Passaic, NJ Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

The zoning permit application must be filed in writing by the owner or an authorized agent under § 317-63, accompanied by a scaled plan showing the proposed deck or patio in exact relation to the lot and street lines, plus a written statement from the City Engineer confirming the bounding street lines have been accurately located on the ground. No excavation for the project may begin until that application is on file, and if the administrative officer refuses the permit, § 317-63 requires the refusal in writing with the grounds stated.

Once the permit stage is cleared, the structure has to sit inside the dimensional envelope set for accessory uses in § 317-48. The R-1 District listing at § 317-48A(3) routes decks, at-grade patios and pools to the setback standard at § 317-48I(2), and the 1995-added § 317-48I(5) sets that standard at three feet from any side lot line and five feet from the rear for R-1 and R-2 accessory structures generally. § 317-62 backs this with a strict rule of its own, any permit issued in violation of Chapter 317 is null and void automatically, without the City having to bring a separate revocation proceeding, and any work done under it is unlawful.