Rules by state

New Jersey

New Jersey handles one- and two-family sale or transfer alarm compliance through the Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety, with rules in the Uniform Fire Code and related statutes. As of the current DCA portal, the application name is CSACMASPSIL, and many towns may instead use a municipal certificate of occupancy or similar approval that must verify the same compliance first.

Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.

At sale or transfer
For a New Jersey one- or two-family or attached single-family dwelling, a sale, lease, or other residential change of occupancy generally requires compliance approval—either a DCA certificate or a municipal occupancy/inspection approval that cannot be issued until the dwelling meets the applicable smoke alarm, CO alarm, and related transfer rules.
Code reference
N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3; N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19; N.J.S.A. 52:27D-133.3; N.J.S.A. 52:27D-198.1

Official resources in New Jersey

NJDCA Fire Safety Service Portal — Start Your Smoke Certification Application

Use this portal to apply for the current smoke/CO compliance certificate and review transfer-related exceptions shown in the application.

New Jersey Division of Fire Safety — Bureaus and Offices

Shows the Division’s Bureau of Fire Code Enforcement and Local Assistance offices that oversee smoke detector certifications and fire-code enforcement support.

N.J.A.C. 5:70 amendments PDF (includes 5:70-2.3 and 5:70-4.19)

Official DCA rule text for the sale/occupancy compliance certificate, ten-year sealed smoke alarm rule, CO alarm rule, and portable extinguisher requirements.

N.J. Stat. Title 52 PDF (includes 52:27D-133.3)

Official statute compilation containing the carbon monoxide certificate-of-occupancy rule for dwellings with fewer than three units.

Uniform Fire Safety Act PDF (includes 52:27D-198.1)

Official statute compilation containing the smoke-sensitive alarm device requirement for residential structures and the newer secondary power source label provision.

