infraction.
CBC Section 1.8.9.3 is added to Section 1.8.9 to read as follows:
A citation may be issued in accordance with the Union City Municipal Code Section
1.16.030. A person charged with an infraction is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during which any violation of any provision of this chapter of the Union City Municipal Code is continued, and can be cited each day as a separate offense.
The infraction procedure provides for the following fines:
First citation infraction $150.00
Second citation infraction $300.00
Third citation misdemeanor $600.00
Court costs may also be imposed in addition to the infractions and/or misdemeanor fines.
Individuals cited are not entitled to legal representation for the first or second citation infraction.
Upon the third citation/misdemeanor, individuals cited may be represented by legal counsel in a court of law.
15.40.050 Violation a Nuisance.
CBC Section 1.8.9.4 is added to Section 1.8.9 to read as follows:
It is hereby found and declared that the existence of a violation of any of the foregoing sections of this Chapter within the City of Union City is a public nuisance and dangerous to the public health and safety of persons within said City, and in addition to any other remedies provided by law, the Union City Police Department or appropriate legal officer is authorized and directed to investigate any such nuisance, to notify in the form and manner hereinabove provided any person or persons maintaining such nuisance, to abate same in conformance to the provisions of this Chapter, and upon failure to comply, to enter upon said premises, public or private wherein said nuisance exists and summarily abate same.
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15.40.060 Unconstitutionality.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Code. The Legislative Body hereby declares that it would have passed this Code, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, and phrases be declared unconstitutional.
15.40.070 Fees.
CBC Chapter 1, Section 1.8.4.2 is amended and replaced to read as follows:
Fees shall be assessed as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the City of Union City.
15.40.080 Board of Appeals.
CBC Chapter 1, Section 1.8.8 is amended and replaced to read as follows:
The Board of Appeals shall be comprised of one or more hearing officers appointed by the City Council. The decision of the appointed hearing officer(s) is final as to any related Appeals Board and City Council actions.
15.40.090 Structure Moving Permits.
CBC Section 1.8.10.3 is added to Section 1.8.10 to read as follows:
In addition to other permits required by this Code, no person, firm or corporation shall move or cause to be moved any building or structure from any location, lot, piece, or parcel of land located within or without the corporate limits of the City of Union City to any other lot, piece or parcel of land located within the incorporated territory of the City of Union City without first having obtained a separate structure moving permit for each building or structure to be moved, pursuant to Chapter 15.70 of the Union City Municipal Code.
15.40.130 Premises Identification.
CBC Section 502.1 is amended and replaced to read as follows:
Approved numbers or addresses shall be provided on all new buildings and on existing buildings when remodeling or alteration work is undertaken. Numbers shall be placed in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street or road fronting the property.
To be considered plainly visible and legible, the following minimal standards shall apply:
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A. Multi-Family Dwellings: Each building address shall be in Arabic numbers not less than 4" in height, internally illuminated, and connected to the building wiring. Where units are designated individually by unit numbers or letters, such designations shall be in Arabic numbers or letters at least 4" in height and shall be permanently affixed immediately adjacent to or directly on the main entrance doors of each unit.
B. Business, Industrial, and Institutional buildings. Each building and each unit or subdivision of each building shall be provided with street address and unit or suite designations in permanently affixed Arabic numerals and/or letters at least 4" in height and a 1” stroke.
Exception: Where buildings are located a substantial distance from the face of the curb, the size of letters and numbers shall be adjusted as follows:
More than 50 feet: At least 6” in height with a 1” stroke.
More than 100 feet: At least 10” in height with a 1 ¾” stroke.
More than 150 feet: At least 16” in height with a 2” stroke.
When any work on an existing building is undertaken that requires the issuance of a building permit and such work exceeds a permit value of $1,000, then the address and unit numbers as described above shall be provided as a part of the work.
15.40.160 Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems.
CBC Section 901.1.1 is added to Section 901.1 to read as follows:
901.1.1 Where Required. An automatic fire extinguishing system shall be installed in the occupancies and locations as set forth in the California Fire Code, as amended by the City of Union City.
