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WatchdogResale CO checklist

North Plainfield Borough

Somerset County, New Jersey · Checked October 3, 2026

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

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)