Fire Inspections

Residential Dwelling Reoccupancy Inspections

Pursuant to §250-21 of the Vernon Township Code, before a 1- or 2-family residential dwelling is sold, leased or a change of occupancy occurs, the dwelling must be inspected. The purpose of the inspection is three-fold:

• to ensure that the dwelling is equipped with properly installed and functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms (N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3) and at least one portable fire extinguisher located within 10 feet of the kitchen
• to review property maintenance and continued compliance with township ordinances
• to ensure that the structure is consistent with tax assessor and building department records

Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19, smoke detectors must be installed on each level of the premises and outside of each separate sleeping area; carbon monoxide alarms must be installed within 10 feet of a bedroom on each level. Upon a successful inspection, the property owner will be issued a certificate of smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm compliance. Failure to obtain this certification prior to a change of occupancy may result in a financial penalty being assessed against the seller/lessor.
View placement diagram 

Fees

There is a base inspection fee of $55.00 plus an additional fee in accordance with New Jersey’s Uniform Fire Code which is based upon the amount of time remaining before the change of occupancy is expected to occur, as follows:

• $45.00—request received 15 business days or more prior to the change of occupancy
• $75.00—request received five to 14 business days prior to the change of occupancy
• $125.00—request received four business days or less prior to the change of occupancy

Requesting an Inspection

To ensure adequate time to schedule and complete the inspection, please begin this process at least 20 days before the sale/lease/change of occupancy is due to occur. First, contact the Vernon Township Department of Fire Prevention to request an inspection appointment. If personnel are out in the field, your call will be returned at which time your inspection will be scheduled. Second, download and complete the Residential Reoccupancy Inspection Application . Note that on page three—titled “Residential Dwelling Reoccupancy Checklist”—you need only complete the questions in the column labeled “Owner.” The remainder of the checklist is to be completed by township personnel. Third, because the assessor’s portion must be completed prior to the onsite inspection, you will need to print out your completed application and bring it to the Vernon Township Division of Tax Assessments located in the municipal building at 21 Church Street. Finally, bring the application with you to your inspection appointment, along with a check or money order for the inspection fee. The final portion of the application form will be completed by the township’s inspector and, assuming the dwelling passes inspection, you will be issued a certificate of smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm compliance (CSDCMAC).

There will be a $500.00 non-compliance penalty issued to anyone not applying for or getting said certification when a 1- or 2-family residential dwelling is sold, leased or a change of occupancy occurs.

Need more information or have questions? Contact the department at 973.764.4055, ext. 2272.

Business and Commercial Fire Prevention Inspections

Every business and commercial building within the township must be inspected annually to ensure compliance with New Jersey’s Uniform Fire Code (N.J.A.C. 5:70 et seq.). Some of the more commonly occurring violations found by fire prevention personnel are as follows:

• blocked fire exits
• exit lights not illuminated
• emergency lights not working
• fire extinguishers not present or not tested on an annual basis
• extension cords improperly utilized as a permanent power source
• accumulation of flammable materials

Fees

The annual inspection fee for non-life hazard use inspections is based upon the property’s square footage as follows:

• 1 to 4,500 square feet—$50.00
• 4,501 to 8,500 square feet—$75.00
• 8,501 to 11,999 square feet—$100.00

To schedule an inspection, please contact the Vernon Township Department of Fire Prevention at 973.764.4055, ext. 2272.