Freehold, NJ Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

Monmouth County lot coverage regulation is handled at the municipal level under NJ Municipal Land Use Law. Two different measures commonly apply: (1) building coverage — percentage of lot covered by principal and accessory structures (typical Monmouth residential limit 20% to 35%); and (2) impervious coverage — total footprint including buildings, driveways, patios, pool decks, and other hard surfaces (typical 40% to 60%). Rumson, Fair Haven, Colts Neck, and Holmdel have larger-lot zones with lower percentage caps. Dense urban municipalities (Red Bank, Asbury Park, Long Branch, Keyport) permit higher coverage reflecting their pre-existing urban fabric. NJ Stormwater Management Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:8-1 et seq.) require post-construction stormwater controls for major development — generally 1 acre of disturbance or 0.25 acre of new impervious. Permeable pavers, green roofs, and infiltration BMPs can receive partial credit in some Monmouth town calculations. Coastal towns factor coverage limits with CAFRA review. Shore towns increasingly scrutinize tear-down-rebuilds in Bradley Beach, Belmar, and Sea Girt where replacement homes can dramatically increase coverage. Exceeding coverage requires C-variance hearing.