Shed Permits in NJ: Rules, Requirements & Local Codes

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Bayonne, NJ?

Yes. In Bayonne, a zoning permit is required for all sheds regardless of size, and if your shed is over 200 square feet, you’ll also need a construction (building) permit, but sheds at or under 200 square feet only require the zoning permit, as long as the shed has no utility connections.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet:

• Utility connections: Any shed with electric, water, gas, or sewer requires permits regardless of size.
• Setbacks vary by zone: Bayonne has multiple zoning districts, each with its own yard and placement requirements. In some residential cases, accessory structures must maintain at least a 3-foot setback from property lines.
• Watch your lot coverage: Adding a shed with a solid floor counts toward your property’s impervious surface limit, so make sure you don’t exceed your zone’s limit.
• HOA rules: If applicable, your HOA may impose additional restrictions.

As always, it’s best to call Bayonne’s Department of Planning, Zoning & Development directly at 201-858-6110 to confirm the rules for your specific property before you buy or build.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Brick, NJ?

Yes. Brick requires “Prior Approval” for all sheds, regardless of size. The 100 sq. ft. Rule: For sheds under 100 sq. ft., your setback must be at least half the height of the shed from side and rear property lines.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Large Sheds: Sheds over 100 sq. ft. must meet the full setback requirements for your specific zoning district (standard is often 5–10 feet, but varies by zone).
• Corner Lots: If your shed is under 200 sq. ft. and sits in a side yard facing a street, it must meet half the minimum front yard setback for your zone.
• Impervious Coverage: Your shed counts toward your lot’s maximum coverage limit. As of 2026, Brick enforces a 30% limit in R-R zones and a 70% limit in PRRC (Retirement) zones. Exceeding this requires a variance.
• Flood Zones: If your property is waterfront, the rear yard setback must match the principal structure’s setback (up to 35 feet), and additional NJDEP flood regulations will apply.
• Height Limit: Stay under 10 feet in height to avoid triggering a full state construction permit for smaller sheds.

When you’re ready to move forward, it’s always best to call Brick Township’s Zoning Office directly at 732-262-1041 to confirm the exact requirements for your specific lot and zone before purchasing or building your shed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Camden, NJ?

Yes. In Camden, sheds 100 square feet or less require only a zoning permit, while sheds larger than 100 square feet require both a zoning permit and a construction/building permit, and every shed, no matter how small, needs at least a zoning permit before you build.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Same lot rule: Your shed must be placed on the same lot as your home and within the same zoning district.
• Setbacks: Exact distances from your property lines depend on your specific zoning district; you’ll need to confirm these with the city before choosing a location.
• Attached sheds: If your shed shares a wall or roof with your house, it’s treated as part of the main structure and must follow your home’s yard requirements.
• Utilities: Adding electricity or plumbing to your shed triggers additional permit requirements beyond the standard construction permit.

To make sure you have the most current requirements for your specific property, contact Camden’s Planning & Development Department at 856-757-7214 or the Construction & Building Bureau at 856-757-7032 before you get started.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Cherry Hill, NJ?

Yes. In Cherry Hill, all sheds require a Zoning Permit regardless of size, and if your shed exceeds 200 square feet or includes utilities like electricity or plumbing, a Building Permit is also required. Sheds at or under 200 sq ft with no utility connections may qualify for a building permit exemption under New Jersey state code, but the Zoning Permit is still mandatory either way.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Setbacks: Sheds 168 sq ft or under must sit at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines; sheds over 168 sq ft must be at least 10 feet from side and rear property lines.
• Rear yard only: Your shed must be placed in the rear yard; front yard and side yard placement are not allowed.
• One shed per lot: Only one storage shed is permitted per residential property, with no exceptions.
• Application materials & fee: You’ll need to submit a completed Zoning Permit application with a marked survey or plot plan showing dimensions and setbacks, along with a $50 fee.
• HOA rules: If your neighborhood has a Homeowners Association, check their guidelines separately, as they may have additional restrictions beyond what the township requires.

As always, it’s a good idea to confirm the current requirements directly with Cherry Hill’s Zoning Department at 856-488-7870 before you start building.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Clifton, NJ?

