Permits
Home Elevator & Vertical Platform Lift Permit Requirements
Updated June 2025 — Required in all 50 states
Why All States Require Permits for Elevators
Elevators and vertical platform lifts are regulated under ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators) or ASME A18.1 (Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts) — national consensus standards adopted by most states. These codes require both a permit before installation and a certificate of inspection after. The permit process exists because elevator failures can cause serious injury or death; the inspection regime ensures ongoing safety.
This is different from stair lifts, which many states classify as home appliances. Vertical movement in a cab or on a platform is treated as a conveyance regardless of the setting.
The Two Regulatory Categories
Category 1: State Elevator Safety Program States
These states have their own elevator inspection division that issues permits, licenses elevator contractors, and performs inspections. All elevator work must be done by a licensed elevator mechanic, and permits are pulled through the state elevator division (not just the local building department). Examples: California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Washington.
Category 2: Locally Administered States
These states leave elevator regulation to local building departments, though they adopt ASME standards. The permit is a local building permit, but the inspector may be a qualified elevator inspector or a building inspector with elevator training. Examples: many Southern and Mountain West states.
Permit Requirements by Lift Type
| Device Type | Governing Standard | Permit Required | Licensed Elevator Contractor? | Periodic Re-inspection? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) | ASME A18.1 | Yes — all states | Required in most states | Yes — typically every 1–2 years |
| Inclined Platform Lift (IPL) | ASME A18.1 | Yes — all states | Required in most states | Yes |
| Residential Elevator (cable/hydraulic) | ASME A17.1 Part 25 | Yes — all states | Required in all states | Yes — typically annual |
| Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator | ASME A17.1 / A18.1 | Yes — all states | Required in most states | Yes |
| Dumbwaiter (no passengers) | ASME A17.1 | Yes | Required | Yes |
What the Permit Process Looks Like
- Permit application: Licensed elevator contractor submits permit application with installation drawings to the state elevator division or local building department
- Plan review: Inspector reviews drawings for code compliance; typically 1–4 weeks
- Installation: Work proceeds only after permit is approved; licensed elevator mechanic performs installation
- Rough-in inspection: Some jurisdictions require a mid-construction inspection before walls are closed
- Final inspection: State elevator inspector (or local inspector) tests all safety devices, verifies code compliance, issues certificate of inspection
- Certificate of operation: Issued after passing inspection; required to legally operate the equipment
Re-inspection Requirements
Unlike stair lifts (which are not typically re-inspected), residential elevators and VPLs in most states require periodic re-inspection to maintain their certificate of operation. Frequencies vary: California requires annual inspection; many other states require inspection every 2 years. The building owner is responsible for scheduling re-inspections and paying the associated fee (typically $75–$200). Operating an elevator with an expired inspection certificate is a code violation in most states.
What Inspectors Check
- Safety stop devices (overspeed governor, buffer, limit switches)
- Door interlocks (elevator should not move when shaft doors are open)
- Emergency lighting and communication system
- Rated load capacity and actual load test
- Drive system condition (hydraulic fluid level, cable condition)
- Guide rail alignment
- All controls and call stations
Your state's elevator division maintains a list of licensed elevator contractors. Search "[your state] elevator contractor license" to find your state's licensing board. National Elevator Industry Inc. (NEII) also maintains contractor directories. Most residential elevator and VPL manufacturers have dealer networks of licensed installers — the manufacturer can refer you to a licensed contractor in your area. Never hire an unlicensed contractor for elevator work; the permit will not be issued and the installation will not be inspectable.
No, in most states. Elevator installation requires a licensed elevator mechanic — a specific credential separate from a general contractor's license. A general contractor can build the hoistway (shaft) but must subcontract the actual elevator equipment installation to a licensed elevator mechanic. The elevator permit is pulled by the elevator contractor, not the GC. This is true even for residential installations in most states.