Gutters and Roofing for Union City
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Union City, in short
Where do I get sandbags in Union City?
At the Public Works Corporation Yard, 37650 7th Street (the City’s address, read Nov 3 2026). The City’s Winter Weather page says, “Pre-filled sandbags are available at the Corporation Yard.” and “There is a limit of five (5) pre-filled bags per Union City household/business”. It adds, “The sandbag station will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.”
The story of Union City
Union City, which the City’s About page says was “Incorporated in January of 1959”.
The Union City Historical Museum’s, the Museum of Local History’s and BART’s pages tell of cattle ranching and the first town lots, of a flood at Alvarado in 1854, of how Decoto began by a railroad siding and of three communities that became one city.
On the early land, the Union City Historical Museum’s history page says, “Cattle ranching was the center of life in the early 1800’s along with garden crops, fruits, and grain.”
On the first town lots, the museum’s newsletter says, “But this was the cradle of old Union City. This is where John Horner started selling his town lots of Union City in December 1850.”
On a flood, the museum prints an old account titled “The Alvarado Flood of 1854”, which says, “travel except in boats or by swimming was almost impossible between Alvarado and Centerville from the overflow of the Alameda Creek.”
On how Decoto began, the Museum of Local History’s booklet says, “Ezra Decoto came to California in 1854 and settled in Alameda County. In 1867, he and his two brothers, Adolphus and John, purchased 334 acres of land on old Mission Road (Mission Blvd).” It adds, “The Central Pacific created a rail siding around which the town of Decoto was built.”
BART’s station page says, “Incorporated in 1959, Union City combined the communities of Alvarado, Decoto, and New Haven.”
The museum’s chronology says, “1960 – Subdivisions began (Town & Country, Casa Verde, Regency Park, Contempo, Creekside).”
Fire safety
The Fire Department and the City’s Fire Code
The City’s Wildfire page says, “In Union City, the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) provides fire response and emergency medical services.” It adds, “Fire inspectors work with homeowners and businesses to ensure that the Union City Fire Code is followed.” The City’s Contact Us page lists Fire Prevention at 510.675.5360.
City pages undated; read in a browser Nov 3 2026
The City’s pointer to CAL FIRE
The same Wildfire page says, “Preparing your home for wildfire involves understanding the risks and taking proactive steps. Follow the step by step guide and resources provided by CalFire so you can protect your family, loved ones and community.” As we read it, the page gives no zone and no defensible-space rule of its own.
City page undated; read in a browser Nov 3 2026
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The State’s fire hazard map layer
By our own count against the State’s 2025 local-area fire hazard map layer, none of Union City falls in the Very High class; about 49 percent falls in the High class and about 1.3 percent in the Moderate class, and about 50 percent is non-wildland. This is the State’s layer, not a City map.
State layer pulled by script Nov 1 2026 (batch table); our own calculation
Need a hand with this? Gutter guards
Union City this month
Storm season: the City’s Winter Weather page says, “California’s rainy season usually lasts from November to April”.
The Union City blog starts when there is enough local news to keep it current.
Culture and history
Saturday farmers’ market
The City’s Attractions page says, “The Union City Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday in the Alvarado Historic District”.
City page undated; read in a browser Nov 3 2026 (refresh before use)
Alameda Creek Regional Trail
The City’s Attractions page says, “Dust off that bike and take the family out for a bike ride on the Alameda Creek Regional Trail. There are several entrances in Union City.” The East Bay Regional Park District’s page says the trail “follows the banks of Alameda Creek in southern Alameda County from the mouth of Niles Canyon (in the Niles District of Fremont) westward to San Francisco Bay – a distance of about 12 miles.”
Pages undated; read Nov 3 2026
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Playgrounds
The City’s Attractions page says, “Take your kiddos to a playground – our favorite playgrounds can be found at Kennedy Park, Casa Verde Park and Veteran’s Memorial Park!”
City page undated; read in a browser Nov 3 2026
Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park
The East Bay Regional Park District’s page says, “Garin/Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks are two adjoining parks from former 19th Century ranches.” The park district gives the Dry Creek Pioneer part a Union City address.
