ADU Rules: Mahwah vs Ridgewood
How do adu rules rules compare between Mahwah, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Mahwah and Ridgewood have similar restriction levels.
Mahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah permits accessory apartments as a conditional accessory use in all residential zones under Chapter 24 (Zoning) of the Township Code. Section 24-4.1(d) authorizes the use, while Section 24-6.1(j) sets the conditions: one accessory apartment per single-family residence, 400 to 800 square feet, no more than 30% of the habitable living space, a maximum of three occupants, and the principal building must be owner-occupied at all times. After July 1, 1997, no new affordable accessory apartments may be created.
View full Mahwah 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 | Mahwah | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Local Authority | Mahwah Code Ch. 24 (Zoning) | - |
| Permitting Section | Sec. 24-4.1(d) (conditional accessory use) | - |
| Standards Section | Sec. 24-6.1(j) | - |
| Where Allowed | All residential zones (conditional use) | - |
| Units Per Lot | One accessory apartment per single-family residence | - |
| Size Range | 400 to 800 sq ft, not more than 30% of habitable living space | - |
| Occupants | Maximum three per apartment | - |
| Owner Occupancy | Required at all times | - |
| State Law | N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq. (MLUL); N.J.A.C. 5:23 (UCC) | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mahwah FAQ
Where in Mahwah can I add an accessory apartment?
Accessory apartments are permitted as a conditional accessory use in all residential zones under Section 24-4.1(d) of the Mahwah Zoning Ordinance. Conditional use approval from the Planning Board is required, and the unit must satisfy the standards in Section 24-6.1(j).
Can I rent out the accessory apartment if I don't live in the main house?
No. Section 24-6.1(j) requires that the building be owner-occupied at all times. An accessory apartment cannot lawfully be operated on a property where the owner does not occupy the principal dwelling.
How big can the accessory apartment be?
The minimum floor area is 400 square feet and the maximum is 800 square feet, and in no case may the apartment exceed 30% of the habitable living space of the dwelling, per Section 24-6.1(j).
Ridgewood FAQ
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