Clifton, NJ Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Under Clifton Code § 461-46, a detached accessory structure in the R-A1, R-A2 or R-B1 Districts cannot exceed 700 square feet of gross floor area, one story or 14 feet in height. In every other residential district the cap drops to 300 square feet, one story and 14 feet in height for each dwelling unit on the lot. In all other districts an accessory structure is limited to one story and 20 feet. No detached accessory structure may occupy more than 30% of the rear yard, sit within 60 feet of the front lot line, come within three feet of a side or rear lot line, or sit closer than 10 feet to the main building.

Detached garages carry their own placement rule: they must sit in the required rear or side yard, between 10 and 20 feet from the main dwelling, and more than five feet from any side or rear lot line. Garage floors cannot sit lower than the street grade except where natural drainage allows it. C. 14(b)(8), but Clifton's own zoning permit still applies to every accessory structure under § 461-70I(1). The Zoning Officer charges $50 for a shed under 200 square feet and $50 for any other accessory structure, per the zoning review fee schedule at § 461-70I(1)(c).