Page undated; read Nov 3 2026
The first town lots, a flood and the Decoto railroad siding
The Union City Historical Museum’s and the Museum of Local History’s pages tell of the first Union City town lots, of a flood at Alvarado in 1854 and of how Decoto began by a railroad siding. More in The story of Union City, below.
Museum pages undated; read Nov 3 2026
Three communities, one city
BART’s station page tells how Union City came together in 1959 from the communities of Alvarado, Decoto and New Haven. More in The story of Union City, below.
Page undated; read Nov 3 2026
Community
Near Union City Washington Township Museum of Local History
The museum, which is in Fremont, says on its home page, “The mission of the museum is to preserve Southern Alameda County (Fremont, Newark and Union City) memories, documents, artifacts, and structures from the past and share them with present and future generations.” Its tours page lists a “Decoto Bicycle Tour” and a “Dry Creek Cottage and Garden Tour”.
Pages undated; read Nov 3 2026
City rules and regulations
Permits
The City’s Permits page says, “If you are planning on building, remodeling, or making improvements to your home, you’ll need to get the appropriate permits.” The Building Division’s page says, “OTC permits may be issued at the Building Division counter during business hours or obtained via email.” The City’s Contact Us page lists the Building Division at 510.675.5313.
City pages undated; read in a browser Nov 3 2026
Street trees in front of your home
The City’s FAQ says, “The City requires that every single family home has at least one street tree in their front yard within the City right of way.” It also says, “Homeowners are required to take care of and maintain the tree. However, the City will assist with tree pruning on an as needed basis.”
City page undated; read in a browser Nov 3 2026
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Before a street tree comes out
The City’s FAQ says, “Prior to any tree removal, the resident shall contact and confirm with the Grounds Division.” It also says, “The City does not encourage the removal of healthy trees, even if they are causing uplift of sidewalks.” and “The City prefers to take proactive steps to save trees by installing root barriers to help prevent the uplifting of sidewalks.” As we read it, the FAQ is about trees in the City right of way and says nothing about trees on private land.
City page undated; read in a browser Nov 3 2026
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Storms, flood and drainage
Sandbags
The City’s Winter Weather page says, “a sandbag station is set up each Fall/Winter season”. The Corporation Yard is at 37650 7th Street (the City’s address, read Nov 3 2026).
City page updated September 10, 2026 by its own line; read in a browser Nov 3 2026
The City’s storm-day advice
The same page says, “Storm drains have limited capacity and flooding may occur in low lying areas.” It asks residents to help by “Using sandbags and plastic sheeting to protect flood-prone entrances to homes.” and to “Ensure that garden waste is not blocking storm drains.”
City page updated September 10, 2026 by its own line; read in a browser Nov 3 2026
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Who to call, as the City lists them
Public Works at (510) 675-5308 for flooding reports; the Alameda County Flood Control & Water Conservation District at (510)670-5480 “To report issues at Alameda Creek”; and the Union Sanitary District at (510) 477-7500 “To report sanitary sewer emergencies”.
City page updated September 10, 2026 by its own line; read in a browser Nov 3 2026 (refresh before use)
Alameda Creek
The Flood Control District’s page says, “In the 1970s, twelve miles of Alameda Creek was channeled, then diverted at Cann Park in Union City to flow south of its historic path.” It adds, “Old Alameda Creek still flows in its original natural channel as far as Cann Park in Union City.”
Page undated; read Nov 3 2026
Need a hand with this? Gutter cleaning
Programs, loans and insurance
County-wide Check back Renew Alameda County home improvement loans: check back
The City’s homeowner page lists Renew Alameda County loans and puts “re-roofing” first among its “Examples of eligible renovations”. The program’s page of eligible repairs names “Re-roofing and gutter replacement” and “Property Drainage Improvements”. Its home page says, “Renew Alameda County’s application is currently closed, but you can still join the interest list.”
Pages undated; read Nov 3 2026 (refresh before use)
County-wide Check back Habitat for Humanity home repair: check back
Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley’s Home Repair page says, “Services are currently available in select cities in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties.” Union City is in the page’s list of Alameda County cities. Its “Critical Repairs” list includes “roof repairs, upgrading electrical systems, replumbing, flooring replacement, replacing windows”. The page gives no open or closed word for Union City, so check with Habitat before you plan around it.
