Short answer
The statewide sources I reviewed require a Fire Safety application for resale of one- and two-family homes, but I did not find a statewide certificate of occupancy requirement for resale. Your municipality may have its own. The disclosure form asks if additions were permitted, so unpermitted work must be disclosed.
What I found and did not find
A Department of Community Affairs article says an application from the Division of Fire Safety is required for resale, rentals and re-occupancy of one- or two-family dwellings. The state pages I used did not describe a statewide certificate of occupancy for resale. Municipalities often have their own rules, so call your municipal construction office or fire official and ask what they require for a sale of your type of property.
What the disclosure form asks
The New Jersey Seller's Property Condition Disclosure Statement asks whether you know of any additions, structural changes or alterations made by present or past owners, and whether the proper building permits and approvals were obtained. It asks the same about electrical additions and about a pool. It also asks if you are aware of violations of federal, state or local laws relating to the property, and of zoning violations, encroachments or non-conforming uses.
Open violations and unpaid assessments
Another question asks about public improvement or association assessments that remain unpaid, and about violations of zoning, housing, building, safety or fire ordinances that remain uncorrected. If the town has cited the property, say so, and attach copies of notices. A buyer's attorney will check municipal records anyway. Pulling the property file yourself before listing avoids surprises.
Ways to handle unpermitted work
Options include getting a permit after the fact if the town allows it, having a licensed contractor correct the work, disclosing it and pricing the house accordingly, or selling as-is to a buyer who accepts the condition. Each has costs and risks. Ask a real estate attorney which makes sense. The form says the seller must disclose known material defects even if the form does not ask, which includes work you know was done without a permit.
Questions to ask your municipality
Call the construction office and the fire official and ask four things. Does the town require a certificate of continued occupancy or a resale inspection for this type of property? What does it cover and what does it cost? How long does it take to schedule? Is there a re-inspection if something fails? Write down the answers and the name of the person who gave them, and give them to your closing attorney.
Selling as-is with open permit issues
Kaizen Home Buyers makes cash offers on New Jersey houses as-is, with no repairs and no agent commission. We can give an offer within 24 hours and close in 14 to 30 days or on the date you choose. Call 267-329-0084. Tell us about unpermitted work or open violations so the price reflects it, and let your attorney confirm what the municipality needs. Listing with an agent is another route, and it may require more cleanup first.