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

Plainfield's height rule for accessory buildings sits in § 17:9-19, the opening section of Part II, Supplementary Zoning Regulations, in Chapter 17 Land Use. In a residential zone or on a residential property in the City of Plainfield, Union County, no accessory structure can be taller than one story or fifteen feet, whichever is less. In a nonresidential zone the cap is twenty feet. In every district, no accessory structure can exceed the height of the principal structure on the same lot. A development permit is required before any accessory use or structure is installed.

Other limits in the same section shape what that height can hold. Accessory structures stay out of front yards unless the chapter specifically allows them, sit at least three feet from side and rear property lines, cannot have a ground area greater than thirty-five percent of the ground area of the principal structure in residential zones, and number no more than three per lot, with fences not counted. Storage sheds count as accessory structures and cannot exceed one hundred fifty square feet.

Section 17:9-32 lists the exceptions to the maximum height requirements of each zone district. Ornamental appurtenances such as chimneys, church spires, cupolas, belfries, clock towers or flagpoles can exceed the district height by up to ten feet. Mechanical appurtenances such as condensers, exhaust fans and elevator housing in nonresidential zones can rise ten feet above the limit if screened from the ground level of adjacent lots and streets. Parapet walls cannot extend more than four feet above the maximum height limitation.

Heights for principal buildings are not printed in the zone-by-zone text of Chapter 17. Each residential zone section sends the reader to Schedule B, described as an attachment to the chapter, for bulk requirements. The Zoning Officer, who enforces Chapter 17 and issues development permits, applies those figures.