15.40.200 Structural Amendments.
CBC Section 1705.3 exception 1 is amended to read as follows:
Isolated spread concrete footings of buildings three stories or less above grade plane that are fully supported on earth or rock, where the structural design of the footing is based on a specified compressive strength, f’c, no greater than 2,500 pounds per square inch (psi) (17.2 Mpa).
CBC Section 1905.1.7 ACI 318, Section 14.1.4. is amended and replaced to read as follows:
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14.1.4 - Plain concrete is not allowed in structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E, or F.
14.1.4.1 - Structures assigned to Seismic Design Category C, D, E, or F shall not have elements of structural plain concrete:
(a) Plain concrete footing & supporting walls are not permitted; all footings shall have at least two continuous longitudinal reinforcing bars. Bars shall not be smaller than No. 4 and shall have a total area of not less than 0.002 times the gross crosssectional area of the footing. A minimum of one bar shall be provided at the top and bottom of the footing. Continuity of reinforcement shall be provided at corners and intersections.
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ATTACHMENT 2
Chapter 15.80
RESIDENTIAL CODE
15.80.010 Adoption by Reference.
A. The 2025 California Residential Code (Based on the 2024 International Residential Code) and State of California Amendments, and all Appendices thereto, published by the International Code Council, and all revisions and amendments heretofore and hereafter adopted by the International Code Council, are hereby adopted by reference as the Residential Code of the City of Union City, regulating the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of residential buildings within the City of Union City.
B. One copy of said Code and appendices thereto has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Union City at 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union. City, California, and the same or identical copy thereof, not less than one in number, shall at all times be kept on file for similar use.
C. The rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders, and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and be in full force on January 1, 2026.
15.80.020 Title.
This Chapter may be cited and shall be known as the "Residential Code of the City of Union City."
15.80.030 Definitions.
Whenever any of the names or terms defined in this section are in the Chapters or Codes adopted herein by reference, each such term or name shall have the meaning ascribed to it in this Section.
A. "Administrative Authority" shall mean the Building Inspection Division, Economic and Community Development Department.
B. "Building Official" shall mean the Chief Building Official of the City of Union City.
C. "City" shall mean the "City of Union City."
D. "City Council" shall mean the City Council of the City of Union City.
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E. "Code Enforcement Division" shall mean the Building Inspection Division.
F. "Mayor" shall mean the Mayor of the City of Union City.
15.80.040 Violation an Infraction.
Section 1.8.9 is amended by the addition of Section 1.8.9.3 to read as follows:
A citation may be issued in accordance with the Union City Municipal Code Section 1.16.030. A person charged with an infraction is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during which any violation of any provision of this chapter of the Union City Municipal Code is continued, and can be cited each day as a separate offense.
The infraction procedure provides for the following fines:
First citation infraction $150.00
Second citation infraction $300.00
Third citation misdemeanor $600.00
Court costs may also be imposed in addition to the infractions and/or misdemeanor fines.
Individuals cited are not entitled to legal representation for the first or second citation infraction.
Upon the third citation/misdemeanor, individuals cited may be represented by legal counsel in a court of law.
15.80.050 Violation a Nuisance.
Section 1.8.9 is amended by the addition of Section 1.8.9.4 to read as follows:
It is hereby found and declared that the existence of a violation of any of the foregoing sections of this Chapter within the City of Union City is a public nuisance and dangerous to the public health and safety of persons within said City, and in addition to any other remedies provided by law, the Union City Police Department or appropriate legal officer is authorized and directed to investigate any such nuisance, to notify in the form and manner hereinabove provided any person or persons maintaining such nuisance, to abate same in conformance to the provisions of this Chapter, and upon failure to comply, to enter upon said premises, public or private wherein said nuisance exists and summarily abate same.
15.80.060 Unconstitutionality.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Code. The Legislative Body hereby declares that it would have passed this Code, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared unconstitutional.
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15.80.070 Fees.
Section 1.8.4.2 is amended to read as follows:
Fees shall be assessed as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the City of Union City.
15.80.080 Board of Appeals.
Section 1.8.8 is amended to read as follows:
The Board of Appeals shall be comprised of one or more hearing officers appointed by the City Council. The decision of the appointed hearing officer(s) is final as to any related Appeals Board and City Council actions.
