Rental Unit & Certificate of Occupancy (existing home re-sales)
Property Inspection Checklist

The following Checklist corresponds to Chapters 3 to 7 of the BOCA® National Property Maintenance Code/1996, Fifth Edition, unless otherwise amended by the Code of the Borough of Palmyra.  The applicable BOCA® National Property Maintenance Code can be seen in its entirety by clicking HERE.  Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra, can be seen be clicking HERE.

PROPERTY INSPECTION CHECKLIST*

The following Code Sections correspond to the above referenced Checklist and include detailed descriptions of items to be inspected.*  Where applicable, amendments to the BOCA® National Property Maintenance Code are noted.

EXTERIOR PROPERTY AREAS

Sanitation

All exterior property and premises shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. The occupant shall keep that part of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition.

Grading and drainage

All premises shall be graded and maintained to prevent the erosion of soil and to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water thereon, or within any structure located thereon.

Weeds

(per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-303.4 Weeds, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of SIX(6) INCHES. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided; however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens.

Rat/rodent harborage

All structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rat/rodent infestation. Where rats/rodentsare found, they shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes which will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent re-infestation.

Exhaust Vents

Pipes, ducts, conductors, fans or blowers shall not discharge gases, steam, vapor, hot air, grease, smoke, odors or other gaseous or particulate wastes directly upon abutting or adjacent public or private property or that of another tenant.

Accessory structures

All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.

Motor Vehicles

(per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-308.0 Motor Vehicles, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)Any unregistered, unlicensed, uninsured, uninspected or abandoned motor vehicle, or any motor vehicle engine, body or replacement part, parked, kept or stored on any premises, public street or Boroughowned property, whether covered by tarpaulin or not, shall not be permitted and must be removed or properly registered, insured, licensed and inspected, and no vehicle shall at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair or in the process of being stripped or dismantled.Exceptions:
(a) Motor vehicles of any type may be parked, kept or stored in garages or similarly enclosedstructures or areas and must be out of public view.
(b) A motor vehicle of any type is permitted to undergo major overhaul, including bodywork,provided that such work is performed inside a garage or similarly enclosed structure or areadesigned and approved for such purposes.
(c) One unregistered, unlicensed, uninsured or uninspected vehicle per premises may besituated in the rear of the premises, outside garage or similarly enclosed structure or area designated and approved for such purposes of restoration or maintenance for a maximum
of 90 days, provided that the vehicle owner first receives a temporary permit, available from the code official at a cost of $25. This permit will be renewable one time.

Storage of wood

(per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-303.5.1 Storage of wood, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)All woodpiles including firewood, which are stored outdoors should be stored on platforms at least eight inches (8”) above ground level.

EXTERIOR STRUCTURE

General (Sidewalks not to be inspected/cited)

The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.

Exterior painting

All wood and metal surfaces, including but not limited to, window frames, doors, door frames, cornices, porches and trim shall be maintained in good condition. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated and surfaces repainted.

Street numbers

Each structure to which a street number has been assigned shall have such number displayed in a position easily observed and readable from the public right-of-way. All numbers shall be in Arabic numerals at least 3 inches (76 mm) high and 1/2-inch (13 mm) stroke.

Structural members

All structural members shall be maintained free from deterioration, and shall be capable of safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads.

Foundation walls

All foundation walls shall be maintained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rats.

Exterior walls

All exterior walls shall be free from holes, breaks, loose or rotting materials; and maintained weatherproof and properly surface coated where required to prevent deterioration.

Roofs and drainage

The roof and flashing shall be sound, tight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drainage shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gutters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.

Decorative features

All cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and in a safe condition.

Overhang extensions

All canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts and similar overhang extensions shall be maintained in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a sound condition. When required, all exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.

Stair and walking surfaces

Every stair, ramp, balcony, porch, deck or other walking surface shall comply with the provisions of Section PM-702.9.

Stairways, decks, porches and balconies

Every exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurtenances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of supporting the imposed loads.

Chimneys and towers

All chimneys, cooling towers, smoke stacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained structurally safe and sound, and in good repair. All exposed surfaces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.

Handrails and guards

Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.

Window and door frames

Every window, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition, good repair and weather tight.

Glazing

All glazing materials shall be maintained free from cracks and holes.

