Bernards Township
Certificate of Occupancy
Required- Certificate
- Construction Records Clearance (CRC)
- Issued by
- Bernards Township Code Enforcement Division (Construction Code office)
- Requirements
- Records check (not a physical inspection) that there are no open construction or zoning permits
- If permits are open, all final inspections and approvals must be done and certificates issued before the CRC
- Application lists the closing date (required), home type, approximate year built, and whether there is a pool, pool fence, finished basement or second kitchen, and whether the address is displayed on the building
- Exempt if there is no change in physical occupancy for deed corrections, transfers between spouses, estate distributions, refinancing and similar transfers; rentals are exempt
- Fees
CRC, request more than 10 calendar days before closing $40 CRC, request within 10 calendar days of closing $75 CRC, request within 4 calendar days of closing $125 - Timing
- Owner or agent must apply at least 10 business days before the change of ownership; the fee rises inside 10 and 4 calendar days of closing.
- Phone
- 908-204-3173
Smoke and CO alarm certificate
Required- Requirements
- Smoke alarms located per N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19 and maintained per NFPA 72
- Carbon monoxide alarms located per N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19 and maintained per NFPA 720
- Portable fire extinguisher installed per N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19(e) (Township code and Bureau page still list it)
- Homes with an installed fire alarm system may need to show testing and maintenance records
- New owners or tenants may not move in before the inspection
Last checked October 3, 2026