What Are the Requirements for a Certificate of Occupancy in New Jersey?

As of 2015, the requirements for a certificate of occupancy in New Jersey include showing that people can occupy a building or structure safely without posing a danger to the public welfare or life, according to the Township of West Windsor. The property owner or permit holder must install and place in service all of the utilities the building needs, such as electric, gas, water and sewer.

To obtain a certificate of continued occupancy, a property owner must show that no violations of laws or orders issued by a construction official are pending, and municipal records must show that building’s use is lawful, explains the Township of West Windsor. The owner or person in charge of the work is responsible for notifying the enforcing agency when a property is ready for inspection. The individual giving notice must do so 24 hours or more before the date she wants the inspection to take place.

Issuance of a certificate of occupancy cannot occur until a final inspection takes place, notes the Township of West Windsor. The final inspection includes determining whether the building fulfills the barrier-free subcode requirement for buildings that must be accessible. If inspectors observe any permit or approved plan violations, they make note of them and notify the permit holder.