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

Wayne Township Code § 134-62.1 governs sheds and other accessory buildings. Subsection D allows them only on the same lot as the principal building. Subsection G caps the total lot coverage of all accessory buildings on a single-family residential lot, including accessory garage area, at seven percent of the total lot area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. Subsection F separately caps an accessory garage at 700 square feet. Subsection I allows no more than 2 accessory structures per property on single-family land, and detached garages are not counted toward that two. Subsection H(1) puts accessory structures in a rear yard, with no portion extending into a front or side yard except on corner lots, where H(2) defines the permitted side yard area. Subsection E adds that accessory buildings cannot alter the character of the premises or encroach on a front, side or rear yard unless the chapter permits it.

District rules add the dimensions. In the R-45 district, § 134-32.2 E requires accessory structures to sit 25 feet minimum from the side yard line and from the rear, except that accessory structures 100 square feet or less in size need only 5 feet. Height tops out at 15 feet to the ridge of a pitched roof or 12 feet to the top of a flat roof. In the Residential B Cluster district, § 134-36.1 F permits sheds not exceeding seven feet in height or 80 square feet in area, in the rear yard no closer than 10 feet from the side or rear property line for detached, duplex or attached dwellings, and no sheds for quadplex dwellings.

Permits matter. Under § 134-26.3 B(1)(a), no person shall commence the construction, reconstruction, alteration, conversion or installation of a structure or an accessory structure without first obtaining a zoning permit from the Zoning Officer. Fowl coops are capped at 100 square feet under § 134-62.1 L(2) and moveable coops have to be shown on the zoning permit application. Chapter 84 on grading separately bars sheds from established swales.