Page undated; read Nov 3 2026 (refresh before use)
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County-wide Check back Minor Home Repair Program (Healthy Homes): check back
The Alameda County Healthy Homes Department’s page says its Homeowner Minor Home Repair Program “serves the cities of Albany, Dublin, Emeryville, Oakland, Newark, Union City” and some unincorporated areas, and that “Union City: Pending new funding, please call to be placed on an interest list for homes in Union City”. The City’s homeowner page lists “Minor Home Repair Grants” for “emergency repairs of plumbing, carpentry, electrical, railings, grab bars, toilets, water heaters, furnaces, doors, locks and more.” The County’s list names no roof or gutter item.
Pages undated; read Nov 3 2026 (refresh before use)
Rain barrel rebate (Alameda County Water District)
The District’s Rain Barrel Rebate page says, “the installation site must be within ACWD’s service area (Fremont, Newark, and Union City).” It offers “a rebate of up to $50 per rain barrel, (up to two rain barrels)” and says, “Customers can apply for and receive a rain barrel rebate every 10 years.” It adds, “The rain barrel must be connected to a rain gutter downspout, rain chain, or other effective means of capturing concentrated flow from roofs or other impervious surfaces.” and “All rebates are subject to availability of funds.” The page carries no date and no open or closed word, so check with the District before you buy.
Page undated; read Nov 3 2026 (refresh before use)
Check back Earthquake Brace + Bolt: check back
Earthquake Brace + Bolt is a program of the California Residential Mitigation Program, a joint body, not a State program. The program’s page says the retrofit grants “are available only for qualified homes in select ZIP Codes.” Its 2025 Northern California ZIP list has an entry for Union City, 94587, under the header “Eligibility based on ZIP Code only, city provided as reference.” The page says registration is open “for a limited time each year”, and the pages do not say whether it is open now.
Program pages undated; ZIP list printed 2025; read Nov 3 2026
County-wide Lead hazard repair grants
The County’s Healthy Homes page says, “Lead Hazard Repair grants are available for owners of pre-1960 rental and owner-occupied residential properties throughout Alameda County.” It adds, “Service includes free lead testing, up to $12,000 per unit for lead hazard repairs, and project assistance to help make your home or property lead-safe.” Roofs and gutters are not named, and the page gives no open or closed word.
Page undated; read Nov 3 2026
PG&E Energy Savings Assistance
PG&E’s Energy Savings Assistance page says, “Save energy and money with free home upgrades” and “Participants must live in a house, mobile home or apartment that is at least five years old.” The page names no county, and Union City is on PG&E’s service-area list. Its income guidelines are marked “Valid through May 31, 2027.” The page gives no open or closed word.
Pages undated; read Nov 3 2026
County-wide BayREN EASE Home
BayREN’s EASE Home page says, “You pay just 20% of the total project cost.” It asks you to “Live in a single-family home (four or fewer units) built before 2010.” The page does not name Union City: its county menu lists Alameda among nine counties and it asks whether you are a PG&E customer, and Union City is on PG&E’s list. It has no open or closed sentence, and its list of what it covers names no roof or gutter item.
Pages undated; read Nov 3 2026
County-wide Check back Clean HEET wood stove and fireplace insert replacement: check back
The Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s page says, “All Bay Area homeowners are eligible to apply.” It also says, “The Clean HEET Program application period closed on July 14, 2026.”
Page last updated 7/14/2026 by its own line; read Nov 3 2026
Who serves your home in Union City
- Fire: The Alameda County Fire Department. Its About page names Union City among the cities it serves with “all-risk emergency services”, and its list of communities that consolidated with it shows “July 1, 2010 City of Union City”. Three of its stations are listed as serving parts of Union City.
- Water: The Alameda County Water District. Its fact sheet lists its service area as “Fremont, Newark, and Union City – 105 Square Miles”.
- Sewer: The Union Sanitary District. Its home page says it provides “wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services to Fremont, Newark, and Union City, CA.” Its FAQ says, “Each property owner is responsible for the entire sewer from the house to where it connects to USD’s main sewer line.”
