Lexington Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance Rules (2026)

Elevator safety in Lexington falls under the jurisdiction of the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction (HBC) through the Kentucky Elevator Safety Act, codified in KRS Chapter 198B and regulations at 815 KAR Chapter 4. All elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, platform lifts, and stairway chair lifts installed in buildings other than single-family homes must be registered with the state, permitted for installation, and inspected annually. Inspections are performed by Kentucky-licensed elevator inspectors (either state employees or approved third-party inspectors). Maintenance must be performed by licensed elevator mechanics or contractors holding a Kentucky elevator license. Owners are responsible for maintaining a current operating certificate posted in each elevator car, correcting any violations within the time frame set by the inspector (typically 30 days for non-critical items, immediate for safety-critical issues), and paying annual inspection and registration fees. The adopted code is ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, with Kentucky-specific amendments. Single-family residential elevators have more limited requirements under ASME A17.3 but still require permitting and periodic inspection when used. Condominium and multi-family building elevators in Lexington's downtown high-rises and mid-rise apartment communities are subject to full commercial inspection requirements. HOAs that own elevators in clubhouses or common buildings are responsible for maintenance. Failure to maintain a current certificate or correct violations can result in state order to remove the elevator from service until repairs are made, plus civil penalties under KRS 198B.110. LFUCG Division of Building Inspection coordinates with state elevator inspectors during new construction but does not conduct ongoing elevator inspections.