Accessory Structures in Cape May County, NJ (2026)

ADU Rules

Cape May County does not regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) at the county level. Under New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL), N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq., zoning authority belongs to each municipality. The county Planning Board's role under the County Planning Enabling Act (N.J.S.A. 40:27-1 et seq.) is limited to county master planning and review of subdivision and site plan applications that affect county roads, drainage, or other county facilities. Whether an ADU is allowed - and the size, setback, parking, and owner-occupancy rules that apply - is determined by the municipality where the property is located (Cape May City, Ocean City, Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City, Middle Township, Lower Township, Dennis Township, Upper Township, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest, West Cape May, Cape May Point, West Wildwood, or Woodbine).