Carports in Union City are regulated as accessory structures under Chapter 223 (Land Development), originally adopted Nov. 4, 2019, and the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Permitted accessory buildings must have a building footprint of less than 1,000 square feet and may not be placed where not allowed by the underlying zoning district; a zoning permit and a UCC building permit are required. Given Union City's extreme density and tiny lot sizes - among the highest densities in the United States - free-standing carports are very rarely feasible.
Chapter 223 (Land Development) of the Union City Code, effective Nov. 4, 2019, defines a carport as a roofed structure providing space for the parking of motor vehicles, enclosed on two or more sides. Carports are accessory structures and are governed by the same zoning and bulk standards as other accessory buildings in the relevant zoning district under Chapter 223, Article VI (Zoning) and the Schedule of Bulk Regulations. Permitted accessory uses include accessory buildings having a building footprint of less than 1,000 square feet; structures larger than that, or any use not listed as a permitted, accessory, or conditional use in the district, require Zoning Board of Adjustment approval. Setbacks, height, and lot-coverage limits are set district-by-district in the Schedule of Bulk Regulations and accompanying Zoning Map. Union City's density (~65,000 people per square mile) and the predominance of townhouse-style and multifamily lots mean that very few residential lots have side or rear yard space sufficient to host a free-standing carport that satisfies setbacks and the lot-coverage cap. The New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14 and the building subcode) requires a UCC building permit for the carport's structural, roofing, and electrical components, and may require a fire subcode review where the carport is attached to or near another structure; some accessory structures under 200 square feet on skids may be exempt from the building permit but are not exempt from zoning. A carport that is enclosed on three or more sides may be reclassified by the zoning officer as a garage and held to garage bulk standards. Driveways and curb cuts to access a carport require approval under Chapter 281 (Streets and Sidewalks) and, on county roads, Hudson County Engineering. State Department of Community Affairs construction-permit fees apply on top of any local zoning fees. Hudson County does not impose an additional carport overlay.
Building or installing a carport without a zoning permit or UCC building permit is a violation of Chapter 223 and N.J.A.C. 5:23. The Construction Official may issue a stop-work order and require permit submission. A carport that exceeds the 1,000-square-foot accessory-building footprint cap, fails setbacks, or pushes lot coverage above the district maximum can be ordered removed or relocated. Continuing daily violations may be cited under the City's general penalty provisions and pursued in Municipal Court.
Union City, NJ
Union City prohibits noise nuisances under Article IV of its municipal code. Yelling, shouting, and amplified music are restricted between 8 PM and 10 AM or ...
Union City, NJ
Union City restricts construction under Chapter 426 (Building Construction Standards). Construction is prohibited outside of permitted hours, which begin at ...
Union City, NJ
Union City prohibits nuisance animal noise under its municipal code. Habitually barking or howling dogs that disturb neighbors are subject to animal control ...
Union City, NJ
Blocking driveways is prohibited in Union City. Vehicles blocking private driveway access are subject to ticketing and towing. Given Union City's density, of...
Union City, NJ
Union City's extreme density and comprehensive permit parking program make RV and oversized vehicle parking essentially impossible on public streets. UCPA re...
Union City, NJ
Union City Parking Authority (UCPA) operates the Residential Permit Parking Program. Parking between 9:30 PM and 8 AM requires a valid permit. Resident permi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Hudson County.
See how other cities in Hudson County handle carport rules.
See how Union City's carport rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.