Fire Prevention / Property Maintenance

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY AND/OR FIRE SAFETY INSPECTIONS FOR NEW TENANCIES    SALE OF PROPERTY OR RENTALS

INFORMATION - Change in occupancy or use; inspections.  

(1) Whenever there shall occur a change in occupancy in any residential property, including one- and two-family homes and apartments, a new certificate of occupancy shall be required. A change in occupancy shall occur in an apartment by a change in tenant or by the execution of a new lease with a new tenant, and in all other dwelling units by sale or lease.  

(2) Whenever there shall occur a change in occupancy in an industrial, business, institutional or commercial use or a change in commercial or business use by way of a new operator on the first floor of any apartment building where such use is permitted, a new certificate of occupancy shall be required. A change of occupancy shall occur whenever there is a sale or lease of the subject property.  

(3) Whenever such a change shall occur, the owner of said dwelling or premises shall have the responsibility of notifying the public officer at least 10 days prior to such change in occupancy or use and make the dwelling or premises available to the public officer for inspection to determine if said dwelling or premises is in compliance with the terms of all applicable statutes, ordinances and regulations. If the public officer determines there is compliance, a new certificate of occupancy shall be issued, provided that all applicable fees have been paid. If after inspection the public officer determines that said dwelling or premises is not in compliance, then no certificate of occupancy shall be issued and any new occupancy or change of use shall be a violation of the terms of this code.  

(4) Fees.

• Certificate of Occupancy - (Rental) - $50 for 10+ days; $70 for 4-9 days; $125 for 1-3 days.
• Certificate of Occupancy - (Home Resale) - $50 for 10+ days; $70 for 4-9 days; $125 for 1-3 days.  
• Fire Safety Inspection - (Home Resale) - $45 for 10+ days; $90 for 4-9 days; $161 for 1-3 days. 

FORMS – three-part forms are kept, maintained and processed at Borough Hall.  Single blank forms are available online.  The inspectors will leave a copy at the property.  In the case of a new rental, only the Certificate of Occupancy is required.  In the case of the resale of a property, both a Certificate of Occupancy and Fire Safety is required.  

PAYMENT - must be received at Borough Hall, before the inspector(s) are notified via email.  Please reference the Annual Fee Schedule for pricing for both forms, which is dependent on the number of days until the occupancy will begin.  Please fill in the payment section of the form.  

CONDITIONAL C.O.’s – Certain properties are such a condition that the Inspector, at his discretion, will offer a letter of Conditional Certificate of Occupancy, providing for the applicant to apply for construction permitting.  There can be no occupancy of the premises during this construction stage.  The C.O. and Fire Safety applications have to be filed and the fees paid prior to a Conditional C.O. letter being drafted.