Openable windows

Every window, other than a fixed window, shall be easily openable and capable of being held in position by window hardware.

Insect screens

(per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-304.15 Insect screens, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)During the period from JANUARY 1ST to DECEMBER 31ST, every door, window and other outside opening utilized or required for ventilation purposes serving any structure containing habitable rooms, food preparation areas, food service areas, or any areas where products to be included or utilized in food for human consumption are processed, manufactured, packaged or stored, shall be supplied with approved tightly fitting screens of not less than 16 mesh per inch and every swinging door shall have a self-closing device in good working condition.

Doors

All exterior doors and hardware shall be maintained in good condition. Locks at all entrances to dwelling units, rooming units and guestrooms shall tightly secure the door.

Basement hatchways

Every basement hatchway shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of rats, rain and surface drainage water.

Guards for basement windows

Every basement window that is openable shall be supplied with rat-proof shields, storm windows or other approved protection against the entry of rats.

INTERIOR STRUCTURE

General

The interior of a structure and equipment therein shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and in a sanitary condition. Every occupant shall keep that part of the structure which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition. Every owner of a structure containing a rooming house, a hotel, a dormitory, two or more dwelling units or two or more nonresidential occupancies, shall maintain, in a clean and sanitary condition, the shared or public areas of the structure and exterior property.

Structural members

All structural members shall be maintained structurally sound, and be capable of supporting the imposed loads.

Interior surfaces

All interior surfaces, including windows and doors, shall be maintained in good, clean and sanitary condition. Peeling paint, cracked or loose plaster, decayed wood, and other defective surface conditions shall be corrected.

Lead-based paint

Interior and exterior painted surfaces of dwellings and child and day care facilities, including fences and outbuildings, which contain lead levels equal to or greater than 1.0 milligram per square centimeter or in excess of 0.50-percent lead by weight shall be maintained in a condition free from peeling, chipping and flaking paint or removed or covered in an approved manner. Any surface to be covered shall first be identified by approved warnings as to the lead content of such surface.

Stairs and railings

All interior stairs and railings shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair.

Stairs and walking surfaces

Every stair, ramp, balcony, porch, deck or other walking surface shall comply with the provisions of Section PM-702.9.

Handrails and guards

Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.

RUBBISH AND GARBAGE

Accumulation of rubbish or garbage

All exterior property and premises, and the interior of every structure shall be free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.

Disposal of rubbish

Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of all rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such rubbish in approved containers.

Rubbish storage facilities

The owner of every occupied premises shall supply approved covered containers for rubbish, and the owner of the premises shall be responsible for the removal of rubbish.

Disposal of garbage

Every occupant of a structure shall dispose of garbage in a clean and sanitary manner by placing such garbage in an approved garbage disposal facility or approved garbage containers.

Garbage facilities

The owner of every dwelling shall supply one of the following: an approved mechanical food waste grinder in each dwelling unit; an approved incinerator unit in the structure available to the occupants in each dwelling unit; or an approved leak-proof, covered, outside garbage container.

Containers

The operator of every establishment producing garbage shall provide, and at all times cause to be utilized, approved leak-proof containers provided with close-fitting covers for the storage of such materials until removed from the premises for disposal.

Note:
Approved containers are those 95, 64 & 32-gallon green trash carts provided by or obtained from the Borough of Palmyra. For more information on trash carts and trash collection services see the Borough’s website at: https://boroughofpalmyra.com/trash-collection

EXTERMINATION

Infestation

All structures shall be kept free from insect and rat infestation. All structures in which insects or rats are found shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes that will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent reinfestation.

Owner

The owner of any structure shall be responsible for extermination within the structure prior to renting or leasing the structure.

Single occupant

The occupant of a one-family dwelling or of a single-tenant nonresidential structure shall be responsible for extermination on the premises.

Multiple occupancy

The owner of a structure containing two or more dwelling units, a multiple occupancy, a rooming house or a nonresidential structure shall be responsible for extermination in the public or shared areas of the structure and exterior property. If infestation is caused by failure of an occupant to prevent such infestation in the area occupied, the occupants shall be responsible for extermination.

