5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Hudson County, New Jersey.
Verified from official government sources
Hudson County does not regulate accessory dwelling units (ADUs) at the county level. Under New Jersey's Municipal Land Use Law (N.J.S.A. 40:55D-1 et seq.), zoning authority rests with each of Hudson County's 12 municipalities (Jersey City, Hoboken, Union City, North Bergen, West New York, Bayonne, Kearny, Secaucus, Harrison, Weehawken, East Newark, and Guttenberg). New Jersey has no statewide ADU mandate — Senate Bill S2347 (2024-2025 session) died and was reintroduced as S1786 in January 2026, but neither has been enacted.
Sheds and small accessory structures in Hudson County are regulated by individual municipalities through zoning and building codes. No county-level shed ordinance exists. Common municipal requirements include setback distances from property lines (often 3–5 feet), maximum height limits (typically 10–15 feet), lot coverage limits, and permit requirements for sheds over a certain size (often 100–200 sq ft).
Garage conversions to habitable space in Hudson County are regulated by each municipality's zoning ordinance and the statewide New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23). Hudson County itself does not regulate garage conversions — the municipal Construction Official issues the building permit and inspects the work. Conversions to independent dwelling units (ADUs) are only permitted where the municipal zoning code authorizes them.
Carports in Hudson County are uncommon due to urban density but when installed require a construction permit, zoning setback compliance (typically 3-5 ft side, 25+ ft rear), and must fit lot coverage limits. Historic districts in Hoboken and Jersey City often prohibit front-yard carports entirely.
Tiny homes face significant obstacles in Hudson County. Urban lots rarely have space. The 2024 NJ ADU law (N.J.S.A. 52:27D-123.16) effective 2025 requires municipalities to permit ADUs by right on single/two-family lots, opening a path for tiny homes as ADUs. Tiny homes on wheels are RVs under NJ law — no permanent occupancy.
4 cities in Hudson County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Hudson County Ordinance Hub →