How Ridgewood Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

Ridgewood maintains 73 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Ridgewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Shed Rules

Ridgewood permits accessory structures like sheds only on the same premises as the principal residential use under Chapter 190 zoning rules.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 190 Article X. Permit Required: Yes, building permit. Location Rule: Same premises as principal use. Enforcing Agency: Building and Inspections.

Erecting a shed without required zoning approval, exceeding height or coverage limits, or placing it within required yard setbacks may result in zoning violations and removal orders.

ADU Rules

The Village of Ridgewood Zoning Code (Chapter 190, Article X, codified on eCode360) does not contain a stand-alone accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance. Accessory uses customarily incident to permitted principal residential uses are allowed under § 190-118.2E and § 190-124, but a separate dwelling unit is not listed as a permitted accessory use in any R District (R-125, R-110, R-1, R-2, or R-3). Authority is delegated to Ridgewood by the NJ Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq., P.L. 1975 c. 291).

Key details: Authority: NJ Municipal Land Use Law 40:55D. Local Code: Village of Ridgewood Code Chapter 190. Accessory Use: §190-118.2E incidental to principal. Special Regulation: §190-124 no ADU enumerated. Zoning Districts: Five R: R-125, R-110, R-1, R-2, R-3.

Constructing or occupying a separate dwelling unit on a single-family lot without zoning approval and a UCC construction permit violates Chapter 190 and N.J.A.C. 5:23. Penalties for zoning violations are imposed under N.J.S.A. 40:49-5 — up to $2,000 per offense and up to 90 days imprisonment, plus stop-work orders. Each day a violation continues may be charged as a separate offense, and the Building Department may refuse a Certificate of Occupancy until the unauthorized unit is removed or legalized.

Compared to other cities, Ridgewood takes a harder line on adu rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Ridgewood'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 Ridgewood is broadly strict or permissive.

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