How Lakewood Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

Lakewood maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lakewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Carport Rules

Lakewood Township regulates carports as accessory buildings under Chapter 18 (Unified Development Ordinance), Article IX (Zoning Districts and Regulations). Detached accessory buildings such as garages and carports must conform to the bulk schedule for the underlying residential zone, and a Zoning Permit plus a Building Permit under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) must be obtained before construction.

Key details: Code: Township Code Ch. 18 (UDO). Article: Art. IX Zoning Districts. Permits: Zoning + UCC Building Permit. State Construction Code: N.J.A.C. 5:23. Front-Yard Placement: Prohibited.

Building a carport without a Zoning Permit and UCC Building Permit, or placing one in a front-yard setback or closer to a property line than the zone's accessory-structure setback, violates Chapter 18 of the Township Code and N.J.A.C. 5:23. The Lakewood Department of Inspections and Department of Code Enforcement may issue a stop-work order, require removal or after-the-fact permitting, and refer violations to Lakewood Municipal Court under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5 with fines up to $2,000 per offense.

ADU Rules

Lakewood does not have a specific ADU ordinance. New Jersey lacks a statewide ADU mandate. Single-family zones generally do not permit second dwelling units. A use variance would be required.

Key details: ADU Ordinance: None. NJ Statewide Mandate: None. Variance Required: Use variance. Max Fine: $1,250.

Unauthorized dwelling units are zoning violations with fines up to $1,250 or 90 days imprisonment.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lakewood actively enforces its adu rules requirements.

Garage Conversions

Converting a garage to living space in Lakewood requires building permits and may require a zoning variance if required off-street parking is eliminated. The Unified Development Ordinance governs parking requirements by district.

Key details: Permits: Building permit required. Parking Impact: May need variance. RSIS: Parking standard applies. Max Fine: $1,250.

Unauthorized conversions are zoning violations with fines up to $1,250 or 90 days imprisonment.

This is one of the stricter rules in Lakewood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Shed Rules

Lakewood defines a shed as a 1-story accessory building with a maximum footprint of 200 sq ft and maximum height of 12 feet. Sheds may be placed 5 feet from side and rear property lines. No shed is permitted in the front yard setback. Permits are required for all shed sizes.

Key details: Max Footprint: 200 sq ft. Max Height: 12 feet. Side/Rear Setback: 5 feet minimum. Front Yard: Prohibited. Permit Required: Yes, all sizes.

Building without a permit or in violation of setbacks requires correction. General penalties apply.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to accessory structures. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Lakewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Lakewood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.