Bergen County, NJ Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Under the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D), zoning authority rests with each municipality, and Bergen County's 70 municipalities each set their own ADU rules. Bergen County municipalities commonly impose: minimum lot size thresholds (typically 7,500 to 15,000 sq ft depending on zone); ADU size caps (typically 30-40% of the primary dwelling or 800-1,000 sq ft maximum); owner-occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the accessory unit; and either by-right approval in specified zones or a conditional use approval from the local Planning Board. Notable Bergen County examples: Old Tappan allows accessory apartments for senior citizens with specific design and occupancy standards; Teaneck Township has an Article IX Accessory Dwelling Units ordinance permitting ADUs in specified residential zones. Because S2347 did not pass, there is no statewide minimum ADU standard or required municipal acceptance. Property owners should check the specific municipal zoning ordinance (commonly available on eCode360 or municipal websites) and seek a Zoning Officer determination before designing a project.