ADU Rules: Garfield vs Paramus
How do adu rules rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Paramus, NJ?
Garfield has fewer restrictions than Paramus.
Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Garfield's Zoning Code (Chapter 320, codified on eCode360) regulates accessory buildings under Article IX, but does not contain a dedicated accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance. Two-family conversions and accessory apartments are governed by Chapter 131 (Dwelling and Rooming Units, originally adopted Sept. 1, 1970) and the underlying district use regulations. Authority is delegated to Garfield by the NJ Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq., P.L. 1975 c. 291).
View full Garfield 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 | Garfield | Paramus |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| 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.
Garfield FAQ
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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