ADU rules in Paramus, NJ — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Paramus does not authorize stand-alone accessory dwelling units in its residential zones. Chapter 429 (Zoning) of the Borough Code, governing the R-50, R-75, R-100, R-150 and R-2F residential districts, allows accessory buildings only as uses subordinate and customarily incidental to a permitted principal use, and expressly prohibits living quarters in any accessory building. State authority is the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.
The Paramus zoning ordinance is codified at Chapter 429 of the Borough Code and adopted under the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. Article VIII of Chapter 429 sets the regulations applicable to all residential districts (R-50, R-75, R-100, R-150 and R-2F) and provides that accessory uses are permitted only when subordinate and customarily incidental to a permitted principal use, and that there shall be no living quarters in any accessory building. Accessory buildings are further limited to no more than 60% of the land coverage of the main building. The ordinance specifically excludes any accessory building designed or used for human habitation or living quarters from the list of permitted accessory uses. Article XII (business zones) similarly provides that no accessory building in any business zone may be constructed or used for dwelling purposes. As a result, Paramus does not provide a use category or bulk standard for stand-alone accessory dwelling units (ADUs), in-law cottages, garage apartments, or backyard rental units. Owners seeking to add a second living unit on a residential lot must either change the principal use to a two-family dwelling where permitted (R-2F zone) or obtain a use variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(d). All construction is also subject to the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) and Paramus building permit requirements.
Constructing or occupying an accessory building as a dwelling violates Chapter 429 of the Borough Code. Enforcement is handled by the Paramus zoning officer and construction official, and remedies can include stop-work orders, orders to vacate, removal of unauthorized living quarters, and municipal court fines. Use without required permits also violates the Uniform Construction Code under N.J.A.C. 5:23 and may trigger separate state penalties.
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