Key facts for New Jersey

Town certificate details in New Jersey

Townfeelead timevalidapplyDetails
Barnegat Light
Ocean
More than 10 business days: $45; 4-10 business days: $90; 3 business days or less: $161.—12 months from the date of inspection.Submit the county application and Ocean County will contact you to schedule the inspection.Ocean County lists Barnegat Light rentals for 1-2 family buildings among the municipalities it handles for these inspections. ([co.ocean.nj.us](https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/FireMarshal/frmSmokeDetector.aspx))
Bay Head
Ocean
More than 10 business days: $45; 4-10 business days: $90; 3 business days or less: $161.—12 months from the date of inspection.Submit the county application and Ocean County will contact you to schedule the inspection.Ocean County lists Bay Head resales and rentals of 1-2 family buildings among the municipalities it handles for these inspections. ([co.ocean.nj.us](https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/FireMarshal/frmSmokeDetector.aspx))
Bayonne
Hudson
———Obtain the application from the Fire Prevention office at City Hall and submit it to the Fire Department.Bayonne announced on May 1, 2026 that the Fire Prevention Bureau now processes resale certifications and smoke certifications.
Beach Haven
Ocean
More than 10 business days: $45; 4-10 business days: $90; 3 business days or less: $161.—12 months from the date of inspection.Submit the county application and Ocean County will contact you to schedule the inspection.Ocean County lists Beach Haven resales and rentals of 1-2 family buildings among the municipalities it handles for these inspections. ([co.ocean.nj.us](https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/FireMarshal/frmSmokeDetector.aspx))
Bernards
Somerset
———Use the fillable smoke detector/carbon monoxide/fire extinguisher application in the Fire Prevention forms folder.The Fire Prevention documents page publishes a dedicated fillable smoke detector, carbon monoxide, and fire extinguisher application and checklist.
Bound Brook
Somerset
$125 per inspection; no-show/rescheduled inspection: $75.The application says the certificate shall be issued within six business days of receipt of the inspection if the property complies.—Submit the CSACMFEHC application to the Fire Marshal or designee with the inspection fee paid before scheduling.Bound Brook also provides an owner certification-in-lieu-of-inspection form on the same packet.
Bridgewater
Somerset
More than 10 business days before change of occupant: $50.00; between 4 and 10 business days: $70.00; fewer than 4 business days: $125.00.Inspections are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays unless otherwise approved based on time to closing.—Apply in person with payment, mail the application with a check, or apply online through the SDL portal.Bridgewater says residences with monitored fire alarm systems must have the responsible person on site with reset phone numbers and access codes.
Cherry Hill
Camden
Within 8 calendar days of settlement: $100; 4-7 calendar days: $115; within 3 calendar days: $162.Submit the request 3 to 4 weeks prior to the settlement date.90 days from the date of issuance.Submit the online inspection request through the Cherry Hill Fire Department page.Cherry Hill says the certificate is issued at the inspection if the home is compliant and payment is received. ([chnj.gov](https://www.chnj.gov/232/Smoke-Carbon-Monoxide-Alarm-Compliance))
Cliffside Park
Bergen
1-2 family sale: $50.00 CCO fee to Borough of Cliffside Park plus $75.00 fire inspection fee to Cliffside Park Fire Prevention (two separate checks).——Apply for the CCO with Fire Prevention and call Fire Prevention at (201) 313-2062.A survey is required for 1- or 2-family homes or the borough says it cannot issue the CCO.
Clifton
Passaic
$200 per unit for certificate available within 4-20 days; $300 per unit for certificate available within 4 business days.Standard certificate available within 4-20 days, or expedited within 4 business days.6 months after Fire Department inspection.Submit the dwelling application with payment to the Fire Prevention Bureau.All smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors must be less than 10 years old.
Dunellen
Middlesex
10 business days or more before closing/change of occupancy: $50; less than 10 business days: $75; less than 4 business days: $125.——Email the application to the Middlesex County Fire Marshal or contact the office at 732-316-7171.Middlesex County says it provides residential resale smoke and carbon monoxide detector certifications in Dunellen. ([middlesexcountynj.gov](https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/department-of-public-safety-and-health/bureau-of-the-fire-marshal?utm_source=openai))
Egg Harbor Township
Atlantic
More than 10 business days: $54; 4-10 business days: $90; fewer than 4 business days: $161.——Contact the township fire prevention/title-transfer inspection process for scheduling.Egg Harbor Township adopted these CSACMAPFEC fee tiers by ordinance in April 2025. ([ecode360.com](https://ecode360.com/EG0915/document/753164385.pdf))