15.80.090 Structure Moving Permits.
Section 1.8.10.2 is amended by the addition of Section 1.8.10.2.1 to read as follows:
In addition to other permits required by this Code, no person, firm or corporation shall move or cause to be moved any building or structure from any location, lot, piece, or parcel of land located within or without the corporate limits of the City of Union City to any other lot, piece or parcel of land located within the incorporated territory of the City of Union City without first having obtained a separate structure moving permit for each building or structure to be moved, pursuant to Chapter 15.70 of the Union City Municipal Code.
15.80.160 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems.
Section R313 is amended to read as follows:
Where Required. An automatic fire extinguishing system shall be installed in the occupancies and locations as set forth in the Union City Fire Code, Chapter 15.20.
15.80.200 Prohibit the use of gypsum board and Portland cement plaster as prescriptive wall bracing materials.
Section R602.10.4, Table R602.10.3(3), and Section R602.10.4.4 are amended, and Footnote g is added to read as follows:
g. In Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1, and D2, Method GB and method PCP is not permitted.
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Add the “g” footnote notation in the title of Table R602.10.3(3).
Add a new subsection R602.10.4.4, to read as follows:
In Seismic Design Categories C, D0, D1, and D2, Method GB and PCP are not permitted for use as intermittent braced wall panels.
15.80.205 All concrete footings and stem walls shall have steel reinforcement.
Section R403.1.3.5 is amended by the addition of section R403.1.3.5.5 to read as follows:
Concrete footings, including post-tension design, shall have minimum reinforcement of at least two continuous horizontal reinforcing bars, one top and one bottom, not smaller than No. 4 bars. Bottom reinforcement shall be located a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) clear from the bottom of the footing. Plain concrete footings are not allowed.
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ATTACHMENT 3
Chapter 15.81
EXISTING BUILDING CODE
15.81.010 Adoption by Reference.
A. The 2025 California Existing Building Code and State of California Amendments, published by the California Building Standards Commission, and all revisions and amendments heretofore and here after adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, are hereby adopted by reference as the Existing Building Code of the City of Union City, regulating the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of buildings within the City of Union City.
B. One copy of said Code and appendices thereto has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Union City at 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union. City, California, and the same or identical copy thereof, not less than one in number, shall at all times be kept on file for similar use.
C. The rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders, and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and be in full force on January 1, 2026.
15.81.020 Title.
This Chapter may be cited and shall be known as the "Existing Building Code of the City of Union City."
15.81.030 Definitions.
Whenever any of the names or terms defined in this section are in the Chapters or Codes adopted herein by reference, each such term or name shall have the meaning ascribed to it in this Section.
A. "Administrative Authority" shall mean the Building Inspection Division, Economic and Community Development Department.
B. "Building Official" shall mean the Chief Building Official of the City of Union City.
C. "City" shall mean the "City of Union City."
D. "City Council" shall mean the City Council of the City of Union City.
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E. "Code Enforcement Division" shall mean the Building Inspection Division.
F. "Mayor" shall mean the Mayor of the City of Union City.
15.81.040 Violation an Infraction.
CEBC Section 104 is amended by the addition of Section 104.12 to read as follows:
A citation may be issued in accordance with the Union City Municipal Code Section
1.16.030. A person charged with an infraction is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during which any violation of any provision of this chapter of the Union City Municipal Code is continued, and can be cited each day as a separate offense.
The infraction procedure provides for the following fines:
First citation infraction $150.00
Second citation infraction $300.00
Third citation misdemeanor $600.00
Court costs may also be imposed in addition to the infractions and/or misdemeanor fines.
Individuals cited are not entitled to legal representation for the first or second citation infraction.
Upon the third citation/misdemeanor, individuals cited may be represented by legal counsel in a court of law.
15.81.050 Violation a Nuisance.
CEBC Section 101 is amended by the addition of Section 101.13 to read as follows:
It is hereby found and declared that the existence of a violation of any of the foregoing sections of this Chapter within the City of Union City is a public nuisance and dangerous to the public health and safety of persons within said City, and in addition to any other remedies provided by law, the Union City Police Department or appropriate legal officer is authorized and directed to investigate any such nuisance, to notify in the form and manner hereinabove provided any person or persons maintaining such nuisance, to abate same in conformance to the provisions of this Chapter, and upon failure to comply, to enter upon said premises, public or private wherein said nuisance exists and summarily abate same.
