How Ridgewood Handles Building Setbacks & Zoning: A Practical Guide

Ridgewood maintains 73 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with building setbacks & zoning. 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.

Structure Height Limits

Ridgewood limits principal residential buildings to thirty feet and two and one-half stories, allowing up to thirty-five feet only when steeper roof pitches and other Section 190-119D requirements are satisfied.

Key details: Standard max: 30 feet. Stories: 2 1/2 stories. Conditional max: 35 feet with 8:12 pitch. Code section: § 190-119D.

Buildings exceeding the height limit must be reduced or undergo variance review. Construction without compliant height calculations can trigger stop-work orders and fines.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Ridgewood actively enforces its structure height limits requirements.

Lot Coverage Limits

Ridgewood limits total above-grade structure coverage to twenty percent of the lot in residential zones, with an additional twenty percent cap on the area within two hundred feet of the front lot line.

Key details: Total coverage: 20% of lot. Front 200 feet: 20% of that area. Includes: House, garage, structures. Code source: Chapter 190 bulk table.

Construction that exceeds coverage caps must be reduced or seek a bulk variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Permits will be denied if calculations exceed the limits.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Ridgewood actively enforces its lot coverage limits requirements.

Setback Rules

Ridgewood Chapter 190 sets minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks that vary by residential zone district, with all yard setbacks measured perpendicular to the lot lines and front yards spanning the lot's full width.

Key details: Code section: Chapter 190 zoning. Zones: R-75, R-100, R-110, R-125. Measurement: Perpendicular to lot lines. Front yard: Full lot width.

Buildings or additions placed within required setbacks can be ordered modified or removed and may require zoning board variance approval. Continuing violations carry per-day fines.

The Bottom Line

Ridgewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to building setbacks & zoning. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Ridgewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Ridgewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.