ADU Rules: Fort Lee vs Ridgewood
How do adu rules rules compare between Fort Lee, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Fort Lee and Ridgewood have similar restriction levels.
Fort Lee, NJ
Bergen County
Fort Lee restricts accessory dwelling units through its zoning code, which generally limits residential lots to single-family use without separate secondary dwellings.
View full Fort Lee rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
The Village of Ridgewood Zoning Code (Chapter 190, Article X, codified on eCode360) does not contain a stand-alone accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance. Accessory uses customarily incident to permitted principal residential uses are allowed under § 190-118.2E and § 190-124, but a separate dwelling unit is not listed as a permitted accessory use in any R District (R-125, R-110, R-1, R-2, or R-3). Authority is delegated to Ridgewood by the NJ Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq., P.L. 1975 c. 291).
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Lee | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Code Source | eCode360 Chapter 350 | - |
| Permit | Zoning approval required | - |
| Variance | Often required | - |
| Enforcement | Zoning Officer | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Lee FAQ
Can I add an ADU to my Fort Lee single-family home?
Generally no without a variance. Fort Lee's zoning limits residential lots to one principal dwelling. Contact the Land Use Office to discuss feasibility and any required board approvals.
Are basement apartments allowed in Fort Lee?
Separate basement apartments are not broadly permitted. Any second living unit must satisfy zoning, building, and fire codes, and typically requires a variance from the Zoning Board.
Ridgewood FAQ
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