5 rules for unincorporated Gloucester County, New Jersey.
Verified from official government sources
New Jersey has no statewide ADU mandate. Under N.J.S.A. 40:55D-62, each Gloucester County municipality decides through its own zoning ordinance whether an accessory apartment is allowed, in Deptford, Monroe, or Harrison Township.
N.J.S.A. 40:55D-62
The governing body may adopt or amend a zoning ordinance relating to the nature and extent of the uses of land and of buildings and structures thereon.
A small shed skips the construction permit everywhere in Gloucester County. N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(b)8 exempts a garden-type utility shed of 200 square feet or less and 10 feet or under in height.
N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(b)8
A construction permit for building work shall not be required for garden-type utility sheds and similar structures that are 200 square feet or less in area, 10 feet or less in height, and accessory to buildings of Group R-2, R-3, R-4, or R-5 and which do not contain a water, gas, oil, or sewer connection.
Turning a garage into living space is regulated work in every Gloucester County town. Under N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14 a change of use to habitable space requires a construction permit before any work begins.
N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(a)
It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, repair, renovate, alter, reconstruct or demolish a structure, or change the use of a building or structure, or portion thereof, ... without first filing an application with the construction official ... in writing and obtaining the required permit therefor.
A carport is a roofed structure, so it takes a construction permit in every Gloucester County town under N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14. Municipal zoning setbacks under the Municipal Land Use Law control how close it sits to the line.
N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(a)
It shall be unlawful to construct, enlarge, repair, renovate, alter, reconstruct or demolish a structure ... without first filing an application with the construction official ... in writing and obtaining the required permit therefor.
A tiny home's status in Gloucester County turns on its foundation. On a permanent foundation it is a dwelling under N.J.A.C. 5:23; on wheels it is a titled RV that municipal zoning does not treat as a permanent home.
N.J.S.A. 40:55D-62
The governing body may adopt or amend a zoning ordinance relating to the nature and extent of the uses of land and of buildings and structures thereon.
See every category we cover for Gloucester County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Gloucester County Ordinance Hub →