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

Section 17.04.050, the bulk schedule of height, area and yard requirements, prints a Max. Building Height (ft.) for principal structures in every zone, and a separate height column in feet and stories for accessory structures. In the residential zones the principal limits are 35 feet in R-1B, R-2 and R-5C; 30 feet in R-3, R-4, R-5A and R-5B; 30 feet for R-6 single-family and townhouses; 35 feet for R-6 two-family and low-rise apartments; 60 feet for R-7 mid rise; and 120 feet for R-7 high rise. Commercial rows run from 40 feet in C-1, C-2A, C-2B, C-3A, C-3C and C-3D to 50 feet in C-3B. The C-4 downtown graduated table starts at 55 feet or 4 stories on a 5,000 square foot lot and reaches 75 feet or 6 stories on a 10,000 square foot lot.

Accessory structures are held lower. The schedule prints 15 feet and one story for accessory structures in the residential rows, and Section 17.03.040 D says no accessory structure within any residential zone shall exceed fifteen (15) feet in height and shall be a maximum one story in height. Attached private garages carry the same fifteen (15) foot cap under Sections 17.03.080 and 17.03.180. Section 17.03.010 B bars any building from being erected or altered to exceed the height designated for the zone it sits in.

Two exceptions are printed. Section 17.03.130 lets new residential construction match the mean building height of the two abutting parcels when both are improved with buildings above the height the zoning code permits, but the project shall not exceed ten (10) feet or greater than ten (10) percent of the height permitted in the zone. Section 17.03.140 lets a transmission tower, receiving tower, cooling tower, elevator bulkhead or similar accessory structure exceed the height of the principal structure by fifteen (15) feet, subject to site plan approval.