Auburn, WA Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- RCW 70.87 / WAC 296-96
- Agency
- WA L&I
- Operating permit
- Required and posted
- Inspection
- Annual or biennial
- Contractor license
- Required for maintenance
Summary
Auburn elevators are regulated by Washington Department of Labor and Industries under RCW 70.87 and WAC 296-96. Annual inspections, operating permits, and licensed contractor maintenance are required.
Chapter 70.87 RCW ELEVATORS, LIFTING DEVICES, AND MOVING WALKS Complete chapter HTML PDF RCW dispositions Sections HTML PDF 70.87.010
Definitions. HTML PDF 70.87.020 Conveyances to be safe and in conformity with law. HTML PDF 70.87.030 Rules — Waivers during state of emergency. HTML PDF 70.87.034 Additional powers of department. HTML PDF 70.87.036 Powers of attorney general. HTML PDF 70.87.040 Privately and publicly owned conveyances are subject to chapter. HTML PDF 70.87.050 Conveyances in buildings occupied by state, county, or political subdivision. HTML PDF 70.87.060 Responsibility for operation and maintenance of equipment and for periodic tests. HTML PDF 70.87.070 Serial numbers. HTML PDF 70.87.080 Permits — When required — Application for — Posting. HTML PDF 70.87.090 Operating permits — Limited permits — Duration — Posting. HTML PDF 70.87.100 Conveyance work to be performed by elevator contractors — Acceptance tests — Inspections. HTML PDF 70.87.110 Exceptions authorized. HTML PDF 70.87.120 Inspectors — Inspections and reinspections — Suspension or revocation of permit — Order to discontinue use — Penalties — Investigation by department — Waiver of provisions during state of emergency. HTML PDF 70.87.125 Suspension or revocation of license or permit — Grounds — Notice — Stay of suspension or revocation — Removal of suspension or reinstatement of license or permit. HTML PDF 70.87.140 Operation without permit enjoinable. HTML PDF 70.87.145 Order to discontinue operation — Notice — Conditions — Contents of order — Recision of order — Violation — Penalty — Random inspections. HTML PDF 70.87.170 Review of department action in accordance with administrative procedure act. HTML PDF 70.87.180 Violations. HTML PDF 70.87.185 Penalty for violation of chapter — Rules — Notice. HTML PDF 70.87.190 Accidents — Report and investigation — Cessation of use — Removal of damaged parts. HTML PDF 70.87.200 Exemptions. HTML PDF 70.87.205 Resolution of disputes by arbitration — Appointment of arbitrators — Procedure — Decision — Enforcement. HTML PDF 70.87.210 Deposit of moneys from chapter. HTML PDF 70.87.220 Elevator safety advisory committee. HTML PDF 70.87.230 Conveyance work — Who may perform — Possession of license and identification. HTML PDF 70.87.240 Elevator contractor license, elevator mechanic license — Qualifications — Reciprocity. HTML PDF 70.87.245 Material lift mechanic license. HTML PDF 70.87.250 Licenses — Renewals — Fees — Temporary licenses — Continuing education — Records. HTML PDF 70.87.260 Liability not limited or assumed by state. HTML PDF 70.87.270 Exemptions from licensure. HTML PDF 70.87.280 License categories — Rules. HTML PDF 70.87.290 Rules — Effective date. HTML PDF 70.87.305 Private residence conveyances — Licensing requirements — Rules. HTML PDF 70.87.310 Whistleblower — Identity to remain confidential.
Full Breakdown
Elevator and conveyance safety in Auburn is regulated at the state level by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries under RCW 70.87 (Conveyances) and WAC 296-96. All elevators, escalators, manlifts, dumbwaiters, and similar conveyances used by the public or employees require a state operating permit. Annual or biennial inspections by a licensed elevator inspector are mandatory depending on conveyance type and use. Maintenance and repair work must be performed by elevator contractors licensed under WAC 296-96. Building owners must keep the elevator in safe operating condition, display a current operating certificate in the car, and correct violations noted by inspectors within specified timeframes (often 30 days). New elevator installations require plan review and permits through L&I. Auburn City building permits address building-level code compliance (including ADA requirements for accessibility). Violations can result in red-tag shutdowns of the elevator until repairs are made and reinspected. Private residential elevators in single-family homes have separate rules under WAC 296-96.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who inspects elevators in Auburn?
What if my elevator gets red-tagged?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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