15.81.060 Unconstitutionality.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Code. The Legislative Body hereby declares that it would have passed this Code, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared unconstitutional.
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15.81.070 Fees.
CEBC Section 108 is amended by the addition of section 108.2.1 to read as follows:
Fees shall be assessed as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the City of Union City.
15.81.080 Board of Appeals.
CEBC Section 112 is deleted and amended to read as follows:
The Board of Appeals shall be comprised of one or more hearing officers appointed by the City Council. The decision of the appointed hearing officer(s) is final as to any related Appeals Board and City Council actions.
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ATTACHMENT 4
Chapter 15.84
GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE
15.84.010 Adoption by Reference.
A. The 2025 California Green Building Standards Code and State of California Amendments, published by the California Building Standards Commission, and all revisions and amendments heretofore and here after adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, are hereby adopted by reference as the Green Building Standards Code of the City of Union City, regulating the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of buildings within the City of Union City.
B. One copy of said Code and appendices thereto has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Union City at 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union. City, California, and the same or identical copy thereof, not less than one in number, shall at all times be kept on file for similar use.
C. The rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders, and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and be in full force on January 1, 2026.
15.84.020 Title.
This Chapter may be cited and shall be known as the "Green Building Standards Code of the City of Union City."
15.84.030 Definitions.
Whenever any of the names or terms defined in this section are in the Chapters or Codes adopted herein by reference, each such term or name shall have the meaning ascribed to it in this Section.
A. "Administrative Authority" shall mean the Building Inspection Division, Economic and Community Development Department.
B. "Building Official" shall mean the Chief Building Official of the City of Union City.
C. "City" shall mean the "City of Union City."
D. "City Council" shall mean the City Council of the City of Union City.
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E. "Code Enforcement Division" shall mean the Building Inspection Division.
F. "Mayor" shall mean the Mayor of the City of Union City.
15.84.040 Violation an Infraction.
CGBCA Section 101 is amended by the addition of Section 101.12 to read as follows:
A citation may be issued in accordance with the Union City Municipal Code Section
1.16.030. A person charged with an infraction is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during which any violation of any provision of this chapter of the Union City Municipal Code is continued, and can be cited each day as a separate offense.
The infraction procedure provides for the following fines:
First citation infraction $150.00
Second citation infraction $300.00
Third citation misdemeanor $600.00
Court costs may also be imposed in addition to the infractions and/or misdemeanor fines.
Individuals cited are not entitled to legal representation for the first or second citation infraction.
Upon the third citation/misdemeanor, individuals cited may be represented by legal counsel in a court of law.
15.84.050 Violation a Nuisance.
CGBCA Section 101 is amended by the addition of Section 101.13 to read as follows:
It is hereby found and declared that the existence of a violation of any of the foregoing sections of this Chapter within the City of Union City is a public nuisance and dangerous to the public health and safety of persons within said City, and in addition to any other remedies provided by law, the Union City Police Department or appropriate legal officer is authorized and directed to investigate any such nuisance, to notify in the form and manner hereinabove provided any person or persons maintaining such nuisance, to abate same in conformance to the provisions of this Chapter, and upon failure to comply, to enter upon said premises, public or private wherein said nuisance exists and summarily abate same.
15.84.060 Unconstitutionality.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Code. The Legislative Body hereby declares that it would have passed this Code, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, and phrases be declared unconstitutional.
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15.84.070 Fees.
CGBCA Section 101 is amended by the addition of section 101.14 to read as follows: Fees shall be assessed as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the City of Union City.
15.84.080 Board of Appeals.
CGBCA Section 101 is amended by the addition of Section 101.15 to read as follows: The Board of Appeals shall be comprised of one or more hearing officers appointed by the City Council. The decision of the appointed hearing officer(s) is final as to any related Appeals Board and City Council actions.
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ATTACHMENT 5
Chapter 15.48
PLUMBING CODE
15.48.010 Adoption by Reference.
A. The California Plumbing Code 2025 Edition, (Based on 2024 Uniform Plumbing Code), and Appendices A, B, and G, thereto, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and all revisions and amendments heretofore and hereafter adopted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, are hereby adopted by reference as the Plumbing Code of the City of Union City, regulating the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing systems within the City of Union City.