Yes. In Clifton, sheds under 200 sq ft require a zoning permit, while sheds 200 sq ft or larger require both a zoning permit and a construction (building) permit.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Setbacks: Your shed must be at least 10 feet, but no more than 20 feet, from your main home, and more than 5 feet from any side or rear property line; it must be placed in the rear or side yard only
• Maximum size: Your shed cannot exceed 700 sq ft in gross floor area in R-A1, R-A2, and R-B1 residential zones
• Survey required: You’ll need to submit a certified property survey drawn to scale showing your shed’s exact proposed location relative to your lot lines and home
• Utilities: If your shed will include electricity or plumbing, additional permits and inspections will apply
• HOA rules: If your property is part of a homeowners’ association, check with your HOA for any additional restrictions before you build

When in doubt, reach out directly to Clifton’s Building Department at 973-470-5809 or the Zoning Department through the city’s website at cliftonnj.org; they’re your best resource for confirming exactly what applies to your specific property.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In East Orange, NJ?

Yes. In East Orange, zoning approval is required before installing a shed, regardless of size. Sheds under 200 square feet may only require a zoning permit, while sheds at or above 200 square feet require both a zoning permit and a building permit, but since East Orange hasn’t published a shed-specific threshold, you should confirm the exact cutoff directly with the Building Division and Zoning Department before you start.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Placement: Sheds are restricted to the rear yard only. Front or side yard placement will result in an immediate permit denial.
• Maximum size: On lots smaller than 10,000 sq ft (which covers most East Orange homes), your shed cannot exceed 400 square feet in total size.
• Size Caps: Your shed’s floor area cannot exceed 50% of your home’s floor area. For example, if your home is 1,200 sq ft, your shed can’t be larger than 600 sq ft (though the 400 sq ft cap above would apply first on smaller lots).
• Other Rules: Your shed cannot be built until your home’s construction has already begun, and it cannot be used until your home is completed and occupied.
• Utilities: If your shed includes electricity or plumbing, stricter rules apply, and you should ask about those requirements when you contact the city.

As always, it’s best to confirm all the details directly with the East Orange Zoning Department at [email protected] or the Building Division at 973-266-5328 before moving forward with your project.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Edison, NJ?

Yes. In Edison, NJ, all sheds require a Zoning Permit regardless of size, and if your shed exceeds 200 square feet, you’ll also need a Building Permit on top of that.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Setbacks vary by zone: Your shed must meet minimum side and rear yard setbacks based on your residential zone, 3 ft (R-B), 5 ft (R-BB), 10 ft (R-A), or 20 ft (R-AA), and cannot be placed in your front yard.
• Lot coverage limits apply: Your shed’s footprint, combined with all other accessory structures, cannot exceed 10% of your total lot area or 35% of your rear yard area, whichever is smaller.
• A plot plan is required: You’ll need to submit 3 copies of a scaled property survey showing your shed’s proposed location and its distances from all lot lines.
• Your home must have an existing permit: Edison won’t issue a shed permit until a permit for your primary home has already been issued and construction has started.
• HOA rules may also apply: If your neighborhood has a homeowners association, you may need HOA approval in addition to your Township permits.

Since building codes and local ordinances can change, always confirm the latest requirements directly with Edison Township’s Division of Construction Code Enforcement at 732-248-7257 before starting your project.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Elizabeth, NJ?

Yes. A Zoning Permit is required for all sheds. In Elizabeth, the biggest hurdle is not the shed size, but your land’s “breathability.”

Here are the key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Impervious Coverage: Most residential zones (R-1, R-2) cap coverage at 35% to 40%. If your home and driveway already meet this limit, your shed permit will be denied.
• Size Caps: Shed floor area cannot exceed 20% of your home’s gross floor area or 600 square feet, whichever is greater.
• Height Limits: Maximum height is capped at 16 feet, but staying under 10 feet avoids NJ state construction permit triggers.
• Setbacks: Sheds under 500 sq. ft. generally require a 5-foot setback from property lines.

As always, it’s best to confirm the current requirements directly with Elizabeth’s Bureau of Construction at City Hall (Room 401, 50 Winfield Scott Plaza) or by calling 908-820-4080 before you buy or build your shed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Franklin Township, NJ?

