ADU Rules: Hackensack vs Paramus
How do adu rules rules compare between Hackensack, NJ and Paramus, NJ?
Hackensack and Paramus have similar restriction levels.
Hackensack, NJ
Bergen County
Hackensack regulates accessory dwelling units through its zoning code, with permissions varying by district. Most single-family residential zones do not permit standalone ADUs without variance approval from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
View full Hackensack 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 | Hackensack | Paramus |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning approval | Variance typically required | - |
| Permit authority | Building Department | - |
| State law | Municipal Land Use Law | - |
| Inspections | UCC inspections required | - |
| Max fine | Up to $2,000 daily | - |
| 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.
Hackensack FAQ
Can I build an ADU in my Hackensack backyard?
Detached ADUs generally require a use variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment in single-family zones. Two-family zones may allow accessory apartments by right with proper permits.
Do I need a permit to convert my basement into an apartment?
Yes. Basement conversions require building permits, plumbing/electrical permits, zoning approval, and a certificate of occupancy under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code.
Are short-term rentals of ADUs allowed?
Hackensack restricts short-term rentals through municipal ordinance. Check current registration and licensing rules with the City Clerk before listing any unit.
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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