Accessory Structures in Asbury Park, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Asbury Park or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Asbury Park has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

Carport Rules

Carports are accessory structures regulated by Asbury Park Land Development Regulations Chapter 30. Detached accessory structures must sit in a side or rear yard, at least 5 feet from any side line, and in R1/R2 zones at least 5 feet from the side and 3 feet from the rear lot line. A zoning permit and NJ UCC construction permit are required.

Key details: Code Authority: Asbury Park LDR Chapter 30, Art. VI. Side Setback: 5 ft minimum. R1/R2 Rear Setback: 3 ft from rear lot line. Max Height: 15 ft accessory structure. Permit: Zoning + NJ UCC construction permit.

Building without a zoning permit or UCC construction permit can result in stop-work orders, daily fines under the UCC enforcement schedule, and a requirement to remove or relocate the structure to meet setbacks.

ADU Rules

Effective April 16, 2024, Asbury Park allows ADUs on legal 1- and 2-family lots in R and B zoning districts. ADUs may be in separate structures or within the main building. Construction documents and zoning permits required. Short-term rental of ADUs is prohibited.

Key details: Effective Date: April 16, 2024. Eligible Lots: 1-2 family in R/B zones. STR of ADU: Prohibited. Permits: Construction + zoning.

Unpermitted ADU: code violation. STR of ADU: $2,000/day penalty. Flood zone noncompliance: additional penalties.

Shed Rules

Sheds and accessory structures in Asbury Park must comply with Land Development Regulations Chapter 30. Structures must be maintained structurally sound under the Property Maintenance Code. In flood zones, sheds classified as Group U must meet flood elevation requirements.

Key details: Permit: Required above threshold. Flood Zone: Elevation required (Group U). Maintenance: Must be structurally sound. Setbacks: Zoning requirements apply.

Shed without permit: code violation. Unmaintained structure: property maintenance violation. Flood zone noncompliance: additional penalties.

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions require zoning and construction permits. With the 2024 ADU ordinance, converting a garage to a dwelling unit is now possible on eligible 1-2 family lots. Off-street parking elimination may require a variance. Flood zone elevation requirements apply.

Key details: ADU Option: Available since April 2024. Permits: Zoning + construction. Parking: Variance may be needed. Flood Zone: Elevation requirements.

Unpermitted conversion: code violation. Flood zone noncompliance: stop-work order. STR of converted ADU: prohibited.

The Bottom Line

Asbury Park's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Asbury Park is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Asbury Park's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.