Franklin Lakes Borough

Bergen County

Certificate of Occupancy

Required

Certificate

Fire Certificate on sale (Certificate of Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with resale site inspection)

Issued by

Franklin Lakes Fire Prevention Bureau

Requirements

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms meeting state law (see fire certificate)
All open construction permits must be closed out
No pending violations, including interior doors with keyed locks and illegal basement bedrooms
House numbers at least 3 inches high in a contrasting color, permanently fixed and clearly visible near the front door
Permanent pool fence at least 4 ft with self-latching, lockable gates
Railings on interior or exterior stairs with 4 or more risers; water heater and boiler relief pipe within 6 inches of the floor; no holes in the garage ceiling; no extension cords used as permanent wiring; appliance flue pipes in good condition and sealed
Real estate taxes must be current; property owner's professional services escrow account may not be deficient
Properties on the Abandoned/Foreclosure/Nuisance Registry must be deregistered

Fees

Fire certificate (smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm, resale), initial inspection	$150.00
Reinspection	$100.00
Fire certificate inspection, initial (Borough Code 259-7B(4))	$150

Timing

Application must be submitted 30 days before the closing date. The certificate expires 90 days from approval.

Valid for

90 days from date of approval

Phone

201-891-4000 ext. 1218

Required

Requirements

Pre-1978 homes: at least 10 year sealed battery smoke alarms on each level and within 10 feet of all sleeping areas
1978 to 1983: hardwired alarms on each level and within 10 feet of sleeping areas; 1984 to 1990: interconnected hardwired alarms with battery backup; 1991 to present: interconnected hardwired alarms with battery backup on each level and in all bedrooms
Hardwired alarms may not be replaced with battery alarms; smoke alarms older than 10 years must be replaced
Low voltage fire alarm systems need an NFPA 72 inspection report and proof of monitoring before the inspection is scheduled
Carbon monoxide alarms within 10 feet of all sleeping areas, battery, hardwired or plug-in, listed to UL 2034, within the manufacturer's life span

Fees

Fire certificate (smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm, resale), initial inspection	$150.00
Reinspection	$100.00

Timing

Submit the application 30 days before closing; certificate expires 90 days from approval.

Phone

201-891-4000 ext. 1218

Last checked October 4, 2026

Sources