Wayne, NJ Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Chapter 100 of the Wayne Township Code, the Residential Certificate of Continued Occupancy, governs the inspection that precedes a sale or change of tenant in Wayne Township. The Enforcement Officer is the Construction Code Official or a designee (§ 100-1). Under § 100-2 no residential premises can change in tenancy, use or ownership unless a certificate of continued occupancy has been issued; a change between spouses, parent and child, or siblings is exempt. The application goes on forms furnished by the Enforcement Officer (§ 100-3).

Section 100-4 is the inspection itself. It starts when the Enforcement Officer receives an application advising of a pending change. The inspection determines that the premises conform in all respects to the Zoning and Property Maintenance Ordinances. If it reveals additions, attic or basement apartments, finished basements, garages, sheds or pools, second kitchens or decks, the officer must determine that each was built with the required permits or under a variance.

Timing and outcomes are in § 100-5. Within 15 business days after closure of all open permits and receipt of a written application, the Enforcement Officer either issues the certificate or notifies the applicant in writing why the premises failed and what remedial action is needed, all of which must be completed within 60 days. Under § 100-2.1, a homeowner's or purchaser's agreement accepted by the Enforcement Officer lets a property close or be occupied without a certificate while violations are abated, for no more than 60 days. After that the applicant must re-apply and pay the fee again.

Fees come from Chapter 75: $250 for an inspection within 15 business days, expedited surcharges of $100, $250 or $750, follow-up inspections at $50 after one free follow-up, a $50 missed appointment fee, and $250 for permission to close without a certificate. A second kitchen found without approvals requires a deed restriction recorded in the Passaic County Register's Office under § 100-7.1. The Uniform Construction Code is enforced separately by the Division of Construction Code under § 64-1.