Structure Height Limits: Fair Lawn vs Paramus
How do structure height limits rules compare between Fair Lawn, NJ and Paramus, NJ?
Paramus has fewer restrictions than Fair Lawn.
Fair Lawn, NJ
Bergen County
Fair Lawn limits residential buildings to 35 feet and 2.5 stories in most single-family zones, with separate higher caps applying to multi-family and commercial districts.
View full Fair Lawn rules →Paramus, NJ
Bergen County
Paramus caps single-family building heights at 2 stories or 20 feet for flat roofs and 2 1/2 stories for pitched roofs (30 to 35 feet depending on zone). The R-AH zone allows 3 stories or 35 feet.
View full Paramus rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fair Lawn | Paramus |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Max | 35 feet / 2.5 stories | - |
| Accessory Max | 15 feet typical | - |
| Measurement | From average grade | - |
| Variance Body | Zoning Board of Adjustment | - |
| R-75 Pitched | - | 2.5 stories / 30 ft |
| R-100 Pitched | - | 2.5 stories / 32 ft |
| R-150 Pitched | - | 2.5 stories / 35 ft |
| Flat Roof Max | - | 2 stories / 20 ft |
| R-AH Max | - | 3 stories / 35 ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fair Lawn FAQ
How is building height measured in Fair Lawn?
Height is measured from average grade at the building perimeter to the highest roof point for flat roofs, or the midpoint between eave and ridge for pitched roofs.
Can I add a third story to my Fair Lawn home?
Most single-family zones cap homes at 2.5 stories and 35 feet. A third full story typically requires a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Paramus FAQ
How is building height measured in Paramus?
Height is measured from average finished grade at the building perimeter to the highest point of a flat roof, or to the midpoint between eave and ridge for pitched roofs, per Chapter 429 definitions.
Can I build a 3-story house in a Paramus R-100 zone?
No. R-100 caps homes at 2 1/2 stories or 32 feet for pitched roofs. A true 3-story home requires either an R-AH zone or a use variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
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