Accessory Structures in Bergenfield, NJ (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Bergenfield, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Bergenfield permits accessory apartments as part of its affordable-housing program under Borough Code § 186-63.25, but only where the underlying Zoning Ordinance allows the use in that district and the unit is affordable to a low- or moderate-income household. No more than 10 citywide count toward the program, and the unit cannot exceed the principal dwelling's floor area.
Bergenfield Accessory Apartment Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsBergenfield Borough Code §§ 186-63.19, 186-63.25A(1), (8)-(9)
ACCESSORY APARTMENT A self-contained residential dwelling unit with a kitchen, sanitary facilities, sleeping quarters and a private entrance, which is created within an existing home, or through the conversion of an existing structure on the same site, or by an addition to an existing home or accessory building, or by the construction of a new accessory structure on the same site. ... (1) Acces...
ADU Rental Restrictions
An accessory apartment created under Bergenfield's affordable housing program is locked into a 10-year income-restricted rental. Borough Code § 186-63.25A(3)-(5) requires the unit to go only to a low- or moderate-income household at a COAH/UHAC-compliant rent, secured by a deed restriction recorded against the property.
Bergenfield Accessory Apartment Rental Restriction
Significant RestrictionsBergenfield Borough Code § 186-63.25A(3)-(5)
(3) At the time of initial occupancy of the unit and for at least 10 years thereafter, the accessory apartment shall be rented only to a household which is either a low- or moderate-income household. (4) Rents of accessory apartments shall be affordable to low- or moderate-income households as per COAH and UHAC regulations. (5) There shall be a recorded deed or declaration of covenants and rest...
Shed & Carport Rules
A shed or other detached accessory building in Bergenfield cannot rise higher than the home's principal building, must sit behind the front building line, and can be set back as little as three feet from the rear or side line under §§ 186-40 and 186-43 of the Land Development Ordinance.
Bergenfield Accessory Building Height & Setback
Some RestrictionsBergenfield Borough Code §§ 186-40D, 186-40E, 186-43B
In all residential zones, the height of any accessory building shall in no case exceed the height of the principal building, and no accessory building shall contain a dwelling unit. ... Detached accessory buildings shall be located to the rear of the front building line of the primary building, and if any part thereof is located in a side yard area, the accessory building shall conform to the s...
Garage Conversions
Bergenfield's Chapter 186 land development ordinance bans converting any garage into living space, whether new or existing. Every new one-family home must build at least a one-car garage measuring 12 by 20 feet, and two-family homes need a two-car garage at 22 by 20 feet; any garage removed must be replaced immediately.
Bergenfield Prohibits Garage Conversions to Living Space
Heavy RestrictionsBergenfield Borough Code § 186-50.1(A), (C) and (D)
All new one family dwellings are required to provide at minimum a one car garage with a minimum dimension of 12 ft. x 20 ft. ... Conversion of any new or existing garage(s) into a living space is strictly prohibited. ... No new or existing garage(s) may be removed without being immediately replaced.
Looking for Bergen County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bergenfield city rules.
Accessory Structures in Bergen County →