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

Linden §31-20.9 limits residential fences to 6 feet on interior lots. Corner lots require no obstruction over 3 feet within 25 feet of a street intersection for visibility. Fences must be at least 50% open (split rail, slotted chain link, or equivalent).

New Jersey has no statutory fence cost-sharing requirement. Each property owner is responsible for their own fence. NJ common law recognizes the spite fence doctrine.

Linden requires a zoning permit for fence installation under §31-5. Fences are exempt from site plan approval provided they do not violate prior variance conditions. Non-residential fences must not alter approved ingress/egress.

Linden requires private pools in rear yards only, occupying no more than 25% of rear yard or 800 sq ft (whichever is smaller). Minimum 5-foot setback from all lot lines and buildings. Building permits required per NJ UCC.

Linden §31-19.4 requires private pool yards to be completely enclosed with fencing between 4 and 8 feet in height to deny accidental access. NJ Barrier Subcode (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14(b)) requires 48-inch barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Above-ground pools in Linden require a zoning permit. Pools holding under 100 gallons or less than 12 inches deep are exempt from the swimming pool definition. Same fencing and setback requirements apply as in-ground pools.

Garage conversions in Linden require building permits per NJ UCC (N.J.A.C. 5:23) and zoning approval. Must maintain minimum off-street parking requirements.

Linden does not permit accessory dwelling units by right. New Jersey has no statewide ADU mandate. Additional dwelling units require zoning board approval and compliance with NJ UCC.

Linden's Zoning Ordinance Chapter 31 treats a carport as an accessory structure on a one- or two-family residential lot, regulated through the accessory-building provisions in Section 31-20.3 and the height-modification provisions in Section 31-17.9. Setback, yard, height, and coverage standards come from the Schedule of Limitations and Area, Yard and Bulk Regulations attached to Chapter 31, and a zoning permit under Section 31-5 plus a Uniform Construction Code (N.J.A.C. 5:23) building permit are both required before installation.

Linden requires zoning permits for sheds. Accessory structures under 500 sq ft and under 15 feet in height in non-residential zones are exempt from site plan approval. Residential sheds require zoning compliance.

Open burning is generally prohibited in New Jersey under NJDEP regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:27-2). All outdoor fires must use elevated, approved containers. Burning leaves, grass, or trash is illegal statewide.

Fire pits are legal in Linden if using approved elevated containers per NJ Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70). UCC-approved containers must be 15 ft from structures; non-approved must be 25 ft away. Must be constantly attended.

Linden Ord. 68-22 requires a permit from the Division of Engineering for each tree removal. No more than 3 healthy trees may be removed per property per calendar year. NJDEP stormwater mandate requires municipal tree removal-replacement ordinances.

Property owners are responsible for trimming trees that overhang sidewalks and streets. Linden's Shade Tree Commission oversees public tree maintenance under NJ Shade Tree Act (N.J.S.A. 40:64-1).

NJDEP may issue statewide drought restrictions during water emergencies. Local watering schedules may be imposed during drought watches. NJ American Water serves much of Union County.