Inspections & Certificates

Please note: Jersey City does not issue New Certificates of Occupancy for the buying and selling of property. 

HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION?
Please schedule all inspections via www.jcnj.org/permitportal 

Once logged into your account, click on “dashboard” then click on “view my permits” 

Locate your permit here; you can also search for your permit on the search box. 

For example- if you were requesting a footing inspection, this category would be under a building tech card. This tech card will have the letters BLD on it such as BLD123456 

Once you have located your permit, click on it. This will take you to the permit homepage. 

Scroll down and click on “inspections” tab. Here you will see your inspection categories. 

Check the appropriate box then click “request inspection”. 




WHAT DO I NEED FOR AN INSPECTION?
Inspections are completed between the hours of 7AM-3PM (contact your inspector directly if you need a specific timeframe)

Required documents that may need to be provided:
Footing and Foundation = Foundation survey
Framing = Framing Checklist
Insulation = Air Barrier Checklist
Sprinkler = Above Ground & Underground Certification
Fire Pump = NFPA 20 Certification
Fire Alarms = NFPA 72 Certification
Any Special Inspector Certifications
https://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/resources/constructionpermitforms.html
DO I NEED A CO FOR MY NEW BUSINESS?
A new CO is not required if no major renovation was completed, and the business use is staying the same.

If a tenant fit out is completed, then a new application needs to be approved by zoning and can be applied for on www.jcnj.org/permitportal
 
Once approved and all final inspections are complete a new CO showing the new use based on submitted plans and occupancy load.

If the commercial space is undergoing a change a use an approved zoning application along with a permit application and a full set of plans (see change of use checklist in document box below) showing the layout, the new use and occupancy load is required in order issue the CO. The plans will undergo plan review and if passed inspections will be completed to insure everything matches the plans. Once inspections are passed a CO for the new use and occupancy load will be issued.
WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR A TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY?
A Temporary Certificate of Occupancy must first have the following application approved by zoning.

A TCO can be issued for a specified length of time when all utilities are in place, and the building, or specified portions of a building, can be occupied without endangering the health and safety of the occupants.

It requires all the same documentation as the final CO and must be approved and signed off by all sub-codes and the construction official.
WHAT ARE THE CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS FOR A 1 AND 2 FAMILY HOME?
A new Certificate of Occupancy is required for new construction or after a major renovation. You must first have the following application approved by zoning.

Once the application is approved by Zoning it is forwarded to construction code where you must have the following and final inspections for all sub-codes must be complete:

Verify that we have Prior Approvals:
JCMUA
Passaic valley

Documents that need to be submitted with the application:
Veolia Water Clearance
Homeowners Warranty (New Construction)
If 2 family is a condo, we need a warranty for each individual unit in the new owners name
HOW not needed individual built by owner (they must sign the inside of the folder attesting to such)
HOW not required if property will solely be used as a rental property. They must provide a notarized affidavit attesting to such.
Soil erosion may be required if lot is over 5000 sq. ft.
Elevation certificate may be required based on address.
Additional documents may be required if deemed necessary by the sub-codes or construction official.
WHAT ARE THE CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS FORA MULTI-FAMILY HOME?
A new Certificate of Occupancy is required for new construction or after a major renovation. You can apply via www.jcnj.org/permitportal

Once the application is approved by Zoning it is forwarded to construction code where you must have the following documentation and final inspections for all sub-codes must be complete:

Verify that we have Prior Approvals:
JCMUA
Passaic valley

Documents that need to be submitted with application:
Veolia Water Clearance
Homeowners Warranty (New Construction Condos)
If new construction are condo units will need a warranty for each individual unit in the new owner's name
DCA Multi-Unit Registration (new construction and change of existing units)
Soil erosion may be required if lot is over 5000 sq. ft.
Elevation certificate may be required based on address.
Additional documents may be required if deemed necessary by the sub-codes or construction official.