Lot Coverage Limits: Garfield vs Paramus
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Paramus, NJ?
Garfield and Paramus have similar restriction levels.
Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Garfield caps how much of a residential rear yard may be covered by detached accessory buildings, in addition to district-specific lot coverage percentages set by zone.
View full Garfield rules →Paramus, NJ
Bergen County
Paramus residential zones R-75 and R-100 cap building coverage at 25% and total impervious coverage at 50%. The Neighborhood Business zone allows 80% impervious; Conservation/Recreation just 20%.
View full Paramus rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garfield | Paramus |
|---|---|---|
| Accessory rear-yard cap | 30 percent aggregate | - |
| Accessory side/rear setback | 3 feet minimum | - |
| Front setback for accessory | 50 feet minimum | - |
| District coverage | Per Zoning Chart | - |
| R-75/R-100 Building | - | 25% maximum |
| R-75/R-100 Impervious | - | 50% maximum |
| R-AH Impervious | - | 60% maximum |
| NB Impervious | - | 80% maximum |
| CR Building/Impervious | - | 5% / 20% |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garfield FAQ
How big can my shed and garage be combined in Garfield?
Together, all detached accessory buildings in a residential rear yard cannot occupy more than 30 percent of that rear yard's area under Article IX of the zoning code.
Where can I find Garfield's lot coverage percentages?
District-specific lot coverage maximums for principal buildings are listed in Garfield's Zoning Chart of Requirements, which is published on the city's official website.
Paramus FAQ
Does a Paramus driveway count toward impervious coverage?
Yes. Driveways, patios, walkways, decks with solid surfaces, and pools all count as impervious coverage and are added to building footprint when calculating total impervious limits.
What if my Paramus lot already exceeds the impervious cap?
Existing nonconforming coverage may continue but cannot be expanded. Adding any new impervious surface to a noncompliant lot requires a variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
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