Evesham
Burlington
More than 10 business days: $70; 4-10 business days: $115; fewer than 4 business days: $160.—Seasonal rental certificates may be issued for up to 12 months.Schedule the inspection through the township/fire district smoke inspection process.Evesham charges $35 for required reinspections and says a third visit requires a new application and new fee. ([ecode360.com](https://ecode360.com/10137531))
Ewing
Mercer
More than 10 business days: $45; 4-10 business days: $90; fewer than 4 business days: $161.——Use Ewing's forms/SDL portal process to submit the smoke alarm request or related fire prevention request.Ewing's published fee chapter lists these CSDCMAC timing tiers, and the township fire prevention page notes ten-year sealed battery smoke alarms are required for residential property transfer. ([ecode360.com](https://ecode360.com/15221489?utm_source=openai))
Franklin Township
Somerset
——6 months.Download and print the smoke detector documents and schedule through Fire Prevention at 732-873-2500 x6303.Franklin says a residential sale does not require a continued occupancy inspection, but it does require a Fire Prevention inspection.
Guttenberg
Hudson
More than 10 business days before change of occupancy: $45.00; 4 to 10 business days: $90.00; fewer than 4 business days: $161.00; reinspection: $40.00.—6 months.Submit the Guttenberg Fire Prevention application with check or money order payable to Town of Guttenberg.The form says all battery smoke detectors must be 10-year sealed units starting January 1, 2019.
Haddonfield
Camden
More than 10 business days: $45; 4-10 business days: $90; fewer than 4 business days: $161.——Apply through the Borough of Haddonfield Bureau of Fire Prevention.Haddonfield includes one reinspection at no additional charge, with each additional reinspection costing $25. ([ecode360.com](https://ecode360.com/15973332))
Harvey Cedars
Ocean
More than 10 business days: $45; 4-10 business days: $90; 3 business days or less: $161.—12 months from the date of inspection.Submit the county application and Ocean County will contact you to schedule the inspection.Ocean County lists Harvey Cedars resales and rentals of 1-2 family buildings among the municipalities it handles for these inspections. ([co.ocean.nj.us](https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/FireMarshal/frmSmokeDetector.aspx))
Highland Park
Middlesex
10 business days or more before closing/change of occupancy: $50; less than 10 business days: $75; less than 4 business days: $125.——Email the application to the Middlesex County Fire Marshal or contact the office at 732-316-7171.Middlesex County says it provides residential resale smoke and carbon monoxide detector certifications in Highland Park. ([middlesexcountynj.gov](https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/department-of-public-safety-and-health/bureau-of-the-fire-marshal?utm_source=openai))
Howell
Monmouth
More than 10 business days: $85; 4-10 business days: $125; fewer than 4 business days: $210.—6 months from the date issued.Submit the Howell Fire Bureau application packet with payment to schedule the inspection.Howell charges $50 for a missed appointment and $35 for a third inspection if needed. ([twp.howell.nj.us](https://www.twp.howell.nj.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/59))
Livingston
Essex
Initial inspection $50; reinspection $25.——Schedule the inspection by phone at 973-992-2373 or email lfd@livingstonnj.org.Livingston says a C.O. is not required to sell a home, but a smoke detector certification is required.
Long Beach Township
Ocean
More than 10 business days: $45; 4-10 business days: $90; 3 business days or less: $161.—12 months from the date of inspection.Submit the county application and Ocean County will contact you to schedule the inspection.Ocean County lists Long Beach Township rentals for 1-2 family buildings among the municipalities it handles for these inspections. ([co.ocean.nj.us](https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/FireMarshal/frmSmokeDetector.aspx))
Long Hill
Morris
More than 10 business days prior to closing: $100; 4 to 10 business days: $140; less than 4 business days: $211; no-show: $50; reinspection: $25.Fee tiers are based on how many business days remain before closing.—Complete the application and submit it with payment to the Township of Long Hill, Attn: Fire Official.The current form states that a portable fire extinguisher is no longer required for home sales only.
Manalapan
Monmouth
$75.—6 months from the date of issuance.Apply when you submit the residential CCO application to the township.Manalapan says the smoke/CO detector certification inspection is performed in conjunction with the residential CCO inspection. ([mtnj.org](https://mtnj.org/departments/construction/fire_prevention/residential_smoke_co_detector_certification/?utm_source=openai))
Manville
Somerset
