Item 5.1
Public Hearing for Zoning Text Amendment
AT-25-003
2 BACKGROUND
• Proposed amendments to VMU and Commercial
Zoning Districts support small business and the City’s
Economic Development goals
• Proposed amendments OS and CF Zoning Districts
support on-going public projects and update standards
that apply to City-owned properties
• Planning Division staff is working on a comprehensive update to the City’s Commercial Zoning District chapter 3 Chapter 18.27 Village Mixed Use District
18.27.030 Conditional Uses
• Add event venue as conditional
use subject to standards in
Section 18.27.055
18.27.055 Standards for event
spaces
• Add new section with standards
for event spaces
• Security Plan required for all
event venues
• Standards for outdoor
operations at an event space
Smith Street
Union City Blvd
4 Chapter 18.36
Commercial
Districts
• 18.36.180 Standards for Live Music
•Allow live music at restaurants and event venues
• Update standards for amplified live music
•Allow later hours when 500 feet from residential
district or use
• Clarify occupant load posting requirement
• Update Security Plan requirement
5 Chapter 18.50 Civic Facilities (CF) District
18.50.020 Permitted Uses
•Temporary contractor
yards, for public projects,
on publicly owned
properties
6 Chapter 18.92 Open Space
District
• 18.92.040 Permitted Uses • Temporary contractor yards, for public projects, on publicly owned
properties
• 18.92.070 Area and yard standards • Eliminate minimum site areas for public lands and hazardous lands
• Eliminate setbacks for public lands • Reduce setbacks for sites under 10 acres
7 Planning Commission Review
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on December 11, 2025, to review the proposed amendments
• Raised concerns with “Live Music” amendments - Impacts to residential uses and contribution to overnight policing issues
• Considered Desk item - Clarified the amendments and proposed minor updates to the exhibits (reflected in Exhibit A)
The Planning Commission voted 3-0 to recommended approval to the City Council
Staff is recommending minor edit: update “Event space” to “Event venue” 8 Recommendation
Consistent with the Planning Commission recommendation, staff recommends that the City Council hold a public hearing and introduce an Ordinance approving Zoning Text Amendment AT-25-003 and find that the proposed amendments are exempt from CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3)
It is anticipated staff will bring the updates back to the January 27 CC meeting for final adoption