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Elevator Program

Permits and Inspections

Per American Society of Mechanical Engineers Safety Code for Elevator and Escalators (ASME A17.1), elevator work classified as an alteration shall require a permit and inspection; this includes work to install, repair, modernize, replace, remove, decommission and recommission: elevators, temporary construction use, escalators, lifts, hoists, and dumbwaiters.

  • Per ASME A17.1-8.6 OR 8.10, elevator work necessitating a test to be performed to put the unit/device into service and where the testing is not classified as part of the repair or replacement per A17.1-8.6 shall require a permit and inspection.
  • Change of information for the equipment: elevators, escalators, conveyors, lifts, and dumbwaiters. This includes but is not limited to address, capacity, landings etc.
  • Any changes to the plans after permit issuance will require revisions to the permit application or to the approved plan set. If the changes result in alterations to an associated building permit, revisions to plans should be submitted under the Elevator/Parent Building Permit.
  • All work is subject to the currently enforced edition of the Virginia Construction Code and referenced standard ASME A17.1 and an inspection will be required.
  • Separate permits are required for each elevator.

York County, Virginia - Code of Ordinances 7.1-8 (g) Miscellaneous permits:

                (1) In addition to the permits for the installation of material, all elevators, dumbwaiters, moving stairways and man lifts shall be subject to an annual operating permit and inspection as required by the VUSBC. The owners/operators of establishments having such facilities shall be responsible for obtaining the permits, and for paying the requisite fee, at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the then-in-effect annual permit. The applicant shall have the inspection performed by a certified individual in the presence of a County inspector and shall submit the inspection report to the building code official not later than 30 days after the inspection has been conducted. In addition, all of the above shall be subject to the three- or five-year maintenance inspections required by the VUSBC.

                a. Fee for annual inspection: $90.

                b. Fee for maintenance inspection: $90.

Failure to Comply

 The Virginia Maintenance Code requires all vertical transportation to have a valid/current certificate posted at all times. Elevator inspections are documented by an inspection report which fulfills the requirement of the Virginia Maintenance Code. York County has the authority to issue a Notice of Violation and remove the equipment from service for the safety of York County residents and visitors. Elevators will be removed from service by the Building Safety Department if annual maintenance and inspection reaches six (6) months beyond diary (due) date without approved inspection.

Failed Inspections

If the required annual inspection fails, the required repairs and approved inspection must occur within six months of the failed inspection to avoid removal from service. If the unit fails an annual inspection for any deficiencies related to life safety functions, the unit will immediately be removed from service until such time as repairs are made and an approved inspection is completed.

Reporting of Elevator Accidents/Entrapments

Any and all accidents/entrapments reported to the Building Safety department will result in immediate removal from service of the unit in question. Upon notification, the Building Safety department will contact the building owner to have the unit repaired and/or inspected prior to returning to service.

To report an accident or entrapment, click here.


Change of Contact Information

At all times, the Building Safety Department must have correct  information for the following:

Owner or Owner Agent 

Onsite Contact Phone Number

Email Address

It is the responsibility of the building owner, or designated responsible party, to update this information. Failure to do so may result in fees or delays in units being returned to service. Use this form to create a new portal account.