Tiny home rules in Newark, 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.
Tiny homes in Newark must meet NJ UCC and zoning requirements. ADUs of 400-600 sq ft are allowed in residential zones. Tiny homes on wheels are not permitted as dwellings.
Newark does not have a standalone tiny home ordinance. Any tiny home intended as a permanent dwelling must meet the NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC) and the city's minimum habitable space requirements under Chapter 40:55. Dwelling units must connect to municipal water and sewer systems. Newark's ADU regulations, updated to comply with NJ state ADU law, allow one accessory dwelling unit per property in R-1, R-2, RH-1, and RH-2 zones, with a minimum size of 400 square feet and maximum of 600 square feet or 25% of the principal dwelling area. Detached ADUs are classified as accessory structures and must comply with the 20-foot height limit, setback requirements, and lot coverage standards under Chapter 41:5. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are classified as recreational vehicles and are not permitted as permanent residences in any zoning district. A certificate of occupancy from the Division of Engineering is required before any dwelling unit can be occupied.
Occupying a structure as a dwelling without a certificate of occupancy is a code violation. Unpermitted construction is subject to stop-work orders, fines, and demolition orders. Parking a THOW as a permanent residence may result in zoning enforcement action.
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See how Newark's tiny homes rules stack up against other locations.
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