Bellmawr Borough

Certificate of Occupancy Required

Residential Certificate of Occupancy (Resale or Change of Ownership) · Bellmawr Construction/Zoning/Code Enforcement Office

• House number visible from the street, at least 4 inches tall
• Steps without trip-hazard cracks; open wood risers closed so a 4 inch ball cannot pass
• Cracked sidewalk or walkway blocks with a change in elevation must be replaced
• Guardrails (36 inch minimum) where porches, landings or stairs are over 30 inches above grade; handrail on steps with 4 or more risers
• Yard free of high grass, weeds, debris and bamboo (unless contained per Borough code)
• Grading slopes away from the foundation; gutters, downspouts and splash blocks in place
• Sump pump crock must have a pump, check valve, proper outlet, and discharge outside (never to the sanitary sewer)
• No signs of pests; if found, a licensed pest control certification is needed
• Bathroom window or exhaust fan; GFCI protection on existing bathroom, kitchen counter, garage and exterior outlets
• Electrical covers, fixtures and panel secure and labeled; A/C disconnect at the outdoor unit
• Bedroom windows open easily for escape; no double-keyed deadbolts
• Water heater with proper relief valve and discharge pipe to 2 to 6 inches above the floor; no leaks
• Heating system working
• Smoke alarms on each floor including basement (10-year sealed battery); CO alarms near bedrooms if there is a gas or oil appliance; ABC extinguisher no larger than 10 lbs within 10 feet of the kitchen
• Work done without permits and open permits must be resolved

• Phone: 856-933-1286
• Timing: Must be obtained before settlement; application and payment are required before an inspection is scheduled (no specific number of days published)
• Good for: 30 days from issuance
• Application: https://bellmawr.com/DocumentCenter/View/143/Residential-Certificate-of-Occupancy-Application-Resale-or-Change-of-Ownership-for-Duplex-Triplex-Also-PDF

Smoke and CO alarm certificate Required

• Smoke alarms must match the rules in effect when the house was built (hardwired and interconnected in newer homes); hardwired alarms cannot be replaced with battery units
• Smoke alarms no more than 10 years from date of manufacture; 10-year sealed battery where battery alarms are used
• Smoke alarm within 10 feet of every bedroom door; basement alarm within 10 feet of the stair opening
• Alarms mounted with proper hardware; nails, tacks, tape or Velcro not accepted; 3 feet from fan blades and HVAC vents
• CO alarm outside sleeping areas, no more than 10 feet from any bedroom
• Monitored alarm systems in homes built 1977 or later must be kept working
• Borough CO checklist asks for an ABC extinguisher no larger than 10 lbs within 10 feet of the kitchen