B. One copy of said Code and appendices thereto has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Union City at 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, California, and the same or identical copy thereof, not less than one in number, shall at all times be kept on file for similar use.
C. The rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders, and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and be in full force on January 1, 2026.
15.48.020 Title.
This Chapter may be cited and shall be known as the “Plumbing Code of the City of Union City.”
15.48.030 Definitions.
Whenever any of the names or terms defined in this section are in the Chapters or Codes adopted herein by reference, each such term or name shall have the meaning ascribed to it in this Section.
A. “Administrative Authority” shall mean the Building Inspection Division, Economic and Community Development Department.
B. “Building Official” shall mean the Chief Building Official of the City of Union City.
C. “City” shall mean the City of Union City
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2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
D. “City Council” shall mean the City Council of the City of Union City.
E. “Code Enforcement Division” shall mean the Building Inspection Division.
F. “Mayor” shall mean the Mayor of the City of Union City.
15.48.040 Violation an Infraction.
Section 1.8.9 is amended by the addition of Section 1.8.9.3 to read as follows:
A citation may be issued in accordance with the Union City Municipal Code Section
1.16.030. A person charged with an infraction is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during which any violation of any provision of this chapter of the Union City Municipal Code is continued, and can be cited each day as a separate offense.
The infraction procedure provides for the following fines:
First citation infraction $150.00
Second citation infraction $300.00
Third citation infraction $600.00
Court costs may also be imposed in addition to the infractions and/or misdemeanor fines.
Individuals cited are not entitled to legal representation for the first or second citation infraction.
Upon the third citation/misdemeanor, individuals cited may be represented by legal counsel in a court of law.
15.48.050 Violation a Nuisance.
Section 1.8.9 is amended by the addition of Section 1.8.9.4 to read as follows:
It is hereby found and declared that the existence of a violation of any of the foregoing sections of this Chapter within the City of Union City is a public nuisance and dangerous to the public health and safety of persons within said City, and in addition to any other remedies provided by law, the Union City Police Department or appropriate legal officer is authorized and directed to investigate any such nuisance, to notify in the form and manner herein above provided any person or persons maintaining such nuisance, to abate same in conformance to the provisions of this Chapter, and upon failure to comply, to enter upon said· premises, public or private wherein said nuisance exists and summarily abate same.
15.48.060. Unconstitutionality.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Code. The Legislative Body hereby declares that it would have passed this Code, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared unconstitutional.
15.48.070 Fees.
Section 1.8.4.2 is amended to read as follows:
Fees shall be assessed as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the City of Union City.
15.48.80 Water Piping In or Under Concrete Slab Floors.
Section 609.3 is amended to read as follows:
Water piping SHALL NOT be installed in or under a concrete floor slab within a building without prior approval of the Administrative Authority. When approved, such piping shall be installed in accordance with Sections 609.3(1) and 609.3(2).
15.48.100 Board of Appeals.
Section 1.8.8 is amended to read as follows:
The Board of Appeals shall be comprised of one or more hearing officers appointed by the City Council. The decision of the appointed hearing officer(s) is final as to any related Appeals Board and City Council actions.
15.48.110 Underground Water Pipe Protection.
Section 609.3 is amended by the addition of section 609.3.1 to read as follows:
All metallic water piping installed underground shall be protected by a plastic sleeve.
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
ATTACHMENT 6
Chapter 15.52
MECHANICAL CODE
15.52.010 Adoption by Reference.
A. The California Mechanical Code 2025 Edition, with State of California amendments, (Based on 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code), published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, and all revisions and amendments heretofore and hereafter adopted by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, are hereby adopted by reference as the Mechanical Code of the City of Union City, regulating the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of mechanical systems within the City of Union City.
B. One copy of said Code and appendices there to has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Union City at 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, California, and the same or identical copy thereof, not less than one in number, shall at all times be kept on file for similar use.
C. The rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders, and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and be in full force on January 1, 2026.
15.52.020 Title.
This Chapter may be cited and shall be known as the “Mechanical Code of the City of Union City.”
15.52.030 Definitions.
Whenever any of the names or terms defined in this section are in the Chapters or Codes adopted herein by reference, each such term or name shall have the meaning ascribed to it in this Section.
