Resale CO checklist
West New York Town
Hudson County, New Jersey · Checked September 30, 2026
Certificate of Occupancy Required
Residential Owner Certificate (Ownership Certificate, Town Code Chapter 148 "Certificates of Occupancy") · Town of West New York Code Enforcement / Building Department (Director of Public Affairs or designee, or the Construction Code Official), with a Fire Prevention Residential Ownership Review
- Boilers/furnaces: a full fire-rated ceiling or a sprinkler installed on the code water line
- All final inspections on any permits finalized
- Egress free and clear; inspector must have entry to all areas of the property
- Exit doors free of padlocks and key locks; exit signs and emergency lighting working where present
- Fire extinguisher within ten feet of any kitchen, properly mounted and readily accessible
- Handrails on all stairs with 3 or more risers plus landings, interior and exterior
- No keyed locks on any interior doors
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
- Sprinklers operating properly (where present)
- No trash or rubbish accumulation inside or outside
- No outstanding building code or property maintenance violations
- Windows operable, no broken or cracked glass
| Residential Owner Certificate, one to two unit dwellings | $100.00 |
| Residential Owner Certificate, condominium and co-op units | $100.00 |
| Reinspection, per unit, for each additional inspection | $50.00 |
| Ownership certificate fee in the 2016 ordinance, condominiums, co-ops and one and two family buildings | $100 |
| Letter confirming issuance of a certificate of occupancy or owners certificate (2016 fee ordinance) | $50 |
Smoke and CO alarm certificate Required
- Smoke detectors must be 10-year sealed by the manufacturer (since January 1, 2019); AC powered or interconnected alarms in homes after January 1977 must be kept working
- The 2025 Town forms still require a portable fire extinguisher: minimum 2A:10B:C, no more than 10 pounds, within 10 feet of the kitchen in the exit path, top no more than 5 feet above the floor, mounted on the maker's bracket, with the owner's manual, serviced and tagged by a DFS-certified contractor within 12 months or a recent purchase receipt
- Smoke detector certificates are valid for six months; if the change of occupant does not happen within 6 months a new application is needed
- A notarized application and certification in lieu of inspection is offered; the Fire Prevention Bureau may do a follow-up inspection within 12 months
West New York Office of Fire Prevention (WNY Bureau of Fire Safety), the local enforcing agency for non-life-hazard uses
| Certificate of smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm compliance, change of occupant (flat fee) | $150.00 |
| Re-inspection if the inspection fails | $20.00 |
