Fort Lee Borough

Bergen County

Certificate of Occupancy

Required

Certificate

Certificate of Compliance (COC) for sales (Certificate of Continued Occupancy)

Issued by

Borough of Fort Lee Fire Prevention Bureau (enforcement officer under Borough Code Chapter 182)

Requirements

Inspection for compliance with applicable building, health, safety and fire codes (Code 182-2)
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors installed per the Bureau's affidavit (smoke detectors older than 10 years must be replaced; CO detectors older than 5 years replaced unless the maker allows longer)
Signed Smoke/CO Detector affidavit completed by the owner (realtors may not fill it out)
All open building permits closed and all taxes, penalties and fees due to the Borough paid before the COC is issued
Name and phone of the person who will meet the inspector
Signed letter stating whether the new owner will rent the one- or two-family home (non-owner-occupied homes must register with the Fire Prevention Bureau)

Fees

Sale Certificate of Compliance (COC), covers the smoke/CO inspection; one fee

$100

Timing

No published lead time. The inspector will not call before arriving and exact arrival times are not given.

Valid for

The $100 fee is waived if the same premises was inspected within 180 days (Code 182-5); no other validity period is published

Phone

201-592-3500 x1502

Required

Requirements

Smoke detectors on each level and within 10 feet of sleeping areas; requirements step up by year built (110V interconnected detectors, battery backup, detectors inside bedrooms for newer homes)
Battery-only smoke detectors must be 10-year sealed battery units, UL or ETL listed; detectors older than 10 years must be replaced
Carbon monoxide detectors within 10 feet of sleeping areas, on every level, outside rooms with fuel-burning appliances and near an attached garage entrance; CO detectors older than 5 years replaced unless the manufacturer allows longer
Fire extinguisher not required for one- and two-family homes (per the Bureau's 5/20/25 packet)

Fees

Sale Certificate of Compliance (COC) including the smoke/CO inspection (same single $100 fee as the resale certificate)

$100

Timing

No published lead time; the Bureau schedules the inspection after the application and fee are received.

Phone

201-592-3500 x1502

Last checked October 4, 2026

Sources