A. "Administrative Authority" shall mean the Building Inspection Division, Economic and Community Development Department.
B. “Building Official” shall mean the Chief Building Official of the City of Union City.
C. “City” shall mean the “City of Union City.”
D. “City Council” shall mean the City Council of the City of Union City.
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
E. “Code Enforcement Division” shall mean the Building Inspection Division.
F. “Mayor” shall mean the Mayor of the City of Union City.
15.52.040 Violation an Infraction.
Section 1.8.9 is amended by the addition of Section 1.8.9.3 to read as follows:
A citation may be issued in accordance with the Union City Municipal Code Section
1.16.030. A person charged with an infraction is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during which any violation of any provision of this chapter of the Union City Municipal Code is continued, and can be cited each day as a separate offense.
The infraction procedure provides for the following fines:
First citation infraction $150.00
Second citation infraction $300.00
Third citation infraction $600.00
Court costs may also be imposed in addition to the infractions and/or misdemeanor fines.
Individuals cited are not entitled to legal representation for the first or second citation infraction.
Upon the third citation/misdemeanor, individuals cited may be represented by legal counsel in a court of law.
15.52.050 Violation a Nuisance.
Section 1.8.9 is amended by the addition of Section 1.8.9.4 to read as follows:
It is hereby found and declared that the existence of a violation of any of the foregoing sections of this Chapter within the City of Union City is a public nuisance and dangerous to the public health and safety of persons within said City. In addition to any other remedies provided by law, the Union City Police Department or appropriate legal officer is authorized and directed to investigate any such nuisance, to notify in the form and manner herein above provided any person or persons maintaining such nuisance, to abate same in conformance to the provisions of this Chapter, and upon failure to comply, to enter upon said premises, public or private, wherein said nuisance exists and summarily abate same.
15.52.060 Unconstitutionality.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Code. The Legislative Body hereby declares that it would have passed this Code, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that anyone or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, and phrases be declared unconstitutional.
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
15.52.070 Fees.
Section 1.8.4.2 is amended to read as follows:
Fees shall be assessed as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the City of Union City.
15.52.080 Board of Appeals.
Section 1.8.8 is amended to read as follows:
The Board of Appeals shall be comprised of one or more hearing officers appointed by the City Council. The decision of the appointed hearing officer(s) is final as to any related Appeals Board and City Council actions.
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
ATTACHMENT 7
Chapter 15.44
ELECTRICAL CODE
15.44.010 Adoption by Reference.
A. The California Electrical Code 2025 Edition, (Based on 2020 National Electrical Code), Appendices thereto, including the General Code Provisions Article 89, for the National Electrical Code, published by the National Fire Protection Association, and all revisions and amendments heretofore and hereafter adopted by the National Fire Protection Association, are hereby adopted by reference as the Electrical Code of the City of Union City, regulating the erection, installation, alteration, repair, relocation replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of electrical building systems within the City of Union City.
B. One copy of said Code and appendices thereto has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the City Clerk of the City of Union City at 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, California, and the same or identical copy thereof, not less than one in number, shall at all times be kept on file for similar use.
C. The rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders, and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and be in full force on January 1, 2026.
15.44.020 Title.
This Chapter may be cited and shall be known as the “Electrical Code of the City of Union City.”
15.44.030 Definitions.
Whenever any of the names or terms defined in this section are in the Chapters or Codes adopted herein by reference, each such term or name shall have the meaning ascribed to it in this Section.
A. "Administrative Authority" shall mean the Building Inspection Division, Economic and Community Development Department.
B. "Building Official" shall mean the Chief Building Official of the City of Union City.
C. "City" shall mean the "City of Union City.”
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
D. "City Council" shall mean the City Council of the City of Union City.
E. "Code Enforcement Division" shall mean the Building Inspection Division.
F. "Mayor" shall mean the Mayor of the City of Union City.
15.44.040 Violation an Infraction.
CEC Section 89.108.9 is amended by the addition of Section 89.108.9.3 to read as follows:
A citation may be issued in accordance with the Union City Municipal Code Section
1.16.030. A person charged with an infraction is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during which any violation of any provision of this chapter of the Union City Municipal Code is continued, and can be cited each day as a separate offense.
