• PRIOR TO SALE, RENTAL, or CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

The New Jersey Uniform Fire Code requires before any 1-family or 2-family dwelling unit can be SOLD or LEASED or have a CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY, the owner shall obtain a Certificate of Smoke Detector Compliance (CSDC), as per N.J.A.C. 5:70-2.3 and N.J.A.C. 5:70-4.19.

To obtain a CSDC in Fair Lawn:

1. Comply with "Smoke Detector Requirements to obtain CSDC," which are detailed below.
2. Pay $50.00 cash or check payable to Borough of Fair Lawn upon passing inspection. There will be $10.00 charge for each additional visit due to failed inspection or "no-shows."

Certificate of Smoke Detector Compliance is good for six months from date of issuance. CSDC inspections are generally conducted Wednesday (9am-2pm) and Saturday (8am-12 noon). We urge you to plan early and call for an inspection without delay. Call Fair Lawn Fire Prevention Bureau at 201-794-5408 or e-Mail fireprevention@fairlawn.org.

"Your poor planning does not become our emergency."

This law is provided in the interest of fire safety. Parties who neglected to apply for certification on a previous transaction may do so now without fear of penalty. Those who otherwise fail to comply will be subject to penalties.

Any concerns regarding this, or any other Fire Safety matter, may be referred to Fire Marshal Jay Bender at 201-794-5408 or e-Mail fireprevention@fairlawn.org.

Smoke Detector Requirements
To obtain Certificate of Smoke Detector Compliance (CSDC) in Fair Lawn, NJ

In 1-family homes, at least one smoke detector shall be located -
- On each level of the home, including the basement.
- Within 10 feet of each entrance to a sleeping area, or inside each sleeping area...
- For levels without a sleeping area, smoke detector shall be installed near the stairwell.

Smoke detectors shall not be installed in any kitchen, bathroom or furnace room.

Smoke detectors shall not be installed in the stairwell.

In 2-family homes, requirements are the same as 1-family homes, plus:
- Common stairwells and hallways shall have smoke detector installed outside of each doorway to any living space or storage area.
- Each separate basement shall have smoke detector installed at foot of stairs, but not in stairwell.

Ceiling mounted detectors shall be at least 4 inches from adjoining wall.

Wall mounted detectors shall be between 4 to 12 inches below the ceiling.

Smoke detector shall sound an alarm of at least 85 decibels at 10 feet.

All fire detection systems shall be fully operational upon completion of our inspection or a CSDC will not be issued. Owner shall reset the alarm system and notify the monitoring station. The Inspector will not do it for you.

Smoke detectors shall be installed securely, per manufacturer's instructions - Velcro, tape, etc. is not allowed.

Battery and/or electrical smoke detectors are acceptable.

All smoke detectors (including those not required) shall meet the above requirements.

Painted smoke detectors will not pass inspection.
Heat detectors and carbon monoxide detectors do not qualify as smoke detectors.

The Inspector is not permitted to install the smoke detector, battery or reset the system.

Inspection Fee: $50.00 cash or check payable to the Borough of Fair Lawn, plus $10.00 for each additional visit. Fee may be paid upon inspection for simultaneous issuance of CSDC.

To schedule an inspection, call 201-794-5408 or e-mail fireprevention@fairlawn.org.

We urge you to plan early and call for inspection without delay. CSDC is good for 6 months.