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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Union City, CA

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are permitted in R and RS districts for up to two paying guests as 'room and board' or 'boardinghouses'. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are strictly prohibited from being rented for periods of less than 30 days. Operators must provide a local emergency contact available 24/7.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Complete and sign the official Short-Term Rental Application form. 2. Provide required details including rental addresses, owner/manager info, and a 24/7 local emergency contact. 3. Submit the completed form to the Finance Department Revenue Division via email (Biz-License@UnionCity.Org) or mail.

Official Resources

Official Union City STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Union City, CA?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Union City, CA, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are permitted in R and RS districts for up to two paying guests as 'room and board' or 'boardinghouses'. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are strictly prohibited from being rented for periods of less than 30 days. Operators must provide a local emergency contact available 24/7. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Union City, CA?
Short-term rentals are permitted in R and RS districts for up to two paying guests as 'room and board' or 'boardinghouses'. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are strictly prohibited from being rented for periods of less than 30 days. Operators must provide a local emergency contact available 24/7.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Union City?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Union City. 1. Complete and sign the official Short-Term Rental Application form. 2. Provide required details including rental addresses, owner/manager info, and a 24/7 local emergency contact. 3. Submit the completed form to the Finance Department Revenue Division via email (Biz-License@UnionCity.Org) or mail.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Union City?
1. Complete and sign the official Short-Term Rental Application form. 2. Provide required details including rental addresses, owner/manager info, and a 24/7 local emergency contact. 3. Submit the completed form to the Finance Department Revenue Division via email (Biz-License@UnionCity.Org) or mail.
Is Vrbo legal in Union City, CA?
Vrbo is permitted in Union City, CA under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Union City?
Short-term rental hosts in Union City are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Union City?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Union City. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction