Bordentown City

Certificate of Occupancy Required

Certificate of Occupancy / Certificate of Approval (Change of Occupancy housing inspection) · City of Bordentown Department of Housing, Zoning & Code Enforcement (Housing Inspector)

• Smoke alarms on every level and outside each sleeping area; replace alarms older than 10 years; battery units must be 10-year sealed
• Carbon monoxide alarm near the bedrooms if there are fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage
• Fire extinguisher at least 2A:10B:C (see fire certificate details)
• Electrical: 100-amp minimum service, outlets grounded with cover plates, GFI outlets in bathrooms, panel door and no open slots
• Plumbing: no leaks, J-bend sink drains, water heater relief pipe to 6 inches above floor, hot water 120 to 140 degrees F, backflow devices, water meter installed
• Sump pump works and opening is covered
• Floors, walls and ceilings sound and free of holes, trip hazards and peeling paint
• Kitchen: stove, oven and broiler work; anti-tip bracket on range; cabinets intact
• Windows open, stay open, lock and have intact screens; doors latch, exterior and bathroom doors lock
• Graspable handrails on 3 or more steps; porch and deck railings with openings no more than 4 inches
• Roofing certification if there are signs of active leaks; Level II chimney certification for wood stoves or wood fireplaces
• Exterior, gutters, fences, sidewalks, driveways and patios in safe repair; trip hazards on adjacent sidewalks must be fixed
• Visible structural defects fixed; yard mowed and cleared of junk and debris
• Work done without permits must be permitted and inspected before the CO is issued
• House number visible from the street (front and back if on an alley)

• Phone: 609-298-0604
• Timing: Apply at least 14 days but not more than 30 days before the change in occupancy; the FAQ says allow at least 2 weeks to get the first inspection appointment.
• Application: https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4658/Bordentown/c744b606-0a0d-4ae2-a805-cf8ea0b38705/CO-APP.pdf?disposition=inline

Smoke and CO alarm certificate Required

• Smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years; battery alarms must be 10-year sealed (ANSI/UL 217); hardwired alarms from original construction stay hardwired
• Required alarm type depends on the year the house was built (for example 1984-1990 electric interconnected on all levels; 1992 to present electric interconnected in all bedrooms with battery backup)
• Carbon monoxide alarm near the bedrooms if fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage (UL 2034)
• Fire extinguisher at least 2A:10B:C, no more than 10 lb, within 10 feet of the kitchen, top no higher than 5 feet, on the maker's bracket, near an exit path
• Extinguisher must be tagged by a Division of Fire Safety certified contractor within 12 months or have a recent purchase receipt; leave the owner's manual; do not remove the tamper seal