Occupant

The occupant of any structure shall be responsible for the continued rat-free condition of the structure, and if the occupant fails to maintain the rat-free condition, the cost of extermination shall be the responsibility of the occupant.Exception:

Where rat/rodent infestations are caused by defects in the structure, the owner shall be responsible for extermination.

LIGHT, VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS

Responsibility

The owner of the structure shall provide and maintain light, ventilation and space conditions in compliance with these requirements. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant, or permit another person to occupy any premises that do not comply with the requirements of this chapter.

Alternative devices

In lieu of the means for natural light and ventilation herein prescribed, artificial light or mechanical ventilation complying with the building code listed in Chapter 8 shall be permitted.

LIGHT

Habitable spaces

(per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-403.1 Habitable spaces, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)Every habitable space shall have at least one window of approved size facing directly to the outdoors or to a court. The minimum total window area, measured between stops, for every
habitable space shall be 8 percent of the floor area of such room, except in kitchens where artificial light is provided in accordance with the provisions of the building code listed in Chapter 8. Wherever walls or other portions of a structure face a window of any room and such obstructions are located less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the window and extend to a level above that of the ceiling of the room, such window shall not be deemed to face directly to the outdoors nor to a court and shall not be included as contributing to the required minimum total window area for the room.Exception:Effective 2004: The habitable space window requirements shall not apply to existing structures.

Common halls and stairways

Every common hall and stairway, other than in one- and two-family dwellings, shall be lighted at all times with at least a 60-watt standard incandescent light bulb or equivalent for each 200 square feet of LIGHT, VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS Page 2 floor area, provided that the spacing between lights shall not be greater than 30 feet. Every exterior stairway shall be illuminated with a minimum of 1 foot-candle (11 lux) at floors, landings and treads.

Other spaces

All other spaces shall be provided with natural or artificial light sufficient to permit the maintenance of sanitary conditions, and the safe occupancy of the space and utilization of the appliances, equipment and fixtures.

VENTILATION

Habitable spaces

(per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-404.1 Habitable spaces, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)Every habitable space shall have at least one openable window. The total openable area of the window in every room shall be equal to at least 45 percent of the minimum glazed area required in Section PM-403.1.Exception:
Effective 2004: The habitable space window requirements shall not be required of existing structures.

Bathrooms and toilet rooms

Every bathroom and toilet room shall comply with the ventilation requirements for habitable spaces as required by Section PM-404.1, except that a window shall not be required in spaces equipped with a mechanical ventilation system that complies with the following:1. Air exhausted by a mechanical ventilation system from a bathroom within a dwelling unit shall be exhausted to the exterior and shall not be recirculated to any space, including the space from which such air is withdrawn.
2. Air exhausted by a mechanical ventilation system from all other bathrooms or toilet rooms shall be exhausted to the exterior without recirculation to any space, or not more than 85 percent of the exhaust air shall be recirculated where the system is provided with effective absorption and filtering equipment.

Cooking facilities

Unless approved through the certificate of occupancy, cooking shall not be permitted in any rooming unit or dormitory unit, and a cooking facility or appliance shall not be permitted to be present in a rooming unit or dormitory unit.Exception: LIGHT, VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS Page 3
Where specifically approved in writing by the code official.

Process ventilation

Where injurious, toxic, irritating or noxious fumes, gases, dusts or mists are generated, a local exhaust ventilation system shall be provided to remove the contaminating agent at the source. Air shall be exhausted to the exterior and not be recirculated to any space.

Clothes dryer exhaust

Clothes dryer venting systems shall be independent of all other systems and shall be vented in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS

Privacy

Dwelling units, hotel units, rooming units and dormitory units shall be arranged to provide privacy and be separate from other adjoining spaces.

Access from sleeping rooms

Sleeping rooms shall not constitute the only means of access to other sleeping rooms or habitable spaces.Exception:
Dwelling units that contain fewer than two bedrooms.

Area for sleeping purposes

Every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at least 70 square feet (6.5 m2) of floor area, and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one person shall contain at least 50 square feet (4.6 m2) of floor area for each occupant thereof.

Water closet accessibility

Every bedroom shall have access to at least one water closet and one lavatory without passing through another bedroom.

Overcrowding

(per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-405.5 Overcrowding, ofLIGHT, VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS Page 4 the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)Dwelling units shall not be occupied by more occupants than permitted by the minimum area requirements of Table PM-405.5. See separate Section: Minimum Area Requirements.

