Fair Lawn Borough

Bergen County

Certificate of Occupancy

Required

Certificate

Certificate of Continued Occupancy (CCO) - Resale

Issued by

Borough of Fair Lawn Construction Code Official (Building Department resale-CCO inspectors; Zoning Dept phone on the form)

Requirements

Applies to one- and two-family dwellings on any transfer of title (exempt: 3+ family buildings, deed corrections, spouse and parent/child or grandparent/grandchild transfers, new construction, estate distributions, receivers/trustees, quitclaims to quiet title)
Visual inspection by the Construction Code Official (who may refer to subcode officials, the Water Department and the Department of Health) covering sidewalks, electrical service, plumbing, heating and ventilation, building exterior, fences, driveways and other hazards
Resale checklist also covers walkways, debris, oil tank, railings, accessory structures, sprinklers, water valve certificate, water heater, sump pump, gas pipe, handrails, stairs, renovations, fire certificate and open permits
Water service valves before and after the meter must be working ball valves, signed off by the Department of Public Works (Ordinance 241.24)
Smoke alarm certificate from the Fire Prevention Bureau
Additions or construction done without permits must be legalized

Fees

CCO for one- or two-family dwelling, initial inspection plus one follow-up	$175
Each subsequent CCO inspection for the same applicant	$50
Additional certified copy of the CCO	$5

Timing

The ordinance says the CCO is issued or denied within 10 days of filing the application. Inspections are 12 pm to 4 pm.

Valid for

One year from the date of issuance, provided there is no material change in the physical status of the premises

Phone

(201) 794-5307

Required

Requirements

At least one 10 year sealed smoke alarm on each level including the basement, within 10 feet of each entrance to a sleeping area (or inside each sleeping area), and near the stairway on levels without a sleeping area
Hardwired smoke detectors from original construction or rehabilitation must be kept operational; wireless detectors do not meet code unless installed by permit or variance
Combination smoke/CO alarms must be 10 year sealed battery units
Carbon monoxide alarm on each level that has a bedroom (battery, hard-wired or plug-in; table-top models not acceptable)
Two-family homes: 10 year sealed smoke detector outside each doorway in common stairwells and hallways, and a smoke alarm at the foot of the stairs in each separate basement
Secondary power source caution label within 18 inches of the main electrical panel and meter if the home has a generator, solar panels or battery storage
Fire extinguisher (ordinance fee title still lists it)

Fees

Smoke detector, CO alarm and fire extinguisher compliance certificate and inspection (ordinance)	$90
Reinspection, each additional visit	$50
Upper end of the flyer's fee range (shorter notice)	$125.00

Timing

Fee depends on how far in advance the inspection is scheduled. The certificate is good for six months.

Phone

(201) 794-5408

Last checked October 4, 2026

Sources