Buffalo, NY Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Inspection frequency
- Annual for all commercial conveyances
- Certificate of operation
- Required annually before use
- 5-year safety test
- Full-load speed governor and safety test, witnessed by third-party QEI inspector
- Hydraulic elevator test
- Pressure relief valve: annual test, witnessed by QEI inspector every 3 years
- Fine for violation
- Up to $1,500 and/or 15 days imprisonment
Summary
All elevators and conveyances in Buffalo buildings must be inspected annually by a licensed inspector, with an annual certificate of operation obtained before use; five-year safety tests of speed governors are also required.
§ 167-15(B). Annual inspections: certificate of operation required. All conveyances existing in any building or structure must be inspected annually by a person, firm or company to which a license to inspect conveyances has been issued. Subsequent to inspection, said licensed person, firm or company must certify compliance with applicable sections of Chapter 167 referenced in § 167-2 above, and prior to use, a certificate of operation must be obtained by the property owner or manager from the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services in accordance with the fees set forth in Chapter 175, Fees. The certificate of operation fee for existing wheelchair lifts and inclined stairway chair lifts for private residences and any renewal certificate shall be waived. [...] § 167-22(A). It shall be the responsibility of all property owners, licensed individuals, firms or companies as described in this chapter, to ensure that the required five-year inspection and testing are performed at the required intervals in compliance with the most current adopted edition of ASME ANSI A17.1...
Full Breakdown
Under Buffalo City Code § 167-15(B), every conveyance in any building must be annually inspected by a licensed inspector who certifies compliance; the property owner must then obtain a certificate of operation from the Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services before the conveyance is used. Certificates are renewed annually (wheelchair lifts in private residences are waived). Additionally, § 167-22 requires five-year full-load safety tests of speed governors and safeties, witnessed by a licensed third-party QEI inspector. Hydraulic elevators must have pressure relief valves tested annually and witnessed every three years. Dormant elevators still require annual inspections during the temporary dormant period.
Violations & Fines
Violation of any provision of Chapter 167 may result in a fine up to $1,500 or imprisonment up to 15 days, or both (Buffalo City Code § 167-19). Licenses of inspectors and installers may also be suspended or revoked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for scheduling the annual elevator inspection?
Do residential stairlifts and wheelchair lifts need annual inspection?
What happens if the elevator fails inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
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