The infraction procedure provides for the following fines:
First citation infraction $150.00
Second citation infraction $300.00
Third citation misdemeanor $600.00
Court costs may also be imposed in addition to the infractions and/or misdemeanor fines.
Individuals cited are not entitled to legal representation for the first or second citation infraction.
Upon the third citation/misdemeanor, individuals cited may be represented by legal counsel in a court of law.
15.44.050 Violation a Nuisance.
CEC Section 89.108.9 is amended by the addition of Section 89.108.9.4 to read as follows:
It is hereby found and declared that the existence of a violation of any of the foregoing sections - of this Chapter within the City of Union City is a public nuisance and dangerous to the public health and safety of persons within said City, and in addition to any other remedies provided by law, the Union City Police Department or appropriate legal officer is authorized and directed to investigate any such nuisance, to notify in the form and manner herein above provided any person or persons maintaining such nuisance, to abate same in conformance to the provisions of this Chapter, and upon failure to comply, to enter upon said premises, public or private, wherein said nuisance exists and summarily abate same.
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
15.44.060 Unconstitutionality.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Code is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Code. The Legislative Body hereby declares that it would have passed this Code, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared unconstitutional.
15.44.070 Fees.
CEC Section 89.108.4.2 is amended to read as follows:
Fees shall be assessed as set forth in the fee schedule adopted by the City of Union City.
15.44.080 Board of Appeals.
CEC Section 89.108.8 is amended to read as follows:
The Board of Appeals shall be comprised of one or more hearing officers appointed by the City Council. The decision of the appointed hearing officer(s) is final as to any related Appeals Board and City Council actions.
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
ATTACHMENT 8
Chapter 15.20
FIRE CODE
15.20.010 Adoption by reference.
The 2025 California Fire Code and State of California Amendments, Volume 1 (Based on the 2024 International Code) including sections, 103.2, 104, 105.5.41, 108.2 114,311.2, 503 and Appendices B, C, D, thereto published by the International Code Council (ICC) Country Club Hill, IL., and all revisions and amendments theretofore and hereafter adopted by the International Code Council, as codified in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, are adopted by reference and made part of this Code as if fully set forth except as hereinafter modified as the Fire Code of the City of Union City pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 50020. et. seq., State of California.
One copy of the Code and Appendices thereto has been filed for use and examination by the public in the office of the City Clerk, 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, California.
The rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders, and matters established and adopted hereby shall take effect and be in full force on January 1, 2026.
15.20.020 Title.
Code means the California Fire Code, as defined by law and amended by the City of Union City. This code, as amended, shall be known and may be cited as the “Union City Fire Code” or “UCFC” and will be referred to in this Title as “this code”.
15.20.030 Section 103.2, Appointment.
Section 103.2 is amended to read as follows:
103.2 Appointment. The fire code official shall be appointed by the fire chief of the jurisdiction, and the fire code official shall not be removed from office except for cause and after full opportunity to be heard on specific and relevant charges by and before the appointing authority.
15.20.040 Section 104.6, Official Records.
Section 104.7 is amended to read as follows:
104.7 Official Records. The City of Union City shall keep official records as required by Sections 104.7.1, 104.7.2, 104.7.4, 104.7.5, and 104.7.6. Such official records shall be retained for not less than five years or for as long as the structure or activity to which such records relate remains in existence, unless otherwise provided by other regulations.
Section 104.7.3 is amended to read as follows:
104.7.3 Fire Records. The fire department shall keep a record of fires occurring within the City of Union City and of facts concerning the same, including statistics as to the extent of such fires and the damage caused thereby.
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2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
15.20.050 Fees-Amended.
Section 108.2 is amended to read as follows:
108.2 Schedule of Permit Fees. The City Council may, by resolution, establish a schedule of nondiscriminatory fees to be charged and collected for plans submitted under Section 105.6, solely to defray the City’s reasonable costs for plan review of fire protection equipment and systems, requested or required inspection service, and issuance of permits. Permits issued in accordance with Section 105.5 shall be valid for a prescribed period of time or until renewed or revoked.
