Bergenfield, NJ Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Section 186-3 of the Land Development Ordinance defines BUILDING HEIGHT as the vertical distance, for a flat roof, to the highest point of the roof, and for a pitched roof, to the mean level between the eaves and the peak, both measured from average finished grade. That baseline definition then allows two built-in additions before a structure is considered to have exceeded its zone's maximum height: parapets may rise up to five feet above the permitted maximum, and elevator and stairwell overruns together with rooftop mechanical equipment may rise up to 18 feet above it.

Separately, § 186-43C exempts church spires, belfries, cupolas and domes not used for human occupancy from the height limitations entirely, so long as, at the point where they reach the height limit, they do not cover more than 15% of the building's footprint and the reviewing board finds the added height does not harm adjoining properties. Section 186-43D grants a further, general exemption for chimneys, ventilators, skylights, water tanks, and television and radio antennas, along with other necessary mechanical appurtenances typically installed above roof level, letting all of them exceed the applicable zone height limit by up to 20 feet without separate board approval.

The actual maximum height figures for each residential and business zone are set zone-by-zone in the Schedule B bulk table attached to Chapter 186, while § 186-40D separately caps any accessory building's height at no more than the principal building's height in every residential zone.