CCO fee: $50.00; smoke/carbon monoxide/fire extinguisher certificate: more than 10 business days $45.00, 4 to 10 business days $90.00, fewer than 4 business days $161.00.Fee tiers are based on more than 10 business days, 4 to 10 business days, or fewer than 4 business days before occupancy change.6 months if the change of occupancy does not occur within that time.Owner or agent must call (908) 725-9478 Ext. 117 to make the inspection appointment and submit the application with payment.Manville’s ordinance says a new application and certificate are required if the change of occupancy does not occur within six months.
Marlboro
Monmouth
Single-family CCO fee: $125; fire certificate fee more than 10 days: $45, 4-10 days: $90, fewer than 4 days: $161.—6 months if the change of occupancy does not occur sooner.Submit the residential CCO application and the smoke/carbon monoxide application to Marlboro Township.Marlboro states the issued certificate is not transferable. ([marlboro-nj.gov](https://www.marlboro-nj.gov/_Content/pdf/forms/CCO-Residential.pdf))
Medford
Burlington
$200 for the township inspection process.——Request the CCO/inspection through Medford Township's construction and inspections process.Medford says the residential smoke detector, CO detector, and fire extinguisher inspection is performed in conjunction with a CCO inspection. ([medfordtownship.com](https://medfordtownship.com/knowledgebase/how-do-i-obtain-a-certificate-of-occupancy/))
Middlesex
Middlesex
10 business days or more before closing/change of occupancy: $50; less than 10 business days: $75; less than 4 business days: $125.——Email the application to the Middlesex County Fire Marshal or contact the office at 732-316-7171.Middlesex County says it provides residential resale smoke and carbon monoxide detector certifications in Middlesex Borough. ([middlesexcountynj.gov](https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/department-of-public-safety-and-health/bureau-of-the-fire-marshal?utm_source=openai))
Middletown
Monmouth
More than 10 business days: $100; 4-10 business days: $125; less than 4 business days: $150.——Apply with Middletown Fire Prevention after scheduling the residential CO inspection with the Building Department.Middletown says the smoke/CO inspection is scheduled for the same day as the residential CO inspection, though the inspectors will not arrive at the same time. ([middletownnj.org](https://www.middletownnj.org/DocumentCenter/View/11670))
Milltown
Middlesex
10 business days or more before closing/change of occupancy: $50; less than 10 business days: $75; less than 4 business days: $125.——Email the application to the Middlesex County Fire Marshal or contact the office at 732-316-7171.Middlesex County says it provides residential resale smoke and carbon monoxide detector certifications in Milltown. ([middlesexcountynj.gov](https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/department-of-public-safety-and-health/bureau-of-the-fire-marshal?utm_source=openai))
Morris Plains
Morris
———Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau or use the residential fire inspection application page to request the inspection.Morris Plains says all detectors must be UL listed and in operating order at the time of inspection.
Mount Laurel
Burlington
More than 10 business days: $65; 4-10 business days: $100; fewer than 4 business days: $140.——Contact the Mount Laurel Fire District Bureau of Fire Prevention during business hours for the application process.Mount Laurel's ordinance says the Bureau of Fire Prevention regular business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. ([ecode360.com](https://ecode360.com/10362507))
North Bergen
Hudson
———Print the application from the forms page or call Fire Prevention at 201-392-2162 to request it and schedule an inspection.North Bergen says Fire Prevention does not accept credit cards, only cash, check, or money order.
Point Pleasant Borough
Ocean
More than 10 business days: $45; 4-10 business days: $90; 3 business days or less: $161.—12 months from the date of inspection.Submit the county application and Ocean County will contact you to schedule the inspection.Ocean County lists Point Pleasant Borough resales and rentals of 1-2 family buildings among the municipalities it handles for these inspections. ([co.ocean.nj.us](https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/FireMarshal/frmSmokeDetector.aspx))
Princeton
Mercer
More than 10 days before closing/occupancy: $95 per unit; 4-10 days: $140 per unit; less than 4 days: $211 per unit.—6 months or until another change in occupancy occurs, whichever comes first.Apply online or in person at the Princeton firehouse at 363 Witherspoon Street.Princeton includes the initial inspection, one reinspection, and the certificate in the published total fee. ([princetonnj.gov](https://www.princetonnj.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12784/Certificate-of-Smoke-Detector-CO-Alarm-and-Fire-Extinguisher-Compliance-Guide-PDF))
Secaucus
Hudson
