Linden, NJ Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

Under Chapter 31 of the Linden Municipal Code, a carport is an accessory structure: a building or structure on the same lot as the principal building whose use is incidental to the principal building. Driveways, patios, sheds, garages, and carports are listed in Linden's zoning materials as accessory uses associated with one- and two-family dwellings, provided they do not create a zoning bulk violation. The placement, setback, height, and coverage rules for carports come from two places: Section 31-20.3 (Accessory Buildings) and Section 31-17.9 (Accessory Use Height Limitation Modification), together with the Schedule of Limitations and the Area, Yard and Bulk Regulations attached to Chapter 31, which set the numeric standards for each residential district. The Schedule of Limitations governs height limitations, area and yard requirements, and permitted accessory uses by zone, so the exact rear-yard and side-yard setbacks, maximum height, and accessory coverage cap depend on the specific residential district (R-1, R-2, etc.) in which the carport is proposed. Section 31-5 requires a zoning permit before any structure is erected, reconstructed, altered, converted, or installed, including a metal or prefabricated carport, to confirm compliance with Chapter 31. Independently, the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) requires a building permit issued by the Linden Construction Code Department for any framed roofed structure such as a carport; prefabricated metal carports anchored to a slab or footings are not exempt. Linden's Land Development chapter (Chapter 29) provides that accessory structures of less than 500 square feet and less than 15 feet in height in nonresidential zones can avoid full site plan review, which is consistent with the city treating carports as a small-accessory-structure category rather than a principal-building review. Carports must remain open-sided as accessory parking structures: enclosing the walls converts the carport into a garage or living space and triggers a fresh zoning and UCC review under Chapter 31 and N.J.A.C. 5:23.