Combined spaces

Combined living room and dining room spaces shall comply with the requirements of Table PM-405.5 if the total area is equal to that required for separate rooms and if the space is located so as to function as a combination living room/dining room.

Prohibited occupancy

Kitchens, nonhabitable spaces and interior public areas shall not be occupied for sleeping purposes

Minimum ceiling heights

(per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-405.8 Minimum ceiling heights, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)Habitable spaces, hallways, corridors, laundry areas, bathrooms, toilet rooms and habitable basement areas shall have a clear ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm).Exceptions:
1. In one- and two-family dwellings, beams or girders spaced not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) on center and projecting not more than 6 inches (152 mm) below the required ceiling height.
2. Basement rooms in one- and two-family dwellings occupied exclusively for laundry, study or recreation purposes, having a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2033 mm) with not less than 6 feet 4 inches (1932 mm) of clear height under beams, girders, ducts and similar obstructions.
3. Rooms occupied exclusively for sleeping, study or similar purposes and having a sloped ceiling over all or part of the room, with a clear ceiling height of at least 7 feet (2134 mm) over not less than onethird of the required minimum floor area. In calculating the floor area of such rooms, only those portions of the floor area with a clear ceiling height of 5 feet (1524 mm) or more shall be included.Additional Exception:
Effective 2004: This provision shall not apply to existing structures’ ceiling heights at the time of adoption of this code.

Minimum room widths

per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-405.9 Minimum room widths, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)A habitable room, other than a kitchen, shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm) in any plan dimension. Kitchens shall have a clear passageway of not less than 3 feet (914 mm) between counterfronts and appliances or counterfronts and walls.Exception:
Effective 2004: This provision shall not apply to existing structures’ room widths at the time of adoption of this code.

Food preparation

All spaces to be occupied for food preparation purposes shall contain suitable space and equipment to store, prepare and serve foods in a sanitary manner. There shall be adequate facilities and services for the sanitary disposal of food wastes and refuse, including facilities for temporary storage.

PLUMBING FACILITIES AND FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS

Responsibility

The owner of the structure shall provide and maintain such plumbing facilities and plumbing fixtures in compliance with these requirements. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy any structure or premises which does not comply with the requirements of this chapter.

REQUIRED FACILITES

Dwelling units

Every dwelling unit shall contain its own bathtub or shower, lavatory, water closet and kitchen sink which shall be maintained in a sanitary, safe working condition. The lavatory shall be placed in the same room as the water closet or located in close proximity to the door leading directly into the room in which such water closet is located.

TOILET ROOMS

Privacy

Toilet rooms and bathrooms shall provide privacy and shall not constitute the only passageway to a hall or other space, or to the exterior.

Location

Toilet rooms and bathrooms serving hotel units, rooming units or dormitory units, shall have access by traversing not more than one flight of stairs and shall have access from a common hall or passageway.

PLUMBING FIXTURES

General

All plumbing fixtures shall be properly installed and maintained in working order, and shall be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects and be capable of performing the function for which such plumbing fixtures are designed. All plumbing fixtures shall be maintained in a safe, sanitary and functional condition.

Fixture clearances

Plumbing fixtures shall have adequate clearances for usage and cleaning.

WATER SYSTEM

General

Every sink, lavatory, bathtub or shower, drinking fountain, water closet or other plumbing fixture shall be properly connected to either a public water system or to an approved private water system. All kitchen sinks, lavatories, laundry facilities, bathtubs and showers shall be supplied with hot or tempered and cold running water.

Contaimination

The water supply shall be maintained free from contamination, and all water inlets for plumbing fixtures shall be located above the flood level rim of the fixture. Shampoo basin faucets, janitor sink faucets, and other hose bibs or faucets to which hoses are attached and left in place, shall be protected by an approved atmospheric-type vacuum breaker or an approved permanently attached hose connection
vacuum breaker.

Supply

The water supply system shall be installed and maintained to provide a supply of water to plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances in sufficient volume and at pressures adequate to enable the fixtures to function properly, safely, and free from defects and leaks.

