Ridgewood classifies hot tubs and spas with water over 24 inches deep as swimming pools, requiring zoning permits, rear-yard placement, and barrier compliance under Section 190-124T.
Ridgewood's land use code defines hot tubs and spas as swimming pools when they contain water more than 24 inches in depth. As a result, hot tubs of that size require a zoning permit, must be installed in the rear yard, and must meet accessory-structure setbacks. Smaller portable spas with locking, lockable safety covers may be exempt from full barrier requirements when the cover meets ASTM standards under the Uniform Construction Code, but the zoning permit and setback rules still apply when depth exceeds 24 inches. Electrical hookups require UCC permits and inspections.
Installing a regulated hot tub without a permit, in a non-conforming yard, or without an approved cover or barrier results in zoning citations and required corrections.
See how other cities in Bergen County handle hot tub rules.
See how Ridgewood's hot tub rules rules stack up against other locations.
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