Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Borough of Haworth, New Jersey
Borough of Haworth is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey. Borough of Haworth adopts its own zoning, so inside its limits Borough of Haworth’s rules apply, not the county’s. 7 rules below are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked, most recently on October 12, 2026. Rules for unincorporated land are on the Bergen County page.
Answers from the rulebook for Borough of Haworth
Borough of Haworth’s own rules
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Land use, building erection, and building alteration inside Haworth borough.
Existing occupancy during alterations may continue unless structural changes render occupancy dangerous or unsafe.
A continued certificate is required after vacancy, sale, or change in occupancy before sale, lease, or occupancy.
“until a Certificate of Occupancy stating that”
Local zoningPresent
Land inside Haworth borough.
The code's Schedule of Zoning Limitations operates together with the Use and Building Regulations.
“The regulations contained in the Schedule of Zoning Limitations, in conjunction with the Use and Building Regulations set forth herein, govern the use of land in the Borough of Haworth.”
Accessory dwellingsLimited
Affordable accessory apartments in Residential Zone A or Residential Zone E inside Haworth borough.
The property must be in Residential Zone A or E and have frontage on Schraalenburgh Road or Hardenburgh Avenue.
The unit must be affordable to moderate-, low-, or very-low-income households and comply with New Jersey statutes, regulations, building codes, and UHAC.
The unit must be rented to a low- or moderate-income household for at least 10 years, with a recorded deed restriction.
The appropriate utility authority must certify sufficient water and sewer capacity.
Maximum accessory-apartment area is 1,200 square feet.
Required application materials include professional floor plans, elevations, and a site plan showing setbacks, parking, and compliance with bulk regulations.
maximum accessory apartment area: <= 1200 square feet · deed restriction period: >= 10 years
“Accessory apartments are permitted accessory uses”
Septic permitLimited
Construction or installation of septic tanks, cesspools, and privies inside Haworth borough.
The code prohibits construction or installation, so no ordinary installation permit pathway is available under the cited municipal rule.
“No person shall construct or install a septic tank, cesspool or privy in the Borough of Haworth.”
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Buildings used for human occupancy, employment, recreation, or other purposes inside Haworth borough when a local collection lateral is available or required.
The owner must connect within 30 days after notice from the Board of Health or Borough.
The owner bears installation and connection costs.
A written sewer-connection permit is required; the application fee is $15 and reinspection fee is $5.
If a new local collection lateral to the property line is required, the property owner must provide it at the owner's expense, subject to permits and inspections.
The sewer system delivers sewage to Bergen County Sewer Authority trunk lines, and sanitary sewer use must comply with Bergen County Utilities Authority rules.
connection deadline after notice: 30 days · sewer connection application fee: 15 USD · reinspection fee: 5 USD
“within 30 days after notice from the Board of Health or Borough to do so.”
Driveway accessRequired
Residential structures inside Haworth borough.
A permit may not be issued for erection or alteration of a residence unless the lot arrangement provides for a garage, prospective garage, or paved parking space with a necessary driveway adequate in size or width.
“paved parking space with necessary driveway”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Construction and public-sewer connection applications inside Haworth borough.
The Construction Code Official receives applications and issues or refuses permits and certificates.
Public-sewer connections require a written application to the Clerk, a permit, a building-sewer diagram, and applicable fees.
Interior plumbing work must be performed by a duly licensed plumber.
“The Construction Code Official shall receive applications for, and issue or refuse, permits and certificates in accordance with law, collecting and accounting for prescribed fees.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Borough of Haworth or Bergen County directly.
Building permit — Building permits for construction inside Haworth borough.
Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders performing construction inside Haworth borough.
Minimum dwelling size — Dwellings in Haworth borough zoning districts.
Living in an RV — Occupancy of recreational vehicles on land inside Haworth borough.
Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Haworth borough.
6 more unanswered
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Septic inspection
Well permit
Agricultural exemption
Short-term rentals
Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.
Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Borough of Haworth publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Bergen County’s page lists the county offices to call.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Borough of Haworth means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
