Before You Build in Lakewood, NJ: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Lakewood regulates fence heights through the Unified Development Ordinance. Typical NJ residential standards apply: up to 6 feet in rear/side yards and up to 4 feet in front yards. Specific limits should be confirmed with the Zoning Office.

Lakewood requires zoning approval and a building permit for all fence construction. The basic zoning permit fee is $35. Pool fencing has additional requirements. Fences, like all accessory structures, must comply with the Unified Development Ordinance.

New Jersey has no statutory cost-sharing for boundary fences. In Lakewood, fences must comply with setback requirements and not impede drainage to adjacent properties. Boundary disputes are civil matters.

Lakewood requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high per the NJ UCC (N.J.A.C. 5:23). All pool ordinances including setback and fencing requirements remain in full force. Zoning and building permits are required.

Lakewood requires zoning approval and building permits for all swimming pool construction. Pools are accessory uses in residential zones. Adjacent vacant lots may be used for pools without lot merger if both lots are conforming and commonly owned.

Above-ground pools in Lakewood require zoning and building permits. All pool fencing and safety requirements apply regardless of pool type. The 48-inch barrier must be maintained around all pools.

Lakewood does not have a specific ADU ordinance. New Jersey lacks a statewide ADU mandate. Single-family zones generally do not permit second dwelling units. A use variance would be required.

Converting a garage to living space in Lakewood requires building permits and may require a zoning variance if required off-street parking is eliminated. The Unified Development Ordinance governs parking requirements by district.

Lakewood Township regulates carports as accessory buildings under Chapter 18 (Unified Development Ordinance), Article IX (Zoning Districts and Regulations). Detached accessory buildings such as garages and carports must conform to the bulk schedule for the underlying residential zone, and a Zoning Permit plus a Building Permit under the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) must be obtained before construction.

Lakewood defines a shed as a 1-story accessory building with a maximum footprint of 200 sq ft and maximum height of 12 feet. Sheds may be placed 5 feet from side and rear property lines. No shed is permitted in the front yard setback. Permits are required for all shed sizes.

Outdoor burning in Lakewood is regulated under the NJ Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70), enforced by the Ocean County Bureau of Fire Safety. Open burning is generally prohibited. Permits may be required from the NJ Forest Fire Service for certain activities.

Fire pits in Lakewood fall under the NJ Uniform Fire Code. Recreational fires must not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height. Permanent fire pits may require permits. Fires may be ordered extinguished if smoke becomes offensive or conditions hazardous.

Water use restrictions in Lakewood are primarily governed by NJDEP at the state level. Mandatory restrictions may be imposed during drought emergencies declared by the Governor. No permanent local watering restrictions exist.

Lakewood Chapter 19 regulates tree removal to prevent indiscriminate destruction. Trees on single-family lots of one acre or less are exempt. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees may be removed without restriction. Tree replacement may be required for development projects.

Lakewood requires property owners to maintain trees and remove dead, dying, or hazardous trees from their property. The Township regulates tree removal to prevent indiscriminate destruction and requires appropriate tree replacement.