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🏗️ Accessory Structures/ADU Rules

ADU Rules: Bergenfield vs Fair Lawn

How do adu rules rules compare between Bergenfield, NJ and Fair Lawn, NJ?

Bergenfield and Fair Lawn have similar restriction levels.

Bergenfield, NJ

Bergen County

Some Restrictions

Bergenfield defines accessory apartments as self-contained residential units with kitchen, bathroom, sleeping space, and private entrance, regulated under Chapter 186 Land Development zoning provisions.

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Fair Lawn, NJ

Bergen County

Some Restrictions

Fair Lawn's Land Development Ordinance (Chapter 125, codified on eCode360) does not contain a stand-alone accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance. The R-1-1, R-1-2 and R-1-3 Zones permit only one one-family dwelling per lot with no other principal use; two-family dwellings are permitted only in R-2 (and zones above), and accessory uses must be customarily incidental to the principal use. Authority is delegated to Fair Lawn by the NJ Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq., P.L. 1975 c. 291).

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Key Facts Comparison

FactBergenfieldFair Lawn
Code ChapterChapter 186 Land Development-
Permit RequiredZoning permit-
Definition IncludesKitchen, bath, private entrance-
ReviewerBergenfield Zoning Officer-
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Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Bergenfield FAQ

Are accessory apartments allowed in Bergenfield?

Bergenfield's Chapter 186 defines accessory apartments and regulates them through zoning. Permitted use depends on your specific zone — confirm with the Zoning Officer at (201) 387-4055.

What counts as an accessory apartment?

A self-contained residential unit with kitchen, sanitary facilities, sleeping quarters, and a private entrance, created within an existing home or accessory structure on the same site.

Do I need a permit for an ADU conversion?

Yes. Zoning permits are required, and any structural work also needs Building Department approval under Bergenfield's Uniform Construction Code Chapter 136.

Fair Lawn FAQ

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