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

Structure height limits in Union County reflect the county's dense development and proximity to Newark Liberty International Airport. Elizabeth Land Development Code Chapter 20 sets R-1 single-family at 35 ft/2.5 stories, R-2 two-family 35 ft, R-3 multifamily 45-65 ft depending on sub-district; C-M commercial central business district in Midtown Elizabeth permits 90+ ft; M-1/M-2 industrial zones permit significant height. Elizabeth Redevelopment Plan areas (Midtown, Peterstown, Elizabethport) permit high-rise construction up to 200+ ft for qualifying projects. Westfield Land Use Ordinance §13.03 limits residential to 35 ft/2.5 stories; downtown Central Business District permits 3-story/40 ft for mixed-use; GB-3 limited business 35 ft. Summit Zoning §3.5 residential 35 ft; downtown Springfield Avenue mixed-use 4 stories/50 ft. Cranford residential 35 ft; downtown overlay 50 ft mixed-use. Height measured from average finished grade to highest roof point (not including exempt projections). Chimneys, antennas, elevator/stair penthouses, and mechanical equipment exempted typically up to additional 8-15 ft. FAA Part 77 airspace notification required for structures over 200 ft AGL or near EWR, Linden Airport, or Teterboro; the FAA may issue Determination of Hazard for structures penetrating the 100:1 approach surfaces. Port Newark-Elizabeth container cranes exceed 400 ft but operate under Port Authority/FAA coordinated approval.