Single-family residence: $50.00; two-family residence: $75.00; three or more families: $100.00; within 4 days or less: $200.00; reinspection: $40.00.The office says you will be contacted within 48 hours of receipt to schedule, and inspections run 9:30 AM-2:30 PM.—Mail or bring the form and check or money order payable to Town of Secaucus to the Bureau of Fire Prevention.An adult must be at the residence at the time of the inspection with no exceptions.
Ship Bottom
Ocean
More than 10 business days: $45; 4-10 business days: $90; 3 business days or less: $161.—12 months from the date of inspection.Submit the county application and Ocean County will contact you to schedule the inspection.Ocean County lists Ship Bottom rentals for 1-2 family buildings among the municipalities it handles for these inspections. ([co.ocean.nj.us](https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/FireMarshal/frmSmokeDetector.aspx))
Somers Point
Atlantic
More than 10 business days: $35; 4-10 business days: $70; fewer than 4 business days: $125.—30 days from the date of inspection.Apply through the Somers Point Bureau of Fire Prevention and Inspections.Somers Point bills each living area in a four-or-fewer-unit multiple dwelling as a separate dwelling. ([ecode360.com](https://ecode360.com/14710005))
South Amboy
Middlesex
10 business days or more before closing/change of occupancy: $50; less than 10 business days: $75; less than 4 business days: $125.——Email the application to the Middlesex County Fire Marshal or contact the office at 732-316-7171.Middlesex County says it provides residential resale smoke and carbon monoxide detector certifications in South Amboy. ([middlesexcountynj.gov](https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/department-of-public-safety-and-health/bureau-of-the-fire-marshal?utm_source=openai))
South River
Middlesex
10 business days or more before closing/change of occupancy: $50; less than 10 business days: $75; less than 4 business days: $125.——Email the application to the Middlesex County Fire Marshal or contact the office at 732-316-7171.Middlesex County says it provides residential resale smoke and carbon monoxide detector certifications in South River. ([middlesexcountynj.gov](https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/government/departments/department-of-public-safety-and-health/bureau-of-the-fire-marshal?utm_source=openai))
South Toms River
Ocean
More than 10 business days: $45; 4-10 business days: $90; 3 business days or less: $161.—12 months from the date of inspection.Submit the county application and Ocean County will contact you to schedule the inspection.Ocean County lists South Toms River resales and rentals of 1-2 family buildings among the municipalities it handles for these inspections. ([co.ocean.nj.us](https://www.co.ocean.nj.us/OC/FireMarshal/frmSmokeDetector.aspx))
Summit
Union
1- or 2-family detached dwellings: $100.00 per unit.Applications must be submitted 10 days before the requested inspection date; 1- and 2-family inspections are Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9:00 AM-11:00 AM.—Submit the Zoning Certificate of Occupancy application with the required fee to the City.The application says sealed 10-year smoke detectors must be installed for inspection.
Verona
Essex
11 business days or more: $50.00; 4 to 10 business days: $70.00; 3 business days or less: $125.00; reinspection: $50.00.Inspection date and time are confirmed after submission; inspections are normally Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-12:00 PM.6 months from the date of inspection.Submit the online Certificate of Compliance application and bring a check to the inspection.Verona will not issue the certificate until all building, plumbing, electrical, fire, and other permits are closed out.
West Orange
Essex
Single-unit residential dwelling CCO: $200.00; reinspection: $75.00.——Submit the residential CCO application with payment to the Township of West Orange.The CCO conditions include smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed and a fire extinguisher in the kitchen area.
Westfield
Union
More than 10 business days after payment received: $100.00; 4 to 10 business days after payment received: $125.00; fewer than 4 business days after payment received: $150.00.Inspections are conducted Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.—Apply online or submit the PDF application and pay by check, money order, or online payment.Westfield states that the fire extinguisher is no longer required as of March 14, 2025.

What to do next

  1. Ask your municipality first whether your closing will use a municipal certificate of occupancy/inspection process or a DCA smoke certification process.
  2. Before scheduling inspection, confirm smoke alarms are compliant, install CO alarms if the home has fuel-burning equipment or an attached garage, and place the required extinguisher by the kitchen exit path.
  3. If the home has solar, a generator, or battery storage, ask the enforcing agency whether a secondary power source identification label is required for this transfer.

Helpful guides

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