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

Section 188-11 of the Howell Township Code governs accessory buildings in all residential zones. Subsection C sets the general rule: setbacks for accessory structures are five feet on lots less than 10,000 square feet and equivalent to the height for lots larger than 10,000 feet. A reduced rule applies to residential storage sheds that meet all three criteria: designed for and in fact used for storage of residential materials, 120 square feet or less, and eight feet in height or less. Those sheds are permitted with a zero-foot setback to rear and side property lines.

The setback is measured from the wall of the shed, edge of foundation or gravel bed, roof overhang or any other attached appurtenance, whichever is the greatest expanse of footprint. Only two residential storage sheds per property get the reduced setback, and any additional structure, or any shed over 120 square feet or taller than eight feet, must meet the general accessory structure setback. Pool cabanas are excluded from the zero-foot rule. Other limits sit in the same section. An accessory building attached to a principal building is part of the principal building and follows its yard requirements.

No building permit issues for an accessory building before one issues for the principal building, and the accessory permit can be revoked if the principal building does not precede or coincide with it. Under subsection B, no accessory structure other than items such as flag poles, light or signposts, walks, driveways, ground-level patios, mail boxes and septic tanks can be erected in any front yard. Pool cabanas have their own footprint caps of 500 square feet on lots of 40,000 square feet or more and 250 square feet on smaller lots.