Runnemede Borough

Certificate of Occupancy Required

Certificate of Continued Occupancy (CCO) · Office of Code Enforcement / Construction and Code Enforcement

• House number visible from the street, at least 4 inches tall
• Steps free of cracks and trip hazards, even treads and risers, closed risers (4 inch ball rule)
• Sidewalks, aprons and driveways level with no cracks or lifts over 1/2 inch; driveway parking surface must be impervious (no stone or gravel)
• Graspable handrail on steps with 4 or more risers; guardrails where porch, landing or stairs are over 30 inches above grade
• Property free of debris and hazards; abandoned tanks and wells removed with a permit
• No peeling paint or rust on exterior surfaces
• Gutters and downspouts secure and clear, with splash blocks or diverters
• Foundation openings sealed; basement and crawlspace windows intact; Bilco doors and crawlspace access working and sealed
• Exterior receptacles, including garages and sheds, GFCI protected
• Window glass intact; electric service cable secured; damaged wiring and fixtures replaced
• Approved chimney cap
• Zoning and construction permits for additions, pools, sheds, garages, decks and fences; open permits must be closed
• Swimming pool: bonding/grounding certificate from a licensed NJ electrician dated within 30 days of the application, plus pool affidavit

• Phone: 856-939-2815
• Timing: Apply at least 10 working days before settlement or occupancy
• Good for: Application expires 90 days after inspection if the CCO has not been issued
• Application: https://runnemedenj.org/documents/add-document/department-documents/construction/certificate-of-continued-occupancy/69-construction-form-residential-cco/file

Smoke and CO alarm certificate Required

• Smoke alarm requirements depend on the year the home was built (pre-1977 battery alarms on each level; later eras need 120V hardwired, interconnected alarms as listed in the borough table)
• Where no alarms exist or battery alarms are being replaced, use 10-year sealed battery alarms; hardwired alarms cannot be replaced with battery alarms
• Smoke alarms must not be over 10 years old from date of manufacture
• Alarms must be mounted with proper hardware; nails, thumbtacks, tape or Velcro are not acceptable
• Carbon monoxide alarm in the hall outside bedrooms, no more than 10 feet from any bedroom
• Monitored alarm systems in homes built 1977 or later must be maintained at change of occupancy
• Secondary power source label ('CAUTION: MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER') within 18 inches of the main panel and meter if the home has a generator, solar panels or battery storage
• The borough states that since February 2025 a fire extinguisher is no longer required for the certificate