- Garbage, recycling and compost: Republic Services collects the landfill waste and Tri-CED Community Recycling collects recycling and compost. Tri-CED’s Union City page says, “Tri-CED Community Recycling provides Union City’s recycling and compost collection services in partnership with Republic Services, which manages landfill collection and customer billing.”
- Electricity supply: Ava Community Energy. Its Union City page says Union City “helped found Ava in 2016” and that “Its residential, municipal, and commercial accounts are automatically enrolled in Ava’s Bright Choice service.”
- Electricity delivery and gas: Pacific Gas and Electric. Its service-area page lists Union City under Alameda County in both its “Electric Service Territory” and its “Gas Service Territory”.
- Flood control: The Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. Its page on the lower Alameda Creek watershed says the part in its jurisdiction “includes the Walpert Ridge area of the East Bay hills and the flatlands of Fremont and Union City.”
Useful links: City of Union City: Wildfire · City of Union City: Permits · City of Union City: Building Division (its Fee Schedule handout for Fiscal Year 2026-2027) · City of Union City: Winter Weather and Flooding · City of Union City: Frequently Asked Questions (street trees) · City of Union City: Attractions · City of Union City: homeowner programs page · City of Union City: About Union City · Alameda County Fire Department · Alameda County Water District: Rain Barrel Rebate · Union Sanitary District · Tri-CED Community Recycling: Union City · Ava Community Energy: Union City · Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District: Watersheds · Alameda County Healthy Homes Department: Minor Home Repair · Renew Alameda County (RenewAC) · Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley: Home Repair · Earthquake Brace + Bolt · Alameda Creek Regional Trail · Washington Township Museum of Local History
The homes of Union City
Union City has about 22,000 homes, by the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 survey and the State’s January 2026 count, our own rounding of the two. The survey puts the median year built at 1980, with a margin of error of 2 years.
Age
About half were built before 1980
By the survey, about 32 percent were built from 1980 to 1999 and about 17 percent in 2000 or later, our own calculation. The largest single group was built from 1970 to 1979.
Type
More than half are single detached houses
By the survey, about 58 percent of the homes are single detached houses and about 12 percent are attached, about 11 percent are in buildings of 50 or more units and about 5 percent are mobile homes, our own calculation.
Who lives in them
About two in three are lived in by their owners
By the survey, about 65 percent of occupied homes are lived in by their owners and about 35 percent by renters, our own calculation.
Older roofs and gutters need a different hand: Gutter Repair · Roof Repair · Gutter Installation
The story of Union City
History and character
On the early land, the Union City Historical Museum’s history page says, “Cattle ranching was the center of life in the early 1800’s along with garden crops, fruits, and grain.”
On the first town lots, the museum’s newsletter says, “But this was the cradle of old Union City. This is where John Horner started selling his town lots of Union City in December 1850.”
On a flood, the museum prints an old account titled “The Alvarado Flood of 1854”, which says, “travel except in boats or by swimming was almost impossible between Alvarado and Centerville from the overflow of the Alameda Creek.”
On how Decoto began, the Museum of Local History’s booklet says, “Ezra Decoto came to California in 1854 and settled in Alameda County. In 1867, he and his two brothers, Adolphus and John, purchased 334 acres of land on old Mission Road (Mission Blvd).” It adds, “The Central Pacific created a rail siding around which the town of Decoto was built.”
BART’s station page says, “Incorporated in 1959, Union City combined the communities of Alvarado, Decoto, and New Haven.”
The museum’s chronology says, “1960 – Subdivisions began (Town & Country, Casa Verde, Regency Park, Contempo, Creekside).”
Union City, roof and gutters
Union City is a city in Alameda County, next to Hayward and Fremont. The City’s About page says it is “living in the center of the Bay Area, with San Francisco and Silicon Valley just minutes away.” It gives its size two ways, as “Eighteen square miles in area” in its text and as “Land Area: 19.3 square miles” in its demographics block, so about 18 to 19 square miles, according to the City.
