Smoke Alarm, Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Fire Extinguisher Certificate of Compliance 

All residences in Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Borough are required to apply for a certificate of Smoke Alarm, Carbon Monoxide Alarm and Fire Extinguisher Compliance prior to being sold, leased, or otherwise made subject to a change of occupancy including rentals.  The up-to-date application is located at the bottom of the page.  Old revisions will not be accepted.

Application Fee Schedule:
Applications received more than 10 business days prior to the closing/change of occupancy: $45.00

Applications received 4 - 10 business days prior to the closing/change of occupancy: $90.00

Applications received fewer than 4 business days prior to the closing/change of occupancy: $161.00

Make checks payable to HTFD #1 - Application Fees are NON-REFUNDABLE

New Jersey Uniform Fire Code Certification Criteria 

Smoke Alarms:
Smoke Alarms are required to be installed on each level of the home including the basement. Alarms are required to be less than 10 years old at the time of resale/change of occupancy.

    Single Story Homes should have Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Alarms located within 10 feet of all bedrooms in the
    hallway at a minimum.  Homes built after 1990 will have smoke alarms located in each bedroom as well.

    Multi-Story Homes should have their first floor smoke alarm located near the bottom of the stairs leading up to the second
    floor.  Upstairs, a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm should be located within 10 feet of all bedrooms.  Homes built
    after 1990 will have smoke alarms located in each bedroom as well.

    Homes with Basements should have at least one smoke detector mounted at the ceiling level near the staircase or, in the
    staircase, mounted 5 inches from the ceiling on the wall.

    Homes built prior to 1977 are usually battery operated.  Effective January 1, 2019, all battery operated single station smoke
    alarms must be 10 year sealed-battery type alarms, unless an addition or renovation has been done and the home had to
    be brought up to newer code standards. 

    Homes built between 1977 and 1990 are electrically operated and most are interconnected.  These require a report from a
    licensed electrician.  The electrician will need to test the alarms, making sure that they are working appropriately, no
    components are recalled or more than 10 years old.  Electricians shall indicate which type of electrically operated system is
    installed (interconnected or non-interconnected).  It is recommended that A/C powered, with battery backup type smoke
    alarms be installed in these homes at minimum.  These homes typically have alarms on each level, but not in each
    bedroom.

     Homes built after 1990 are electrically operated, interconnected and are equipped with battery backup.  These require a
     report from a licensed electrician.  The electrician will need to test the alarms, making sure that they are working
     appropriately, no components are recalled or more than 10 years old.  These homes will have alarms on each level and in
     each bedroom.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
Carbon Monoxide Alarms shall be located within 10 feet of all bedrooms in the hallway, NOT inside the bedrooms. They can be either plug-in type or battery operated. If there is no electrical outlet present in the hallway, a battery powered carbon monoxide alarm may be installed. In all cases the manufacturer’s instructions shall be followed.  We recommend using a 10 year sealed-battery type.

Fire Extinguisher:
One "2A:10B:C" rated ABC portable fire extinguisher, no more than 10 pounds, shall be mounted vertically using the manufacturers hanger or brackets, within 10 feet of the kitchen and unobstructed from view by any doors, walls, counters, etc.  It can no longer be under the sink, sitting on the counter or in a closet or garage.  It must have a current inspection tag or a receipt with a date of purchase less than one-year-old.  The top of the extinguisher should not be more than 5 feet in height off of the floor and no lower than 3 feet.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

The following supporting documentation is required to be submitted with the application and fee or electronically:

• Hardwired Smoke Alarms:
    • A licensed electrician shall test the system and supply documentation that the alarms have been tested, working 
       appropriately, no components are recalled or more than 10 years old.

• Non-hardwired Smoke Alarms:
    • A picture of the back of the alarm, up close to verify make, model & mfg. date. (one is fine if all are the same).
    • A picture of each installed alarm, far enough away so that we can tell where it is mounted.

• Carbon Monoxide Alarms:
    • A picture of the back of the alarm, up close to verify the make, model & mfg. date. (one is fine if all are the same).
    • A picture of each installed alarm, far enough away so that we can see the proximity of the alarm to the bedrooms.

• Portable Fire Extinguisher:
    • A picture up close, showing the extinguisher size, the mounted bracket, and a receipt or inspection tag.
    • A picture of the mounted extinguisher, taken while standing in the kitchen area.

Supporting documentation can be attached with the application or emailed to: ResidentialResale@hopewelltwpfire.org
*If emailing, please indicate the address in the subject line*

Submitting the CSACMAFEC Application

Those who wish to drop off their application can drop it off at the Hopewell Township Municipal Building.  A drop box mail slot is located on the left side of the building near the flag poles.  There will be a single door with a in-wall mail slot to the left of the door that is available for use for application drop off at all hours. 
Applications and payment should be in a sealed envelope or sealed folder, addressed to the Hopewell Valley Bureau of Fire Safety.  The drop box is checked periodically during office hours and applications will be marked received the date they are physically received by the Bureau of Fire Safety. Please note, using the drop box may cause the receipt of your application to be delayed. 

**DO NOT USE THE COUNTY BALLOT BOX IN FRONT OF OUR OFFICE TO DROP OFF CSACMAFEC APPLICATIONS**

Receiving the CSACMAFEC Certification

Technical Guidance

Health Department Requirements for Home Resale - please visit the health department page for information on well and septic system certification.