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

If you live in Paramus or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Paramus has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

ADU Rules

Paramus does not authorize stand-alone accessory dwelling units in its residential zones. Chapter 429 (Zoning) of the Borough Code, governing the R-50, R-75, R-100, R-150 and R-2F residential districts, allows accessory buildings only as uses subordinate and customarily incidental to a permitted principal use, and expressly prohibits living quarters in any accessory building. State authority is the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.

Key details: Local Authority: Paramus Code Ch. 429 (Zoning). State Enabling Law: N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. (MLUL). Living Quarters in Accessory Buildings: Prohibited. Accessory Building Coverage: Max 60% of main building's land coverage. Two-Family Use: Allowed only in R-2F zone.

Constructing or occupying an accessory building as a dwelling violates Chapter 429 of the Borough Code. Enforcement is handled by the Paramus zoning officer and construction official, and remedies can include stop-work orders, orders to vacate, removal of unauthorized living quarters, and municipal court fines. Use without required permits also violates the Uniform Construction Code under N.J.A.C. 5:23 and may trigger separate state penalties.

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

Shed Rules

Paramus regulates shed placement based on size, with stricter setbacks for sheds exceeding 100 square feet of floor area in residential zones.

Key details: Code chapter: Chapter 429, Article VIII. Small shed setback: 5 feet from line. Size threshold: 100 square feet. Larger shed rear: 10 feet typical.

Violations may result in zoning enforcement action, stop-work orders, fines, and required removal or relocation of the structure.

The rules around shed rules in Paramus lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Paramus'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 Paramus is broadly strict or permissive.

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