Water Heating Facilities

Water heating facilities shall be properly installed, maintained and capable of providing an adequate amount of water to be drawn at every required sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower and laundry facility at a temperature of not less than 110 degrees F. (43 degrees C.). A gas-burning water heater shall not be located in any bathroom, toilet room, bedroom or other occupied room normally kept closed, unless adequate combustion air is provided. An approved combination temperature and pressure relief valve and relief valve discharge pipe shall be properly installed and maintained on water heaters.

SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM

General

All plumbing fixtures shall be properly connected to either a public sewer system or to an approved private sewage disposal system.

Maintenance

Every plumbing stack, vent, waste and sewer line shall function properly and be kept free from obstructions, leaks and defects.

STORM DRAINAGE

General

Drainage of roofs and paved areas, yards and courts, and other open areas on the premises shall not be discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.

MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS

Responsibility

The owner of the structure shall provide and maintain mechanical and electrical facilities and equipment in compliance with these requirements. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy any premises which does not comply with the requirements of this chapter.

HEATING FACILITES

Facilities Required

Heating facilities shall be provided in structures as required by this section.

Residential buildings

Every dwelling shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room temperature of 65 degrees F. in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms based on the outside design temperature required for the locality by Appendix D of the plumbing code.

Heat Supply

per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-602.2.1 Heat Supply, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)

Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling unit, rooming unit, dormitory or guestroom on terms, either express or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply sufficient heat during the period from January 1st to December 31st to maintain the room temperatures specified in Section PM-602.2 during the hours between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. of each day and not less than 60 degrees F. during other hours. contain its own bathtub or shower, lavatory, water closet and kitchen sink which shall be maintained in a sanitary, safe working condition. The lavatory shall be placed in the same room as the water closet or located in close proximity to the door leading directly into the room in which such water closet is
located.

Room temperature exception

When the outdoor temperature is below the outdoor design temperature required for the locality by the mechanical code listed in Chapter 8, the owner or operator shall not be required to maintain the minimum room temperatures, provided that the heating system is operating at full capacity, with supply valves and dampers in a full open position.

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

Mechanical equipment

All mechanical equipment, fireplaces and solid fuel-burning appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe working condition, and shall be capable of performing the intended function.

Equipment access

Access to outdoor mechanical equipment shall be maintained under all weather conditions.

Cooking and heating equipment

All cooking and heating equpment, components and accessories in every heating, cooking and water-heating device shall be maintained free from leaks and obstructions.

Flue

All fuel-burning equipment and appliances shall be connected to an approved chimney or vent.

Exception:

Fuel-burning equipment and appliances which are labeled for unvented operation.

Clearances

All required clearances to combustible materials shall be maintained.

Safety controls

All safety controls for fuel-burning equipment shall be maintained in effective operation.

Combustion air

A supply of air for complete combustion of the fuel and for ventilation of the space shall be provided for the fuel-burning equipment.

Energy conservation devices

Devices purporting to reduce fuel consumption by attachment to a fuel-burning appliance, to the fuel supply line thereto, or to the vent outlet or vent piping therefrom, shall not be installed unless labeled for such purpose and the installation is specifically approved.

ELECTRICAL FACILITIES

Facilities required

Every occupied building shall be provided with an electrical system in compliance with the requirements of this section and Section PM-605.0.

Service

The size and usage of appliances and equipment shall serve as a basis for determining the need for additional facilities in accordance with NFPA 70 listed in Chapter 8. Every dwelling shall be served by a main service that is not less than 60 amperes, three wires.

Electrical system hazards

Where it is found that the electrical system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants or the structure by reason of inadequate service, improper fusing, insufficient outlets, improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage, or for similar reasons, the code official shall require the defects to be corrected to eliminate the hazard.

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

Installation

All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe and approved manner.

Receptacles

(per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-605.2 Receptacles, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)

Every habitable space in a dwelling shall contain at least two separate and remote receptacle outlets. Every laundry area shall contain at least one grounded-type receptacle. Every bathroom shall contain at least one receptacle.

Exception:

Effective 2004: This provision shall not apply to existing structures at the time of adoption of this code.

Lighting fixtures

Every public hall, interior stairway, water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room and furnace room shall contain at least one electric lighting fixture.

FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Responsibility

The owner of the premises shall provide and maintain such fire safety facilities and equipment in compliance with these requirements. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit  another person to occupy any premises that do not comply with the requirements of this chapter.