15.20.060 Section 113.4, Violation Penalties.
Section 113.4 is amended to read as follows:
113.4 Violations Penalties.
a. Persons who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof, or who shall erect, install, alter, repair, or do work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive or the fire code official or of a permit or certificate used under provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a violation of this code may, in the discretion of the fire code official, be charged and prosecuted as an infraction.
b. Any person convicted of a misdemeanor under this code shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment, not to exceed six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
c. Any person convicted of an infraction under this code shall be subject to payment of a fine pursuant to the terms set forth in State of California Government Code Section 36900, as that section or its successor reads at the time of the offense. After a third conviction for violation of the same section of this code, subsequent violations of the same section may be charged as a misdemeanor rather than an infraction.
d. Each such person is guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this code is committed, continued, or permitted by any such person, and shall be punished accordingly.
e. Notwithstanding sections a-d to the contrary, any violation of this code may, at the discretion of the fire code official, be treated as an administrative violation and enforced pursuant to Chapter
1.18 of the Union City Municipal Code.
Approval of a request for the use of alternative material, assembly, or materials, equipment, method of construction, method of installation of equipment, or means of protection shall be limited to the case covered by the request and shall not be construed as establishing any precedent for any future request.
Whenever any construction or installation work is being performed in violation of the plans and specifications as approved, a written notice shall be issued to the responsible party to stop work on that portion of the work which is in violation. The notice shall be issued to the responsible party to stop work on that portion of the work which is in violation. The notice shall state the nature of the violations, and no work shall be done on that portion of the project until the violation has been corrected.
Where work for which a permit is required by this chapter is started or proceeds prior to obtaining such permit, a penalty fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be assessed as follows:
Ordinance No. 2025-XXX
2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
Violation within Two-Year Period Penalty Fee
First Equal to the permit fee
Second Double the permit fee
Third Ten times the permit fee
The payment of such penalty fee shall not relieve any person from fully complying with all the provisions of this chapter.
15.20.070 Section 114, Stop work order.
Section 114.4 is amended to read as follows:
114. Stop Work Order. Whenever any installation of fire protection devices covered by this Code is concealed without first having been inspected, the fire code official may require, by written notice, that such work shall be exposed for inspection.
Any person who shall continue any work after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe conditions, shall be subject to fines established by the City of Union City under section 113.4 of this code.
15.20.080 Automatic sprinkler systems Chapter 9.
Sections 903.2, 903.2.1, 903.2.2, 903.2.3, 903.2.4, 903.2.7, 903.2.8, 903.2.9, 903.2.10, are amended to read as follows:
903.2 Where Required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and structures shall be provided in locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through 902.2.12 and Sections 903.2.14 through 903.2.21
903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all Group A occupancies. (Sections 903.2.1.1, 903.2.1.2, 903.2.1.3, 903.2.1.4, 903.2.1.5, 903.2.1.6, and 903.2.1.7are deleted) 903.2.2 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all Group B occupancies. (Sections 90.3.2.2.1 and 903.2.2.2 are deleted)
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all Group E Occupancies. 903.2.4 Group F. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in Group F occupancies. (Section 903.2.4.1, 903.2.4.2 and 903.2.4.3 are deleted)
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all Group M occupancies. (Section 903.2.7.1, 903.2.7.2, and 903.2.7.3 are deleted). 903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all Group R occupancies, including modular units. (Section 903.2.8.1 and 903.2.8.3 are deleted). 903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all Group S-1 occupancies. (Sections 903.2.9.1, 903.2.9.2, 903.2.9.3, and 903.2.9.4 are deleted) 903.2.10 Group S-2. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all Group S-2 occupancies.
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2025 Building Code Update Ordinance
(Sections 903.2.10.1 and 903.2.10.2 are deleted).
15.20.090 Section 903.6, Where required in existing buildings and structures.
Section 903.6 is amended to read as follows:
903.6 Where required in existing buildings and structures. All occupancies where modifications are being requested, regardless of the reason, shall require an automatic fire extinguishing system to be installed in the entire structure. When one of the following conditions exists:
1. When more than 50% of the exterior walls and the roof are being removed or replaced.
2. When the existing fire area is increased by more than 50%.
3. When an addition to a single-family home causes the structure to exceed 2,500 square feet in fire area.
4. When required by Chapter 11.
5. When the estimated value of modifications is more than 50 percent (50%) of the value of the structure.