Certificate of Occupancy

The purpose of the Certificate of Occupancy is to certify the work completed under a permit complies with the Uniform Construction Code. Certificates of Occupancy are issued for new buildings/structures, reconstructed buildings additions & change of use.  The application for a Certificate of Occupancy or Temporary Certificate of Occupancy can be accessed online (Form UCC-F270).

If you are requesting a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy complete the following steps:

A final inspection must be scheduled and inspected. Failed inspections from each sub code must be listed on the application with a date of completion request. The Construction Official will review and if acceptable approve the request. It is the responsibility of the applicant to call for a final inspection when work is complete. It is expected work be completed prior to the expiration date of the Temporary Certificate. If there is good cause  the Construction Official has the discretion to extend the Temporary Certificate. Occupation of building after the temporary certificate expires without a permanent certificate is in violation and the Official is obligated to take legal steps to terminate the illegal occupancy and assess penalties.

The Township of Mahwah does not require a Certificate of Continued Occupancy for a resale or tenant rental. However, the State of New Jersey requires, by Sections N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3 and 4.9 of the New Jersey State Uniform Fire Code, a Smoke Detector Certification. This certification requires smoke detectors on every level, carbon monoxide detectors outside all bedrooms and a 2A:10B:C fire extinguisher  (See the Department of Fire Prevention for Fire Code compliance).