Hempstead, NY Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Hempstead Code Ch. 89
- Inspection schedule
- January and July each year
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Buildings
- Mirror requirement
- Convex, 8 inches minimum
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 15 days
Summary
Town of Hempstead Chapter 89 requires every building owner with a passenger or freight elevator to register it and file an inspection report with the Building Department each January and July, backed by a $500 fine or 15 days in jail for a willful violation.
It shall be the duty of the owner or agent of a building which has a passenger or freight elevator therein contained to register and provide the Department of Buildings of the Town of Hempstead with an inspection report which shall be obtained from a recognized elevator repair or installation company or from an insurance company. The necessary inspection and testing of passenger and freight elevators shall be made during the months of January and July of each year. If the owner of a building fails, neglects or refuses to obtain an inspection of any elevator therein contained, the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings of the Town of Hempstead shall be authorized to cause said inspection to be made at the expense of the owner of the building.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4863878; v67 updated 2026-04-28; through 04-28-2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 89, Elevator Inspection Procedure, was adopted by Local Law No. 87-1977 under authority of § 124 of the state General Municipal Law, which covers elevator inspection in Nassau County. Section 89-3 puts the duty on the owner or agent of any building with a passenger or freight elevator to register it and supply the Department of Buildings with an inspection report obtained from a recognized elevator repair or installation company or from an insurance company, with inspection and testing required in January and July of each year.
If an owner fails, neglects or refuses to get the inspection done, § 89-3C lets the Commissioner of the Department of Buildings order the inspection performed at the owner's expense. Under § 89-4, the inspection report must show the elevator is in proper working condition and complies with the New York State Construction Code and generally accepted trade standards. Section 89-5 adds an equipment mandate: every passenger elevator car must carry a rear-mounted convex mirror at least eight inches in diameter so a person can see inside the car before entering.
Once an elevator passes inspection, § 89-6 requires the Department to post a compliance card in the car, and it is unlawful to remove or deface that card; if an elevator fails to meet the safety specifications, the inspector can order it taken out of service until the unsafe condition is fixed. Inspection fees are set under § 86-11DD of the Town Code.
Violations & Fines
Under § 89-8, anyone who knowingly and willfully violates Chapter 89, or who violates or fails to comply with an inspector's order, is guilty of an offense punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment of not more than 15 days. Removing or defacing a posted compliance card under § 89-6A is separately unlawful, and an elevator found unsafe must stay out of service under an inspector's suspension order until repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must elevators be inspected in the Town of Hempstead?
Who inspects elevators if the owner does not arrange it?
Does Hempstead require a mirror in elevator cars?
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hempstead
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