Union City, NJ Accessory Structures: Carport Rules (2026)

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.