Building Setbacks & Zoning in Elizabeth, NJ (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Elizabeth, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Elizabeth City Code Section 17.36.110(A) sets minimum yard setbacks for one- and two-family homes: a 20-foot front yard, a side yard equal to 12 percent of lot width but never less than 3 feet, and a rear yard of 25 percent of lot depth with a 25-foot floor. A shorter, prevailing front setback applies where 65 percent of nearby lots already build closer.
Elizabeth Yard Setback Minimums by Zone
Some RestrictionsElizabeth City Code § 17.36.110(A)
A.The following requirements for yard dimensions shall apply to all one- and two-family residential dwellings in all zones permitted within the city.1.Front Yard Setback. Twenty (20) feet minimum, measured from the street line to the most outward front building projection, excluding projections permitted under Paragraph B. The front yard can be less if it meets the prevailing setback based on s...
Structure Height Limits
City Code Section 17.36.120(A) caps R-1 and most other residential buildings at three stories and 38 feet, or the prevailing height on the block if one exists, with no occupancy above the third story for any use. R-4 and C-3 buildings can rise to 16 stories and 160 feet.
Elizabeth Residential Building Height Limits by Zone
Some RestrictionsElizabeth City Code § 17.36.120(A)
1.In the R-1 residential district, buildings shall be limited to three stories. No occupancy for any purposes (office, storage, residential uses, etc.) shall be permitted above the third story. Building height shall be prevailing or if a prevailing does not exist thirty-eight (38) feet. Building height shall be measured by using the average of the existing grades where the future building will ...
Lot Coverage Limits
City Code Section 17.36.110(F) caps impervious surface, roofs, pavement and sidewalks alike, on a sliding scale for residential lots: 77 percent on lots of 2,500 to 3,500 square feet, 65 percent from 3,501 to 4,500 square feet, and 60 percent on anything larger. Most non-residential lots max out at 75 percent, or 80 percent in the MRC-1 and MRC-2 zones.
Elizabeth Maximum Impervious Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsElizabeth City Code § 17.36.110(F)
F.Impervious Lot Coverage. Impervious surface is defined as a surface that is resistant to infiltration by water, including but not limited to roofs, pavement and sidewalks.1.The following are limits to the amount of impervious surface permitted: Residential Lots 2500 to 3500 sq. ft 77% max; 3501 to 4500 sq. ft. 65% max; 4501 and beyond 60% max.2.All non-residential lots shall have a max imperv...
Looking for Union County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Elizabeth city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Union County →