Yes. In Franklin Township, sheds 200 sq ft or less require only a Zoning Permit, while sheds over 200 sq ft require both a Zoning Permit and a Building (Construction) Permit, and note that the township caps garden sheds at a maximum of 200 sq ft total, so anything larger falls under full accessory building rules.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Setbacks matter: Your shed must meet rear and side yard setback distances for your specific zoning district, and it cannot be closer to a neighboring home than the minimum side yard depth required in your zone. Check your zone before you place your shed.
• Rear yard coverage: All accessory buildings combined cannot cover more than 30% of your required rear yard area, so your shed’s footprint counts toward that total.
• Utilities trigger extra permits: Adding electricity requires an electrical permit; adding water, gas, or sewer requires a Building Permit regardless of shed size.
• HOA members: You’ll need HOA approval in addition to your township permits before work can begin.
• Historic Districts: If your property is in a Historic District, you must get Historic Commission review and approval before starting any construction.

When in doubt, reach out directly to Franklin Township’s Planning & Zoning Office or Construction Code Office to confirm the current requirements for your specific property before you start building.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Hamilton, NJ?

Yes. In Hamilton Township, all sheds require at minimum an EZ Permit (a simplified zoning/land use permit), sheds under 150 sq ft need only this EZ Permit, sheds between 150–199 sq ft also require an EZ Permit but are subject to zoning district setback rules, and sheds 200 sq ft or larger require a full building permit in addition to meeting zoning requirements.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Setbacks: Sheds under 150 sq ft must sit at least 3 feet from side and rear property lines; larger sheds must meet setbacks specific to your zoning district. Call the Land Use Office at 609-890-3680 to confirm yours.
• Placement: Sheds may only be placed in side or rear yards (not the front yard), and your property must already have a primary home on it.
• Property survey: You’ll need to bring an original-scale property survey to the Land Use Office (Room 307, Municipal Building) with your shed’s proposed location clearly marked on it.
• Foundation: Your shed’s foundation must be either a concrete slab or 4 inches of gravel or crushed stone.
• HOA: If your neighborhood has a homeowners’ association, you may need separate HOA approval on top of your township permit; check your HOA documents to be sure.

Since permit rules can change, it’s always a good idea to confirm the latest requirements directly with Hamilton Township’s Land Use Office before you buy or build your shed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Jersey City, NJ?

Yes. In Jersey City, every shed requires a zoning permit regardless of size, but if your shed is 200 square feet or smaller (think 10×20 or anything smaller), you won’t need a separate building permit; go over 200 square feet, and you’ll need both a zoning permit and a building permit.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• No utility hookups: To skip the building permit on a smaller shed, it can’t have any water, gas, oil, or sewer connections; if it does, a building permit is required, no matter the size.
• Electrical work needs its own permit: Even if your shed is under 200 sq ft, adding electricity means you’ll need a separate electrical permit.
• Setbacks: Your shed must sit at least 2 feet from the side property line, and placement rules can vary depending on your specific zoning district.
• Historic districts: If your home is in one of Jersey City’s historic districts, you may need additional approval from the Historic Preservation Commission before your zoning permit is granted.
• HOA rules: If your property is part of a homeowners association, your HOA may have stricter rules than the city; always check with them before you build.

When in doubt, reach out to Jersey City’s Division of Zoning directly at jerseycitynj.gov or call City Hall at 201-547-5000 to confirm the current requirements for your specific property before purchasing or installing your shed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Lakewood, NJ?

Yes. In Lakewood, NJ, all sheds require both a zoning permit and a building (construction) permit, regardless of size.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Setbacks: Sheds must meet minimum side and rear yard setback requirements and are not permitted in front yards.
• Survey required: A property survey showing the shed’s proposed location is typically required for approval.
• Easements: Sheds cannot be placed within drainage or conservation easements.
• Utilities: Adding electricity or plumbing requires additional permits.
• HOA rules: Homeowners’ association requirements may apply separately.

As always, it’s a good idea to call the Lakewood Zoning Office directly at 732-364-3760 ext. 5601 to confirm the current rules before you purchase or place your shed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Middletown, NJ?

