Des Moines, IA Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Iowa Workforce Development
- State law
- IA Code 89A
- Inspection
- Annual
- Contractor
- State licensed
Summary
Elevators in Des Moines buildings are regulated under Iowa Code Chapter 89A by the state Elevator Safety Bureau within Iowa Workforce Development, requiring annual inspections, state permits, and licensed contractors for installation and repair.
89A.6 Inspections — reports — nonliability. All new and existing conveyances, except dormant conveyances, shall be tested and inspected in accordance with the following schedule: 1. Every new or altered conveyance shall be inspected and tested before the operating permit is issued. 2. Every existing conveyance registered with the director shall be inspected within one year after the effective date of the registration, except that the safety board may extend by rule the time specified for making inspections. 3. Every conveyance shall be inspected not less frequently than annually, except that the safety board may adopt rules providing for inspections of conveyances at intervals other than annually.
Full Breakdown
Iowa Code Chapter 89A and associated administrative rules place elevator regulation under the Iowa Division of Labor / Elevator Safety Bureau rather than the city directly. Owners of conveyances in Des Moines, including elevators, escalators, and dumbwaiters in commercial and multi-family buildings, must register the equipment, obtain operating permits, and undergo annual safety inspections by state-licensed inspectors. Repairs and modernizations must be performed by licensed elevator contractors and mechanics. Out-of-service or non-permitted equipment must be locked out. Local building permits through Des Moines Permit and Development Center are still required for installations tied to construction projects.
Violations & Fines
Operating elevators without a current state permit, missing annual inspections, using unlicensed contractors, or running equipment with safety defects can lead to red-tag shutdowns and fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who inspects elevators in Des Moines?
Can a maintenance company shut my elevator down?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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