Accessory Structures in Plainfield, NJ (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Plainfield, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In the City of Plainfield, New Jersey, accessory dwelling units are permitted in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 residential districts under § 17:9-23, as amended in 2025. A detached ADU tops out at 24 feet, sits 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, needs one added parking space, and is approved administratively by the Zoning Officer.
Plainfield Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsPlainfield Municipal Code § 17:9-23
§ 17:9-23. Buildings or structures per lot - Primary and Accessory Dwelling Units. ... B. Permitted Zones. ADUs are permitted in the following zoning districts: 1. R-1, Very Low Density Residential; R-2, Low Density Residential; and R-3, Low/Moderate Density Residential. ... E. Setbacks. 1. ADUs must maintain a minimum setback of 5 feet from side and rear lot lines. 2. ADUs must comply with fro...
ADU Owner Occupancy
In the City of Plainfield, New Jersey, § 17:9-23(C) requires that either the primary dwelling or the accessory dwelling unit be owner-occupied, and it bars selling an ADU separately from the primary dwelling. The rule attaches to every ADU permitted in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 districts.
Plainfield ADU Owner-Occupancy Requirement
Significant RestrictionsPlainfield Municipal Code § 17:9-23(C)
§ 17:9-23. Buildings or structures per lot - Primary and Accessory Dwelling Units. ... 1. Primary Dwelling Unit: The principal residential structure on a lot or parcel. No lot in a residential zone district shall contain more than one (1) principal building or structure. ... C. Occupancy. 1. Either the primary dwelling or the ADU must be owner-occupied. 2. ADUs may not be sold separately from t...
Shed & Carport Rules
In the City of Plainfield, New Jersey, a storage shed is an accessory structure under § 17:9-19. It needs a development permit before installation, cannot exceed 150 square feet, and sits at least 3 feet from side and rear property lines. Residential accessory structures stop at one story or 15 feet, whichever is less.
Plainfield Shed and Accessory Structure Rules
Some RestrictionsPlainfield Municipal Code § 17:9-19
§ 17:9-19. Accessory uses and structures. ... A development permit is required to be obtained prior to the installation of any accessory use or structure. ... B. Setbacks. Accessory structures, unless specifically regulated otherwise in this chapter, shall be set back from side and rear property lines a minimum three (3) feet to a rear yard property line and three (3) feet to a side yard proper...
Looking for Union County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Plainfield city rules.
Accessory Structures in Union County →