Paterson, NJ Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Paterson, NJ, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Max height
- 15 feet
- Max size
- 500 sq ft or 1/3 of house
- Setback
- 3 ft from side/rear lot line
- Front yard
- Not permitted
Summary
Backyard sheds in Paterson's residential zones can't top 15 feet or exceed 500 square feet (or a third of the house's footprint), and must sit at least 3 feet off the side and rear lot lines.
Except as otherwise specifically outlined in this ordinance, accessory buildings or structures shall not exceed 15 feet in height.
3. No accessory building shall have a floor or ground area in excess of 500 square feet or 1/3 of the first floor ground area of the principal building, whichever is lesser.
4. No accessory building or structure shall be permitted in any front yard.
5. An accessory building or structure may occupy a required side yard, provided that such building or structure is more distant from the street than any part of the principal building and provided further that such accessory building or structure is not closer than 3 feet to any side or rear lot line.
6. An accessory building or structure may occupy a required rear yard, provided that such building or structure is not located closer than 3 feet to any side or rear lot line.
7. On corner lots, accessory buildings or structures shall be set back from the street a distance at least equal to the front setback of the principal building on the lot.
C. The following requirements shall be complied with in all nonresidential zones:
1. Uses that are customary and incidental uses to the related principal permitted use (e.g.,
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Article V's accessory-structure rules apply to sheds in every residential zone. A shed can't top 15 feet in height, and its footprint can't exceed 500 square feet or one-third of the principal house's ground-floor area, whichever is smaller. It's barred from the front yard entirely, and wherever it sits in the side or rear yard it must stay at least 3 feet from every lot line. On a corner lot, the shed also has to match the house's front setback along the side street. These figures sit in Article V, the section of the 2016 Zoning and Land Development Ordinance the City Council certified as current.
Violations & Fines
A shed taller than 15 feet, larger than 500 sq ft (or a third of the house), placed in the front yard, or closer than 3 feet to a lot line violates § 500-3.6.B and can be ordered removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big can a shed be in Paterson?
How close to my property line can a shed sit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
How Paterson compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey accessory structures overview
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