Essex Fells Borough
Certificate of Occupancy
Required- Certificate
- Continued Certificate of Occupancy (CCO) on a Re-Sale of a Residential Dwelling
- Issued by
- Borough of Essex Fells Code Enforcement Department (Building and Zoning)
- Requirements
- Inspection by the Borough (the form has a date of inspection line for office use)
- Smoke detectors on each level including the basement near the stairs and within 10 feet of each bedroom; habitable attics need detection; replace if older than 10 years; UL listed
- Carbon monoxide detectors on each level with bedrooms, outside of and within 10 feet of each bedroom, if the home has a fuel burning appliance and/or attached garage (checklist says replace if older than 5 years)
- Portable ABC fire extinguisher, 2A:10B:C, 2 to 10 pounds, within 10 feet of the kitchen, mounted on its bracket with the top no higher than 5 feet (form still lists it)
- Sump pump must discharge outside; storm water may not go into the sanitary sewer or onto a neighbor's property
- Zoning compliance; no zoning certificate until all open building permits are closed
- House numbers 4 to 8 inches high, Arabic, visible from the street, mounted 4 to 10 feet above grade on a contrasting background
- Exterior free of trash, debris, high grass and weeds; foundation and exterior walls in good repair
- Fences, sheds, pools and decks in good condition with a permit on file
- Handrails on 3 or more risers; guardrails on open stairs, landings, balconies and decks
- Water heater relief tail pipe no more than 6 inches off the ground; outlet and switch plate covers secured
- Self-closing door from an attached garage to the house
- Basement renovations, additions and remodels without township records are subject to permits and inspections
- Application asks for buyer name and address, purchase price and closing date
- Fees
Continued certificate of occupancy on resale, one or two family $125 - Phone
- 973-226-3400
Smoke and CO alarm certificate
Required- Requirements
- Smoke alarms on each level and outside each sleeping area (Borough CCO checklist covers these)
- Carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas where there is a fuel burning appliance or attached garage
- Portable fire extinguisher near the kitchen (the Borough CCO form still lists it)
Last checked October 3, 2026