Yes. In Middletown, NJ, all sheds require, at a minimum, a zoning permit regardless of size. Sheds over 200 sq ft require both a zoning permit and a construction permit; and sheds over 500 sq ft require a zoning permit, a construction permit, and a grading plan approved by the Township Engineer.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Setbacks: Sheds up to 150 sq ft need a 1-foot side or rear setback if a 4-foot fence separates the lots (3 feet if no fence exists); sheds over 150 sq ft must meet your zoning district’s full setback requirements, which vary by zone.
• Placement: Sheds cannot be placed in a front yard, street-side yard, or street-rear yard; they must go in a rear or interior side yard, and any shed over 100 sq ft must be at least 5 feet from your home.
• Application materials: You’ll need a completed zoning application, a property survey showing the shed’s placement, the shed’s dimensions and type, and a $75 fee made payable to the Township of Middletown.
• Flood zones: If your property is in a flood hazard area, your shed may be restricted to storage use only, must be wetproofed, and sheds over 200 sq ft must include at least two flood openings.
• HOA: If your neighborhood has a homeowners association, check with them separately, as their rules are not covered by the Township permit process.

As always, it’s a good idea to contact Middletown’s Zoning Office directly at (732) 615-2278 or [email protected] to confirm the exact requirements for your specific property before you get started.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Newark, NJ?

Yes. In Newark, sheds 200 square feet or smaller require only a zoning permit, while sheds over 200 square feet, or any shed with electrical, plumbing, gas, or sewer connections, require both a zoning permit and a building permit.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Setbacks: Newark has 22 different zoning districts, and setback distances vary by zone, so you’ll need to confirm the specific requirements for your address with the Newark Zoning Department at newarkportal.us.
• Maximum shed size: Your shed’s footprint cannot exceed 1,000 square feet or 20% of your home’s footprint, whichever is smaller.
• Lot coverage: Your shed counts toward your property’s total lot coverage limit, which also varies by zoning district.
• HOA rules: If your neighborhood has a homeowners’ association, it may have its own additional rules about shed placement or appearance beyond what the city requires.
• Permit fees: Plan on a non-refundable $58 processing fee upfront, plus a plan review fee equal to 20% of the total construction permit fee if a building permit is required.

Always confirm the details that apply to your specific property and zoning district by contacting the Newark Zoning Department or the Newark Building Division at 973-733-3957 before starting your project.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Old Bridge, NJ?

Yes. Old Bridge has a Universal Permit Policy. Unlike other towns that follow the 200 sq. ft. state exemption, Old Bridge requires a permit for all sheds.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Setbacks: Generally 3 feet for sheds 150 sq. ft. or smaller on standard lots. On lots smaller than 5,000 sq. ft., sheds 100 sq. ft. or smaller may be placed 1 foot from property lines if no utilities are present.
• Fees: Per the 2026 schedule, expect a $55 fee for sheds under 100 sq. ft. and a $50 fee for larger detached sheds.
• Lot Coverage: Sheds count toward your zone’s impervious surface limit. Projects exceeding this cap require a variance.
• Anchoring: All sheds must be anchored at all four corners. Sheds over 100 sq. ft. must sit on at least 4 inches of gravel or a frost-protected base.
• Permit Triggers: Sheds over 200 sq. ft. or over 10 feet tall require a full Construction Permit. Electrical or plumbing work requires separate subcode permits.
• Corner Lots: Sheds over 6 feet tall in a street-abutting front yard require Zoning Board approval.

Always confirm the current requirements directly with the Old Bridge Building Department (732-721-5600) and Zoning Division before you build or order your shed.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Passaic, NJ?

Yes. In Passaic, all sheds require a zoning permit regardless of size, and if your shed exceeds 200 square feet, you’ll also need a construction permit on top of that.

Here are the key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Setbacks: Your shed must be at least 3 feet from any side property line and at least 5 feet from the rear property line, and it cannot be placed in front of your house.
• Rear yard coverage: Your shed (and any other accessory structures) cannot cover more than 50% of your rear yard or 2,000 square feet, whichever is greater.
• Utilities: If your shed will have electricity or plumbing, a construction permit is required regardless of the shed’s size.
• Foundation: Placing your shed on a permanent foundation (like a concrete slab) triggers a permit requirement, even if the shed is under 200 square feet.
• HOA rules: If your neighborhood has a homeowners’ association, its rules apply separately from city permits; you’ll need to satisfy both, and one doesn’t replace the other.

Always confirm the latest requirements directly with the Passaic Zoning Office by calling 973-365-5632 before you start your project.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Paterson, NJ?

