Tarrant County, TX Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulating Agency
- Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
- Statute
- Texas Health & Safety Code Ch. 754
- Rule
- 16 TAC Chapter 74
- Certificate Validity
- 1 year (annual renewal)
- Submission Deadline
- Within 60 days of inspection
- Residential Exemption
- Single-family detached homes (16 TAC §74.5)
- Max Penalty
- $5,000/day (16 TAC §74.110)
Summary
All commercial elevators, escalators, and lifts in Tarrant County are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 754 and 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 74. Owners must obtain an annual Certificate of Compliance after inspection by a TDLR-registered Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI), submit the inspection report and fees within 60 days of inspection, and use only TDLR-licensed elevator contractors for installation and major repair. Residential home elevators in single-family dwellings are exempt from TDLR inspection but must meet ASME A17.1 / A18.1 standards at installation per local building code.
Elevator and Escalator Safety: TDLR regulates elevators, escalators and related equipment to ensure the safety of passengers. TDLR also regulates contractors and inspectors who work with elevators, escalators, and other related equipment. [...] Equipment Info & Inspections: Search Elevators and Related Equipment Data; Elevator Inspection Online Reporting System; Late Fee Calculator; Pay Penalties Online; Plan Reviews. [...] Important Links: Laws & Administrative Rules; Texas Laws; Rules and Regulations; Rulemaking Actions.
Full Breakdown
Texas Health and Safety Code §754.014 requires building owners to obtain an annual Certificate of Compliance for each unit of conveyance equipment from TDLR. The owner arranges inspection by a QEI registered with TDLR (16 TAC §74.70). After inspection, the owner submits the signed report, certifying violations are corrected or under repair contract, along with the certificate fee to TDLR within 60 days (16 TAC §74.80). The certificate is valid for one year. Elevator contractors performing installation, alteration, or major repair must hold a TDLR Elevator Contractor license (16 TAC §74.20). Cities in Tarrant County (Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, Grapevine) layer their building permit requirements for new installation and modernization on top of the TDLR program. The TDLR program covers commercial elevators, freight elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, and personnel/material lifts. Residential elevators in detached single-family homes are exempt from inspection under 16 TAC §74.5 but must comply with ASME A17.1/A18.1 and the local IRC Appendix K for installation.
Violations & Fines
Failure to obtain a Certificate of Compliance is a Class C misdemeanor under THSC §754.0211 with administrative penalties up to $5,000 per violation per day (16 TAC §74.110). Operating without a current certificate posted in the elevator can result in a TDLR red-tag shutdown. Performing elevator work without a TDLR Elevator Contractor license is a separate violation with similar penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do residential elevators need TDLR inspection in Tarrant County?
Who can repair my elevator?
What if my building's certificate is expired?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tarrant County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Tarrant County to another location·View the Texas building safety overview
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