ADU Rules: Paramus vs Teaneck
How do adu rules rules compare between Paramus, NJ and Teaneck, NJ?
Paramus and Teaneck have similar restriction levels.
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 →Teaneck, NJ
Bergen County
Teaneck restricts accessory dwelling units through its zoning code, generally treating second residential units as conditional uses requiring planning approval and conformance with single-family district standards.
View full Teaneck rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Paramus | Teaneck |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Code chapter | - | Chapter 33 Zoning |
| ADU status | - | Conditional, variance required |
| Permit required | - | Yes, building and zoning |
| Principal units | - | One per residential lot |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Teaneck FAQ
Can I add a basement apartment in Teaneck?
Generally no without a variance. Most residential zones allow only one dwelling unit per lot, and adding a second kitchen for a separate household typically requires zoning board approval.
Are in-law suites allowed?
In-law arrangements within a single dwelling unit are permitted, but they cannot be a separate dwelling unit with its own kitchen unless approved through the zoning process.
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