Bergenfield, NJ Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

19 as a self-contained dwelling unit with a kitchen, sanitary facilities, sleeping quarters and a private entrance created within an existing home, through conversion of an existing structure, by an addition, or by building a new accessory structure on the same lot. 25 folds accessory apartments into the Borough's Mount Laurel/Fair Housing Act compliance mechanism: the unit is permitted only where the Bergenfield Zoning Ordinance already allows an accessory apartment in that district, and it must be affordable to a low- or moderate-income household. No accessory apartment created under this article may exceed the gross floor area of the existing principal dwelling on the lot, though the program places no cap on the number of bedrooms inside it.

Before a unit is created, the appropriate utility authority must certify sufficient water and sewer capacity, or, for a well/septic lot, that added capacity meets NJDEP standards. The Borough is capped at crediting no more than 10 accessory apartments toward its fair share obligation, and must pay a subsidy of at least $25,000 per low-income unit or $20,000 per moderate-income unit created. Municipal building permit fees are waived for a qualifying unit, though an annual license and inspection fee may still apply. An owner applying to create one submits a floor plan sketch, exterior elevation drawings showing any facade changes, and a site development sketch showing property lines, the proposed addition, minimum building setbacks and required parking to the Borough's designated administrative agent.