Tiny home rules in Cranford, NJ — covering tiny houses on wheels (THOWs), park model RVs, and tiny home on foundation builds — determine where they are legal and how they get permitted.
NJ's 2024 ADU law (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-123.16) requires municipalities to permit ADUs by right — provides pathway for foundation-built tiny homes. Tiny homes on wheels classified as RVs. Min 400 sq ft typical.
New Jersey passed a strong statewide ADU mandate in 2024 (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-123.16 et seq., effective 2025) requiring Union County municipalities to permit ADUs by right on any lot with a single-family or two-family home. Minimum ADU size is 850 sq ft (municipalities cannot set smaller maximums), opening a pathway for foundation-built tiny homes as ADUs. IRC Appendix Q (adopted in N.J.A.C. 5:23) governs tiny houses under 400 sq ft — loft ladders, reduced ceiling heights, and compact stair standards. Tiny homes on wheels (THOW) are classified as RVs under NJ Motor Vehicle Commission rules and cannot be permanently occupied in residential zones (not intended as dwelling). Owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs are preempted by the new state law. Utility connections, setbacks, and separate water/sewer may be required per municipal code. Elizabeth and Union Township are updating ordinances to comply.
Unpermitted tiny home as dwelling: removal or retroactive permit. THOW occupied permanently: zoning violation, $500–$2,500 fine. Non-compliant ADU: certificate of occupancy withheld.
Cranford, NJ
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Union County, NJ
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Union County, NJ
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Union County, NJ
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See how Cranford's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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