ADU Rules: Englewood vs Paramus
How do adu rules rules compare between Englewood, NJ and Paramus, NJ?
Englewood and Paramus have similar restriction levels.
Englewood, NJ
Bergen County
Englewood does not generally authorize accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as a freestanding permitted use in its one-family residence districts. Chapter 250 (Land Use) of the Englewood Code, adopted under the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.), limits residential zones to one-family dwellings plus accessory buildings/uses with coverage caps. Accessory apartments are addressed only through the city's affordable housing program and overlay zones (Ordinance 23-22 and successor amendments).
View full Englewood rules →Paramus, NJ
Bergen County
Paramus does not authorize stand-alone accessory dwelling units in its residential zones. Chapter 429 (Zoning) of the Borough Code, governing the R-50, R-75, R-100, R-150 and R-2F residential districts, allows accessory buildings only as uses subordinate and customarily incidental to a permitted principal use, and expressly prohibits living quarters in any accessory building. State authority is the New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.
View full Paramus rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Englewood | Paramus |
|---|---|---|
| Local Code | Englewood Code Ch. 250 (Land Use), Part 4 (Zoning) | - |
| Enabling Statute | Municipal Land Use Law, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. | - |
| ADU as Permitted Use | Not generally permitted in one-family R districts | - |
| Accessory Building Coverage Cap | 20% (1-story principal) / 15% (multi-story) | - |
| Affordable Accessory Apartments | Overlay Zones Ordinance 23-22 / Fair Share Plan | - |
| Variance Path | Use variance under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(d) | - |
| Local Authority | - | Paramus Code Ch. 429 (Zoning) |
| State Enabling Law | - | N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. (MLUL) |
| Living Quarters in Accessory Buildings | - | Prohibited |
| Accessory Building Coverage | - | Max 60% of main building's land coverage |
| Two-Family Use | - | Allowed only in R-2F zone |
| Path to a Second Unit | - | Use variance under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(d) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Englewood FAQ
Can I build a backyard ADU or in-law suite in Englewood?
Not as-of-right. Englewood's zoning code limits one-family residence districts to a single principal dwelling plus accessory buildings that are not separate dwelling units. To add a second unit you typically must qualify under the city's affordable housing overlay program or obtain a use variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(d).
What's the difference between an accessory building and an accessory dwelling unit here?
Englewood's zoning permits accessory buildings such as detached garages, sheds, and similar structures within coverage limits, but those structures cannot be used as separate dwelling units with their own kitchen and sanitary facilities. A second residential unit, attached or detached, is treated as a second dwelling and requires zoning approval through the affordable housing overlay or a use variance.
Paramus FAQ
Can I build a backyard ADU or guest cottage in Paramus?
No. Chapter 429 of the Paramus Code prohibits living quarters in any accessory building in residential zones, and there is no separate ADU use category. Adding a second dwelling on a single-family lot generally requires a use variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70(d).
Is converting a garage into an apartment allowed?
Not under the current zoning. A converted garage used as a dwelling unit would be living quarters in an accessory building, which is expressly prohibited in Paramus residential zones. Such conversions also violate the Uniform Construction Code without proper permits and use approval.
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