City Council Staff Report Page 1 of 3 January 27, 2026
Staff Report
Agenda Item No. 3.12
DATE: January 27, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Joan Malloy, City Manager
SUBJECT: Waive Further Reading and Adopt an Ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment (AT-25-003) to Title 18, Zoning, of the Union City Municipal Code to Amend Chapters 18.08 Definitions; 18.27, Village Mixed Use (VMU) District; 18.36, Commercial Districts; 18.50, Civic Facilities (CF) District; and 18.92, Open Space (OS) Zoning District, and Find That the Proposed Amendments are Exempt From the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15061(B)(3)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommends that the City Council waive further reading and adopt the proposed ordinance (Attachment 1) approving Zoning Text Amendment AT-25-003.
The City Council held a public hearing and, at its January 13, 2026 meeting, introduced the proposed ordinance on a 5-0 vote. The proposed amendments are included in Attachment 1, Exhibit A (Clean) and Exhibit B (Redlined).
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
This agenda item is in alignment with the following:
Goal C. Institute forward-thinking business, land use development, housing, social services, and public safety strategies that promote community growth and innovation.
BACKGROUND
At its January 13, 2026, meeting, the City Council introduced the proposed ordinance to approve Zoning Text Amendment AT-25-003. The proposed amendments aim to support local businesses by improving operations, expanding permitted uses, and facilitating ongoing public projects. The City Council must now vote to adopt the proposed ordinance.
For more details of the prior action, please see the January 13, 2026, City Council agenda item.
Agenda Item No. 3.12
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 3 January 27, 2026
DISCUSSION
A high-level summary of the amendments is included below. For a more detailed review, see Attachment 1A - Exhibit A (Clean) and Attachment 1B- Exhibit B (Redlines).
A. Chapter 18.08, Definitions
The amendments to Chapter 18.08 adjust the numbering and add a definition for “Event venue”. This definition is needed to clarify which operations would fall under event venue use.
B. Chapter 18.27, Village Mixed Use (VMU) District
The amendments to Chapter 18.27 allow “event venue” as a conditional use within the VMU district and establish additional standards for event venues. These additional standards require a security plan and facilitate outdoor operations.
C. Chapter 18.36, Commercial Districts
The amendments to Chapter 18.36 modify standards for live music. These modifications include:
• Modifying where non-amplified and amplified live music is permitted; • Removing burdensome regulations that are difficult to track and enforce; and
• Clarifying requirements.
D. Chapter 18.50, Civic Facilities (CF) District
The amendments to Chapter 18.50 allow “temporary contractor yards for public projects on publicly owned properties” as a permitted use within the CF Zoning District.
E. Chapter 18.92, Open Space (OS) Zoning District
The amendments to Chapter 18.92 allow for “temporary contractor yards for public projects on publicly owned properties” as a permitted use within the OS Zoning District.
Additionally, the amendment would modify site area and yard standards by eliminating minimum site areas for public lands and hazardous lands, eliminating setbacks for public lands, and reducing setbacks for sites under 10 acres to match those in the Agricultural Zoning District.
FISCAL IMPACT
The adoption of the proposed zoning text amendments would have no fiscal impact on the General Fund.
Agenda Item No. 3.12
City Council Staff Report Page 2 of 3 January 27, 2026
Agenda Item No. 3.12
City Council Staff Report Page 3 of 3 January 27, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council waive further reading and adopt an Ordinance (Attachment 1) approving Zoning Text Amendment AT-25-003 and find that the proposed amendments are exempt from CEQA, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3).
Prepared by: Brandon Delucas, Contract Senior Planner
Submitted by: Carmela Campbell, Economic and Community Development Director Attachments
1. Proposed Ordinance
2. Exhibit A - Zoning Text as Amended (Clean)
3. Exhibit B – Zoning Text as Amended (Redlined)