Jersey City, NJ Accessory Structures: ADU Permits (2026)

Jersey City regulates ADUs (called Accessory Dwelling Units) under Code of Ordinances Chapter 345 (Zoning), enforced by the Division of Zoning. ADUs are permitted in the low-density residential zones: RH-1, RH-2 (Historic Residential), R-1, and R-2. One ADU is allowed per lot in addition to the unit(s) in the principal structure. Key zoning standards: (1) Must be a separate detached structure from the principal building - attached and interior conversions are not permitted as ADUs under the Jersey City standard; (2) Maximum height generally 18 ft or two stories; (3) No express maximum square footage, though lot coverage, setback, and yard standards in the underlying zone effectively cap the size; (4) ADUs are exempt from the minimum off-street parking requirement of the zone (per the ADU standards adopted in the P23-096 master plan implementation amendments). Construction permits are issued by the Jersey City Division of Building, Construction, and Inspection (30 Montgomery St) under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Separate building, electrical, plumbing, and fire-protection subcode permits are required (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.15). NJ Residential Code (IRC adoption) and 2021 National Standard Plumbing Code apply. Historic district properties (Van Vorst Park, Hamilton Park, Harsimus Cove, Paulus Hook, Bergen Hill, etc.) require Historic Preservation Commission Certificate of Appropriateness before permits issue. Effective April 1, 2024, a Residential Development Fee under Ordinance 23-0481 applies to qualifying new residential development.