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

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

Carport Rules

Carports in Union City are regulated as accessory structures under Chapter 223 (Land Development), originally adopted Nov. 4, 2019, and the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Permitted accessory buildings must have a building footprint of less than 1,000 square feet and may not be placed where not allowed by the underlying zoning district; a zoning permit and a UCC building permit are required. Given Union City's extreme density and tiny lot sizes - among the highest densities in the United States - free-standing carports are very rarely feasible.

Key details: Local Code: Union City Ch. 223 - Land Development (Eff. Nov. 4, 2019). Definition: Roofed structure for parking, enclosed on two or more sides. Accessory Building Cap: Footprint must be less than 1,000 sq ft. Permits Required: Zoning permit + UCC building permit. State Code: N.J.A.C. 5:23 (Uniform Construction Code).

Building or installing a carport without a zoning permit or UCC building permit is a violation of Chapter 223 and N.J.A.C. 5:23. The Construction Official may issue a stop-work order and require permit submission. A carport that exceeds the 1,000-square-foot accessory-building footprint cap, fails setbacks, or pushes lot coverage above the district maximum can be ordered removed or relocated. Continuing daily violations may be cited under the City's general penalty provisions and pursued in Municipal Court.

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

Garage Conversions

Garage conversions in Union City require building permits and zoning approval under Chapter 223 and Chapter 426. Conversions to ADUs are covered by the 2024 NJ ADU mandate. Certificate of Occupancy required before occupying converted space.

Key details: Permits Required: Zoning permit + building permit. CO Required: Certificate of Occupancy before occupancy. ADU Conversion: Covered by NJ ADU mandate. Contact: (201) 348-5731.

Unpermitted garage conversion: stop-work order, mandatory permits, fines. Occupying without CO: health and safety enforcement.

ADU Rules

Union City allows ADUs under the 2024 NJ ADU mandate (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-123.16, effective 2025) and Chapter 223 (LDO). ADUs are permitted by right on lots with single or two-family homes. Chapter 223 provides local ADU implementation standards including building permits and Certificate of Occupancy.

Key details: ADU By Right: Yes — single and two-family home lots. State Mandate: N.J.S.A. 52:27D-123.16 (2024). Local Code: Chapter 223 (LDO). Processing: Ministerial — deemed approved in 60 days.

Unpermitted ADU: stop-work order, mandatory permits, fines.

Shed Rules

Sheds in Union City require zoning and building permits under Chapter 223 (LDO) and Chapter 426. Given Union City's extremely small lot sizes, sheds are rarely feasible. Sheds must comply with setback requirements and may not be placed in front yards.

Key details: Permit Required: Yes — zoning + building permits. Front Yard: Prohibited. Setbacks: Required from property lines. Urban Reality: Very limited by extreme lot sizes.

Unpermitted shed: zoning violation, removal order. Shed in prohibited location: mandatory removal.

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

The Bottom Line

Union City 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 Union City, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Union City's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.