Mahwah vs Ridgewood
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Mahwah, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Mahwah has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.
Mahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah permits home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones under Chapter 24, requiring the use stay clearly incidental to the dwelling and conducted by residents.
View full Mahwah rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Ridgewood permits home offices as accessory uses in residential zones, capped at 25% of dwelling floor area or 500 square feet, whichever is less.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mahwah | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | Chapter 24, Zoning | - |
| Readopted | March 10, 2022 | - |
| Ordinance No. | 1958 | - |
| Application | Home Occupation form required | - |
| Max floor area | - | 25% or 500 sq ft |
| Code chapter | - | Chapter 190, Article X |
| Separate entrance | - | Prohibited |
| Non-resident workers | - | Not allowed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mahwah FAQ
Do I need approval for a home business in Mahwah?
Yes. Residents must submit a Home Occupation Application to the Mahwah Zoning Office before operating, and the use must qualify as accessory under Chapter 24.
Who can run the home occupation?
The use must be carried out by residents of the dwelling and remain clearly incidental to the residential use of the property.
Where do I get the form?
The Home Occupation Application is available on the Mahwah Township website under Forms and Applications, or from the Planning and Zoning office.
Ridgewood FAQ
Can I have employees come work at my Ridgewood home office?
No. The home office regulations require that no person other than residents of the dwelling work in the home office space.
Does Ridgewood allow a separate exterior entrance for my home office?
No. The home office must be accessed only from the interior residential portion of the home; a separate exterior entrance is prohibited.
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