MEANS OF EGRESS

General

A safe, continuous and unobstructed means of egress shall be provided from the interior of a structure to a public way.

Stairways, handrails and guards

Every exterior and interior flight of stairs having more than four risers, and every open portion of a stair, landing, balcony, porch, deck, ramp or other walking surface which is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards. Handrails shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) nor more than 42 inches (1067 mm) high, measured vertically above the nosing of the tread or above the finished floor of the landing or walking surfaces. Guards shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) high above the floor of the landing, balcony, porch, deck, ramp or other walking surface.

Locked doors

All means of egress doors shall be readily openable from the side from which egress is to be made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort, except as provided for in Section PM-702.11.1.

Emergency escape

Every sleeping room located in a basement in an occupancy in Use Group I-1 or R shall have at least one openable window or exterior door approved for emergency egress or rescue; or shall have access to not less than two approved independent exits.

Exception:

Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system.

Security

Bars, grilles or screens placed over emergency escape windows shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the window.

ACCUMULATIONS AND STORAGE

Accumulations

Rubbish, garbage or other materials shall not be stored or allowed to accumulate in stairways, passageways, doors, windows, fire escapes or other means of egress.

Hazardous material

Combustible, flammable, explosive or other hazardous materials, such as paints, volatile oils and cleaning fluids, or combustible rubbish, such as wastepaper, boxes and rags, shall not be accumulated or stored unless such storage complies with the applicable requirements of the building code and the fire prevention code listed in Chapter 8.

N.J. Uniform Fire Code: Fire Extinguishers

One (1) 2A:10BC Fire Extinguisher shall be located in the kitchen, which is not required to be mounted. Fire Extinguisher must be new (purchased within one (1) year) with receipt, or have a tag from a qualified service company.

N.J. Uniform Fire Code: Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors shall be installed and maintained in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping area(s) and must be located within 10 feet of those areas.

N.J. Uinform Fire Code: Smoke Detectors

Smoke Detectors must be installed and maintained on each level of the premises including the basement and the attic (even if unfinished) if there are walk-up steps. Smoke Detectors are required outside of each separate sleeping area and must be located within 10 feet of those areas. Smoke Detectors shall not be located in the kitchen.

MINIMUM AREA REQUIREMENTS

(per Chapter 203: Property Maintenance, Section PM-405.5 Overcrowding, Table PM-405.5, Minimum Area Requirements, of the Code of the Borough of Palmyra)

Table 405.5
Minimum Area Requirements

Note a:
Combined living room and dining room spaces shall comply with the requirements above if the total
area is equal to that required for separate rooms and if the space is located so as to function as a
combination living room/dining room.

Area for sleeping purposes (Section PM-405.3)

Every room occupied for sleeping purposes by one occupant shall contain at least 70 square feet of floor area, and every room occupied for sleeping purposes by more than one person shall contain at least 50 square feet of floor area for each occupant thereof.

* THESE CHECKLISTS AND CODE SECTIONS ARE INTENDED AS A GUIDE AND DO NOT REPRESENT AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL APPLICABLE CODES AND ORDINANCES THAT MAY BE CONSIDERED DURING YOUR PROPERTY INSPECTION.  PLEASE ASK YOUR INSPECTOR TO FULLY EXPLAIN ANY COMMENTS THAT YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND.

This page can always be found by clicking the following on our homepage.

To schedule a rental property or Certificate of Occupancy inspection (on existing home re-sales) please call (856) 829-1096.

Q & A on security…

Q:  Who are the Housing Inspectors that will be inspecting my property and can I trust them?

A:  All Housing Inspectors undergo State Police criminal background checks as authorized by Palmyra Chief of Police Scott Pearlman.  We won’t let them work on behalf of the Borough unless they pass.

The Housing Inspectors are employees of Northeast Professional Services, Inc. of 3707 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ 07307, with local offices in Voorhees.  Northeast Professional Services is a consulting firm that now works for the Borough.  See the official photo ID badges (coming soon) of their inspectors by clicking below — and make sure they show it to you at the time of inspection.  If anyone else attempts to gain access to your property do not let them in and call 911.

Flood Hazard Information:  Check Before you Buy

To schedule a rental property or Certificate of Occupancy inspection (on existing home re-sales) please call (856) 829-1096.