Certificate of Occupancy

Certificate requirements

1. New buildings: A building or structure hereafter erected shall not be used or occupied in whole or part until a form of certificate of occupancy shall have been issued by the construction official
   
   
   1. The enforcing agency shall upon application by the owner issue a certificate of occupancy when all requirements of the regulations have been met.
      
      
2. Buildings hereafter renovated or altered: A building or structure hereafter renovated or altered shall not be occupied or used until the certificate of approval shall not be occupied or used until the certificate of approval shall have been issued by the construction official, certifying that the work has been completed in accordance with the provisions of the apprived permit, except as is otherwise provided in the regulations. Any use of occupancy which was not discontinued during the work of renovation or alteration shall be discontinued within 30 calendar days after the completion of the alteration, unless the certificate of approval is secured from the enforcing agency.
   
   
3. Building hereafter extended: No addition which increases the height or area of an existing building or structure shall be used until a certificate of occupancy shall have been issued by the construction official certifying that the work has been completed in accordance with the provisions of the approved permit, except as otherwise provided in these rules.
   
   
4. Existing buildings: Upon request of the owner of an existing building or structure, the construction official, with the approval of the subcode officials, shall issue a certificate of continued occupancy provided that there are not violations of law or orders of the construction official pending and it is established after inspection and investigation of available municipal records that the alleged use of the building or structure has lawfully existed. The certificate of continued occupancy shall evidence only that a general inspection of the visible parts of the building has been made, and that no violations of N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.14 have been determined to have occurred and no unsafe conditions violative of N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.32(a) have been found. Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the continued lawful use and occupancy of any such lawfully existing building or structure.
   
   
5. Change of use: After a change of use has been made in a building or structure, the reestablishment of a prior use is prohibited unless the building complies with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:23-6, Rehabilitation Subcode, for the prior use.
   
   
6. Temporary certificate of occupancy: Upon the request of a holder of a permit, the construction official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy for a building or structure or part thereof before the entire work covered by the permit shall have been complete, provided such portion or portions may be occupied safely prior to full completion of the building or structure without endangering life or public welfare.
   
   
7. No temporary or final certificate of occupancy shall be granted until all required utilities, including but not limited to water, sewer, electric and gas are installed and in service.
   
   
8. Certificate of Approval: A certificate of approval shall be issued for all work that requires a construction permit but does not require a certificate of occupancy. No application shall be required for a certificate of approval.