Yes. In Paterson, NJ, you’ll likely need both a building permit and a zoning permit for your shed, regardless of size. Paterson actively enforces the NJ Uniform Construction Code for all construction projects, and zoning approval is very likely required for any size.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Setbacks vary by zone: Your required distances from property lines depend on your specific zoning district, so you’ll need to contact the Planning & Zoning Division with your address to get the exact numbers for your lot.
• Foundation and anchoring: Sheds should be placed on at least 4 inches of gravel (or a frost-protected design) and must be anchored at all four corners.
• Electrical or plumbing adds permits: If your shed will have electricity or plumbing, those features require their own separate permits on top of the building and zoning permits.
• Historic district review: If your property is in or near one of Paterson’s historic districts, your permit application may also need review by the Historic Preservation Commission.
• HOA rules may also apply: Even if you clear all city requirements, check whether your neighborhood has an HOA with its own shed restrictions.

Since Paterson’s specific shed rules aren’t fully published online, your best move is to call the Division of Planning and Zoning directly at (973) 321-1343 x 2349 with your address and shed dimensions before you do anything else.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Toms River, NJ?

Yes. In Toms River, NJ, sheds 200 square feet or under require only a zoning permit, while sheds over 200 square feet require both a zoning permit and a building permit.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Coastal Urgency: Under the 2026 NJDEP REAL Rules, any shed within 250 feet of the water or in an expanded Flood Hazard Area requires specialized environmental review.
• The 3-Foot Rule: One storage shed (200 square feet or less) may be placed as close as 3 feet from side or rear property lines.
• Separation: Your shed must be at least 1 foot from the house if it is 200 square feet or less, or 5 feet away if it is larger.
• Rear Yard Cap: Accessory buildings cannot occupy more than 25% of your rear or side yard area.

When in doubt, reach out directly to the Toms River Township Zoning Office at (732) 341-1000, Ext. 8449 or [email protected] to confirm the rules that apply to your specific property before you buy or build.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Trenton, NJ?

Yes. You’ll likely need a shed permit in Trenton, since it uses a lower permit threshold than the NJ state baseline. Sheds without a permanent foundation that are 144 square feet or under require a zoning review but no building permit, while sheds that exceed 144 square feet or have a permanent foundation require both a building permit and a zoning review from the Division of Technical Services.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• The Trigger: Sheds larger than 144 square feet require a full Building Permit.
• Setbacks: 3 feet if the shed is 144 square feet or less and shorter than 9 feet tall.
• Increased Setbacks: 5 feet if the shed is 500 square feet or less, but doesn’t meet the height or size requirements for the 3-foot rule.
• Foundations: Permanent concrete slabs trigger a full construction review regardless of the shed’s square footage.

Always confirm the specific requirements for your property with the Trenton Zoning Board at 609-989-3549 before you start building.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Union City, NJ?

Yes. In Union City, a zoning permit is required for all sheds regardless of size, and a building (construction) permit is also required if your shed exceeds 200 square feet , so below 200 sq ft you still need a zoning permit, but at or above 200 sq ft you’ll need both.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• Size limit: Your shed cannot exceed 500 square feet or one-third of your home’s footprint, whichever is greater.
• Setbacks: Your shed must be at least 3 feet from side and rear property lines (or 5 feet if your rear lot line borders a neighbor’s side yard), and at least 10 feet from your house.
• Placement: Sheds are only allowed in the rear yard, never in the front yard.
• Your home must already exist: You cannot build a shed on a vacant lot; a principal home must already be on the property.
• No living space: Your shed cannot be used for human habitation, and adding electricity or plumbing will trigger additional permit requirements.

As always, confirm the current requirements directly with the Union City Building and Zoning Department at (201) 348-5711 before starting your project.

Do I Need A Shed Permit In Woodbridge, NJ?

Yes. All sheds require a Zoning Permit. Woodbridge enforces a strict size “ceiling” that’s lower than the state baseline.

Here are the other key requirements your shed must meet to get approved:

• The 150 sq. ft. Wall: Any shed exceeding 150 square feet requires a formal Zoning Board Variance. This involves a public hearing and is significantly more expensive than a standard permit.
• Height Limit: Your shed must be under 10 feet in height. Exceeding this height triggers a full Building Permit, even for small sheds.
• Setbacks: You must maintain a minimum 4-foot setback from both side and rear property lines.
• Placement: Sheds are strictly prohibited in front yards. On corner lots, contact the zoning office as “street-side” yards have unique restrictions.

As always, it’s a good idea to confirm the current requirements directly with the Woodbridge Township Zoning Department at (732) 602-6003 before you start building.