Washington Township

Gloucester County

Certificate of Occupancy

Required

Certificate

Certificate of Occupancy - Sale (Certificate of Resale)

Issued by

Washington Township Housing Office (Division of Community Development, in the Construction Office)

Requirements

House number plainly visible from the street, at least 4 inches high
Sidewalk free of trip hazards
Roof drains, gutters and downspouts in good repair
Windows and doors open easily and stay in place
Stairs, decks, porches and balconies permitted and structurally sound; guards over 30 inches; graspable handrails
Pool fully fenced with self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward
Exit doors open from inside without a key (no double-keyed deadbolts)
No more than 2 persons per bedroom; lofts cannot be bedrooms
Smoke detector on every level; hardwired stays hardwired, otherwise 10-year sealed battery
Carbon monoxide detector near all sleeping rooms
All utilities (electric, water, gas) on for the inspection
Water heater with proper temperature/pressure relief valve and discharge pipe (permit required)
Safe electrical system and covers; no hazards
Dryer exhaust vented outside in non-combustible material; bath fan or window vented outdoors
No plumbing leaks; fire-rated walls and ceilings intact; attic access; all open permits closed

Fees

Initial inspection, sale (includes smoke certification and 1st reinspection)	$150
Expedited inspection, within 2 days (added fee)	$100
Expedited inspection, 3-5 days (added fee)	$75
Fee ordinance: CO inspection portion, first two inspections (plus expedited add-ons)	$125
Reinspection, each (form: each additional after the included 1st reinspection)	$75
Temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO) request, after initial inspection	$125
Penalty for occupying without a certificate of occupancy (listed under Change in occupancy, § 179-73)	$100

Timing

Have the inspection done at least 3 weeks before settlement (Housing FAQ). Expedited inspections are available for an added fee.

Phone

856-589-0520 ext. 2231 or 2296

Required

Requirements

Smoke detector on every level; hardwired alarms must stay hardwired; non-hardwired alarms must be 10-year sealed battery (Township checklist)
Carbon monoxide detector in the vicinity of all sleeping rooms
Homes with a generator, solar panels or battery storage need a 'multiple sources of power' label within 18 inches of the main electrical panel and meter (state law P.L.2025, c.19, posted by the Township, enforced at change of occupancy from 3/10/25)

Entire township

Fees

Smoke Certificate (fee ordinance)	$25
Sale CO initial inspection, which includes smoke certification	$150

Timing

At least 3 weeks before settlement (Housing FAQ)

Phone

856-589-0520 ext. 2231 or 2296

Entire township (the only fire district in Washington Township)

Last checked September 30, 2026

Sources