South Orange Village

Essex County

Certificate of Occupancy

Required

Certificate

Certificate of Continued Occupancy (CCO)

Issued by

South Orange Fire Prevention Bureau (Fire Official), within the Building and Code Enforcement Department

Requirements

Inspection by the Fire Official or inspector for compliance with N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19 (smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms); smoke detector inspection is part of the CCO
Owner certifies all structures have valid zoning and building permits, registrations and certificates; the CCO verifies there are no open permits or violations unless a separate written agreement is attached
The CCO does not confirm zoning compliance; that needs a zoning verification letter, zoning permit or Certificate of Legal Nonconformity
No rubbish, debris or bulk garbage left on the property before the new occupancy
Application asks for buyer details, proposed closing date, realtor, room counts, accessory structures, house number visibility and any secondary power source (solar, generator, battery storage)
Secondary power source warning label within 18 inches of the main electric panel and meter, not handwritten
Monitored or low-voltage alarm systems need a current full NFPA 72 report from an alarm contractor or certified electrician
Someone must be at the property to give the inspector access (missed appointment fee otherwise)

Fees

CCO inspection, one-family	$150.00
CCO inspection, two-family	$200.00
CCO, single family or condo/townhouse (online application)	$150
CCO, two-family (online application)	$200
CCO first re-inspection	$50.00
CCO second re-inspection	$50.00
CCO third or later re-inspection	$75.00
Expedited fee, request 5 to 10 business days before closing (added to inspection fee)	$50
Expedited fee, request 4 or fewer business days before closing (added to inspection fee)	$100
Missed appointment fee	$50

Timing

Expedited fees apply when the request comes 10 business days or less before closing; apply at least 11 business days ahead to avoid them.

Phone

973-378-7715 x7703

Required

Requirements

Smoke alarms UL 217 listed, no more than 10 years old; standalone battery alarms must be 10-year sealed
Smoke alarms on each level and outside each sleeping area; hardwired, interconnected and in-bedroom alarms depending on the year the house was built
Hardwired alarms stay hardwired; basement alarm within 10 feet of the base of the stairs
Carbon monoxide alarm on each level, and on sleeping levels within 10 feet of bedroom doors; UL 2034; battery, plug-in or hardwired
Secondary power source label within 18 inches of the main electric panel and meter
Monitored or low-voltage fire alarm systems need a current full NFPA 72 report