North Plainfield Borough
Certificate of Occupancy Required
Municipal Certificate of Code Compliance (MCC) · Borough of North Plainfield Department of Health, Housing & Property (Property Maintenance / Zoning, Code Compliance Officer)
- Inspection for illegal conversions to two-family or multi-family use, illegal rooming units, and living units in basements, attics or other non-habitable spaces
- Construction done without permits (sheds, pools, decks, stoves, water heaters, furnaces, additions) must get retroactive permits and inspections; open construction permits must be closed
- 10-year sealed battery smoke detectors (or the hardwired type required when the home was built) on each floor and within 10 feet of any bedroom
- Carbon monoxide detectors within 10 feet of any sleeping area
- Handrails on stairs of three or more risers, returned to the wall
- Fire extinguisher within 10 feet of the kitchen (form still lists it)
- Vacant house fees paid, taxes and sewer charges addressed, and liens or special charges to the Borough paid
- Certificate is issued in the name of the new owner before closing
| MCC, single family | $100.00 |
| MCC, two family | $200.00 |
| MCC reinspection, per unit (application form) | $50.00 |
| Certificate of Municipal Code Compliance, per dwelling unit (Borough code) | $100.00 |
- Phone: 908-769-2915
- Timing: Schedule the inspection at least two weeks before closing. The code says the inspection is made within 10 days of the application and fee. Inspections are generally Tuesday and Wednesday 10am to noon and Thursday 1pm to 3pm.
- Application: https://www.northplainfieldnj.gov/government/documents/resident-forms/department-documents/zoning-board-of-adjustment-documents/44-municipal-certificate-of-compliance-mcc/file
Smoke and CO alarm certificate Required
- Smoke alarms on every level (including the basement) and within 10 feet of bedroom doors; battery units must be 10-year sealed; required type depends on when the home was built (1978-1983 hardwired; 1984-1990 interconnected with battery backup; 1991 on also in each bedroom)
- Electric smoke detectors may not be replaced with battery units; defective interconnected detectors must be replaced with compatible units
- Carbon monoxide alarm on each sleeping level, in the hallway near each bedroom door
- Two family homes: smoke detectors on each landing of common hallways and stairs
- Portable fire extinguisher (2A:10B:C, 10 lbs or less) mounted within 10 feet of the kitchen (form still lists it)
Borough of North Plainfield Department of Health, Housing & Property (smoke/CO check is part of the Municipal Certificate of Code Compliance)
- Phone: 908-769-2915
- Timing: Schedule at least two weeks before closing (MCC inspection).
- Application: https://www.northplainfieldnj.gov/government/documents/resident-forms/department-documents/zoning-board-of-adjustment-documents/44-municipal-certificate-of-compliance-mcc/file