Fair Lawn Borough

Certificate of Occupancy Required

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

• 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

• Phone: (201) 794-5307
• Timing: The ordinance says the CCO is issued or denied within 10 days of filing the application. Inspections are 12 pm to 4 pm.
• Good for: One year from the date of issuance, provided there is no material change in the physical status of the premises
• Application: https://www.fairlawn.org/uploads/dm/21203/Residential_CCO_Application

Smoke and CO alarm certificate Required

• 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)