Franklin Borough

Sussex County

Certificate of Occupancy

Required

Certificate

Certificate of Inspection Permitting Occupancy (For Resale), also called the certificate of habitability or Certificate of Occupancy Compliance

Issued by

Hardyston Township Construction Office, acting as the Construction Official for the Borough of Franklin

Requirements

Inspection by the Construction Official (or agent) for compliance with Borough ordinances; the official lists the corrections needed
Smoke alarms on all floors and within 10 feet of all sleeping areas; carbon monoxide alarms near sleeping areas
Portable fire extinguisher within 10 feet of the kitchen (checklist still lists it)
GFCI outlets near sinks and in damp locations; cover plates on all receptacles, switches and junction boxes
Sump pumps may not discharge to the town sewer; food disposal grinders are not permitted
Handrails on stairs with three or more risers; guardrails on decks 30 inches or more above grade
Remodeled kitchens, baths and finished basements are checked for permits; open permits must be inspected and approved before the certificate
Attached garage fire-resistive ratings maintained; no basement bedrooms without code egress; no double-keyed deadbolts on the main entrance door
Interior walls, exterior coverings, chimneys and accessory structures (decks, pools, sheds) in good condition and meeting zoning and building codes
If the home converted from oil to gas, the oil tank must have been properly decommissioned
Title may transfer after the application is filed, but no one may move in until all listed corrections are completed; a certificate for closing purposes only (no occupancy) and a temporary certificate (TCO) are options on the form

Fees

Resale certificate of habitability, first tier (code text reads 'Within 10 business days of occupancy')	$50
Resale, less than 10 but more than 4 business days before occupancy	$85
Resale, less than 4 business days before occupancy	$150
Reinspection to abate after the second violation notice, each	$25

Timing

The certificate must be granted or denied within 15 days after the written application is received.

Phone

973-823-7020 ext. 9001

Required

Requirements

Smoke alarms on all floors and within ten feet of all sleeping areas
Carbon monoxide alarms installed and maintained in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping areas
At least one portable fire extinguisher (2-1/2 to 10 pound, ABC type) within 10 feet of the kitchen, top no more than 5 feet above the floor (form still lists it)

Timing: Same as the resale certificate: decided within 15 days of a complete application; fee tiers by business days before occupancy.
Phone: 973-823-7020 ext. 9001

Last checked October 4, 2026

Sources