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WatchdogResale CO checklist

Plainfield City

Union County, New Jersey · Checked October 2, 2026

Certificate of Occupancy Required

Certificate of Compliance (sale) · City of Plainfield Division of Inspections, Property Maintenance Unit (Department of Public Works and Urban Development)

  • Exterior walls, roofs, porches, stairs, railings and accessory structures
  • Yards, driveways, vegetation, trash and abandoned vehicles
  • Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and other habitable rooms
  • Basements, cellars and crawlspaces
  • Common hallways, stairs and exits
  • Plumbing, water and hot water service; heating equipment and required temperatures
  • Electrical fixtures, switches and outlets
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Windows, doors, walls, ceilings and floors; signs of leaks, moisture, vermin or unsafe conditions
  • Legal number of units and occupancy matching zoning and construction records
  • Open permits or work that looks like it was done without permits
  • Heating system / heating unit certificate on the licensed certifier's letterhead with license number
  • Smoke detector, carbon monoxide and fire extinguisher certificate from the Fire Division
  • For 3 or more units, a current Certificate of Inspection from the NJ Bureau of Housing Inspection
Certificate of Compliance for sale, first residential unit$50
Each additional residential unit at the same property$25
Missed appointment or no-show fee$25
Certificate of Compliance exemption application$75
Escrow when closing with a temporary Certificate of Compliance, per unit$500
One family, application received 11+ business days before the inspection$45
One family, application received 4 to 10 business days before the inspection$90
One family, expedited, 1 to 3 business days before the inspection$161
One family, reinspection on the next available Wednesday$45
Two family, application received 11+ business days before the inspection$90
Two family, application received 4 to 10 business days before the inspection$180
Two family, expedited inspection, application received 1 to 3 business days before$322
Two family, reinspection on the next Wednesday$90
Returned check charge$20.00

Smoke and CO alarm certificate Required

  • Smoke alarm on each level including basements (not attics unless finished, or crawl spaces)
  • Smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm near any flame-producing device, outside each sleeping area and within 10 feet of all bedroom doors
  • Battery-only smoke alarms must be 10-year sealed battery type; combination smoke/CO 10-year sealed alarms are acceptable
  • Homes with a low-voltage alarm system need an alarm test report from a NJ certified fire protection contractor
  • Portable fire extinguisher (2A:10BC, no more than 10 pounds) in the kitchen, no more than 5 feet above the floor, new with receipt or serviced and tagged within 12 months (2021 form; the City payment notice still names the extinguisher certificate)
  • Only one- and two-family dwellings are inspected; inspections are on Wednesdays

City of Plainfield Fire Department, Bureau of Fire Prevention

One family, application received 11+ business days before the inspection$45
One family, application received 4 to 10 business days before the inspection$90
One family, expedited, 1 to 3 business days before the inspection$161
One family, reinspection on the next available Wednesday$45
Two family, application received 11+ business days before the inspection$90
Two family, application received 4 to 10 business days before the inspection$180
Two family, expedited inspection, application received 1 to 3 business days before$322
Two family, reinspection on the next Wednesday$90
Returned check charge$20.00
  • Phone: (908) 753-3446
  • Timing: Pay 11 or more business days before the inspection for the lowest fee. Inspections are on Wednesdays. A failed or missed inspection needs a new application and full payment.
  • Application: https://www.govpaynow.com/gps/user/cyg/plc/a0045L