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

Section 17.03.040 governs accessory structures. Subsection A bars them from any required front yard area. Subsection B caps the aggregate ground area covered by accessory structures in any required rear yard at thirty (30) percent of the required rear yard area within any residential zone, and the code prints its own example of a fifty (50) foot wide lot with a required thirty (30) foot rear setback, where the required rear yard is 1,500 square feet and accessory buildings cannot exceed 450 square feet. Subsection D limits any accessory structure in a residential zone to fifteen (15) feet and a maximum of one story.

Subsection E bars any detached accessory structure erected in a required yard, in any zone, from use as a residential dwelling or rooming unit. On through lots, subsection F keeps a rear yard accessory structure no nearer the rear street line than the minimum front yard setback for that street. An accessory structure attached to the principal building follows every requirement that applies to the principal building, and only a one story open porch can project into the front yard, no closer than ten (10) feet to any front lot line.

A deck at or below the grade of the first floor can sit in a required side or rear yard if it is at least three feet from any side lot line and ten (10) feet from any rear lot line. Section 17.03.080.B adds that detached garages, sheds and green houses stay one story, have no finished or partially finished attic or basement, and count toward lot coverage, impervious lot coverage, floor area ratio and maximum building size. Under § 17.08.030, a zoning permit issues before a building permit, and the initial zoning permit fee for single- and two-family residential use is $30.00.