Bernards Township

Certificate of Occupancy Required

Construction Records Clearance (CRC) · Bernards Township Code Enforcement Division (Construction Code office)

• 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

• Phone: 908-204-3173
• 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.
• Application: https://www.bernards.org/government/forms/construction/documents-1/1149-selling-your-home-pdf/file

Smoke and CO alarm certificate Required

• 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