Yearly rain here is about 15 inches, by NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals for the two stations nearest City Hall, Fremont at 15.94 inches and Newark at 14.37, our own calculation of their average. About 90 percent of it falls from November to April, also our own calculation, and the City’s Winter Weather page gives the same months for the rainy season.
When storms come, the City’s Winter Weather page asks residents to help by “Checking drainage systems including gutters and removing debris as necessary.”
We have been working on Bay Area roofs and gutters since 2002. If yours hasn’t had a look in a while, we’d be glad to come by.
Landmarks and parks
Site of the First County Courthouse, State landmark No. 503
The State’s landmark page says, “This is the site of Alameda County’s first courthouse where county government began on June 6, 1853.” It gives the location as “Union City Blvd and Smith St, Alvarado District, Union City”.
Site of the Nation’s First Successful Beet Sugar Factory, State landmark No. 768 (the State’s name for it)
The State’s landmark page says E. H. Dyer “built the factory in 1870 on a corner of his farm.” It adds, “The plant has since been completely rebuilt on the original site.”
Masonic Home
The Museum of Local History’s Decoto bicycle tour booklet says, “The Masonic Home was built in 1898, with a dedication ceremony in October of that year. It opened as the Masonic Home for Widows and Orphans.” The Masonic Homes of California’s home page lists a “UNION CITY CAMPUS”.
How we can help in Union City
Why Sunshine Gutters and Roofing
- Family-owned since 2002, trusted by thousands of returning Bay Area homeowners
- Licensed (CSLB #1053780), bonded, with $2 million in general liability coverage
- Our own crew, never subcontractors
- We keep track of local regulations, fire safety rules and insurance programs
- We show you what we found, with photos, so you decide what happens next
The year in Union City
| February | February is the wettest month, by NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals at the Fremont and Newark stations, our own calculation |
|---|---|
| April | The City’s Winter Weather page puts the end of its rainy season at April: “usually lasts from November to April” |
| June | June through September together bring only about 0.28 inch of rain at each of the two stations, by NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals |
| July | July is the driest month, 0.00 inch at both stations, by NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals |
| November | The rains pick up: by NOAA’s 1991-2020 normals November averages about 1.5 inches against about 0.7 in October, our own calculation |
| December | December through February is the wettest stretch, about 57 to 58 percent of the year’s rain by NOAA’s normals, our own calculation |
Union City questions
What Union City homeowners ask us
Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Union City?
The City’s Permits page says, “If you are planning on building, remodeling, or making improvements to your home, you’ll need to get the appropriate permits.” It does not name a roof, so the Building Division, at 510.675.5313 on the City’s Contact Us page, is the place to ask about yours. The Building page says, “OTC permits may be issued at the Building Division counter during business hours or obtained via email.” If you wish, we can also pull the permit for you, as most of our customers ask us to.
Who looks after the street tree in front of my house in Union City?
The City’s FAQ says, “Homeowners are required to take care of and maintain the tree. However, the City will assist with tree pruning on an as needed basis.” Before any removal, “the resident shall contact and confirm with the Grounds Division.” The FAQ speaks of the street tree in the City right of way.
Can I get help paying for a new roof in Union City?
The City’s homeowner page lists Renew Alameda County loans and puts “re-roofing” first among its “Examples of eligible renovations”. The program’s own page says, “Renew Alameda County’s application is currently closed, but you can still join the interest list.” Check back before you plan around it.
What our customers say
Get a free estimate
We usually respond promptly within the day. Phone first for emergencies: (510) 525-0880.
Where we work
Union City neighbourhoods we serve
Alvarado
The County fire department says, “Alameda County Fire Station 32 serves the Alvarado District in Union City”. BART’s station page says, “Alvarado was the original county seat of Alameda County”.
Decoto
The County fire department says, “Alameda County Fire Station 33 serves the Decoto District of Union City.”
New Haven
BART’s station page names it among the three communities Union City combined in 1959. The City’s About page names the New Haven Unified School District.
Station District
The City’s About page calls it its “transit-oriented Station District, located around the Union City BART station”.
Alvarado Historic District
The City’s Attractions page places its Saturday farmers’ market here.
Also serving nearby: Hayward · Fremont