Freehold Borough

Monmouth County

TextClient checklist

Certificate of Occupancy

Required
Certificate
Residential Certificate of Continued Occupancy (CCO)
Issued by
Freehold Borough Code Enforcement Office
Requirements
  • No open permits (checked on the application)
  • Exterior: property clean and free of rubbish; grass and bushes trimmed; sidewalks, driveway and driveway apron free of cracks, raised sections and trip hazards; garages, sheds, fences, retaining walls and pools sound
  • Exterior structure weathertight with no peeling paint or rotting boards; chimney caps on fireplace chimneys; handrails on 4 or more risers and guardrails over 30 inches; house numbers at least 4 inches tall
  • Windows open, stay open and have screens; exit doors and windows open without a key or tool
  • Interior surfaces clean and sound; bathrooms without windows need mechanical ventilation; tubs and showers need shower rods
  • Plumbing working with hot water able to reach 110 degrees F
  • Electrical: required outlets and light fixtures; GFI outlets in bathrooms, laundry rooms and within 6 feet of a sink
  • Dryer transition duct must be a single listed UL 2158A duct, 8 feet or less, not concealed
  • Heating and Hot Water Heater Certification signed by a licensed plumber or certified heating contractor; heat able to keep 68 degrees F
  • Chimney certification for all fireplaces
  • For homes built before 1978: a lead Certification of Clearance from the Freehold Area Health Department before the CCO is issued (see other items)
Fees
CCO inspection, 1 and 2 family dwellings (including condo and townhouse)$100
CCO inspection, apartments (multiple dwelling units)$75
Expedited CCO inspection (3 days or less), surcharge$100
Second and later CCO re-inspections (first re-inspection free)$150
Timing
Standard inspections are scheduled by the office; an expedited inspection (3 days or less) costs a $100 surcharge, pending availability.
Valid for
90 days from the initial inspection for sales (30 days for rentals)
Phone
732-462-5812
ApplicationOfficial page

Smoke and CO alarm certificate

Required
Requirements
  • Smoke alarms per the date the home was built or renovated (10-year sealed battery alarms on all levels for homes before January 1977, up to hardwired, interconnected alarms with battery backup on all levels and in each bedroom for homes from March 1991); AC-powered alarms from original construction may not be replaced with battery alarms
  • Carbon monoxide alarms outside every separate sleeping area
  • Secondary power source label ("CAUTION: MULTIPLE SOURCES OF POWER", not handwritten) within 18 inches of the main electrical panel and electric meter if the home has a generator, solar panels, battery storage or another supplemental source
  • An adult 18 or older must be present for the inspection

Freehold Borough Fire Bureau (Bureau of Fire Prevention)

Fees
Smoke, CO and secondary power source certificate, request more than 3 business days before the change of occupancy$50.00
Request less than 3 business days before the change of occupancy (pending availability)$100.00
Second and later re-inspections (first re-inspection free)$150
Timing
Lowest fee when the request comes in more than 3 business days before the change of occupancy. Allow up to 5 business days from a passed inspection to the certificate. The certificate is valid for 6 months.
Phone
732-462-3626
ApplicationOfficial page
Last checked October 4, 2026
Sources
  1. https://www.freeholdboroughnj.gov/government/forms/forms-documents/department-documents/code-enforcement/799-residential-cco-application-checklist-1/file
  2. https://freeholdboroughnj.gov/government/news/307-important-update-from-the-freehold-area-health-department
  3. https://www.freeholdboroughnj.gov/departments/code

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