Detroit, MI Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)

Under Detroit City Code § 8-9-172, every power elevator, escalator, and moving walk in the city must be inspected and serviced by a City-licensed unlimited-elevator journeyperson at least once every 30 days, extendable to 90 days only with written Department permission for low-use equipment. All other covered devices, except private residence elevators and lifts, get quarterly service. Buildings must keep at least one elevator running whenever occupied, and owners must notify the Buildings, Safety Engineering, and Environmental Department if a unit stays out of service more than 30 days. Section 8-9-171 puts responsibility on the Certificate of Registration holder and requires a licensed unlimited-elevator contractor under written contract.