Union City, NJ Accessory Structures: Tiny Homes (2026)

Two distinct pathways exist for tiny homes in Hudson County. (1) Permanent foundation tiny homes: must meet the NJ UCC and International Residential Code with Appendix Q for homes under 400 sq ft. Minimum habitable dwelling space is set by local zoning — Jersey City and Hoboken do not broadly permit single-family dwellings below roughly 400-600 sq ft. The 2024 NJ ADU statute (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-123.16, effective 2025) requires all NJ municipalities to permit an ADU by-right on any lot with a single-family or two-family home; municipalities cannot require owner-occupancy, cannot set a minimum lot larger than 2,000 sq ft, and cannot cap ADU size below 850 sq ft. This creates a real pathway for foundation-built tiny homes as ADUs. (2) Tiny homes on wheels (THOW): classified as recreational vehicles under N.J.S.A. 39:3-4 and prohibited for permanent residence in Hudson County residential zones. No RV long-term parking/occupancy is permitted on private residential lots. Utility connections, septic (nonexistent in urban Hudson, which is all sewered), and building permit remain required for any foundation build.