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New Orleans, LA Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Certificate validity: 12 months, must be posted
Max inspection interval: 12 months per ANSI A17.1
Annual certificate fee: $55.00 per unit
Install permit (over 10 floors): $110.00
Late-permit penalty: 5x the listed fee
Enforcing office: Director, Dept. of Safety and Permits

Summary

New Orleans requires every elevator, dumbwaiter, hoist, moving stair and chair lift to be inspected by the Director of Safety and Permits and to carry a posted inspection certificate that is valid for only twelve months, with re-inspection intervals tied to ANSI A17.1.

132.1. - Each elevator, dumbwaiter, hoist, moving stair and chair lift, used or proposed to be used in this City, shall be inspected by the Director; if found to be suitable and to conform to the requirements of this Code, the Director shall issue the owner or user thereof, an inspection certificate. Such inspection certificate shall be valid for twelve (12) months from its date of issuance and shall be posted in a conspicuous place. ... 132.3 - Not more than twelve (12) months shall lapse between inspections of elevators, moving stairs, dumbwaiters, hoists and other installations as listed in ANSI A17.1. Interval inspections as prescribed by ANSI A17.1 shall be "prima facie" evidence of compliance with this article.

Source: Louisiana Legislature - LA RS 23:171View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 116 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

1). 2). 3). 00 for a builder's hoist. 3).

Violations & Fines

Operating an elevator, hoist or moving stair without a current, posted twelve-month inspection certificate, or continuing to run equipment after the Director has suspended its certificate for danger to the public, violates Section 132. Beginning installation or repair work before obtaining the required permit triggers a penalty equal to five times the listed permit fee under Section 133.3, on top of the regular fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does a New Orleans elevator need inspecting?

No more than twelve months may pass between inspections under Section 132.3, and each passing inspection earns a certificate valid for exactly twelve months from issuance, which must be posted where it can be seen.

Can the city shut down an unsafe elevator?

Yes. Section 132.2 lets the Director suspend an elevator's inspection certificate at any time if operating it would endanger the public, and the suspension continues until the equipment is brought back into compliance with the code.

What does an elevator installation permit cost in New Orleans?

Section 133.1 sets $65.00 for an elevator, moving stairs, dumbwaiter or manlift serving 2 through 10 floors, $110.00 for one serving more than 10 floors, $270.00 for a workman's passenger hoist, and $220.00 for a builder's hoist.

What happens if work starts before the permit is issued?

Section 133.3 charges the regular listed permit fee plus a penalty of five times that fee for any elevator, hoist or moving-stair installation or repair permit obtained after the work has already begun.

Sources & Official References

[1]New Orleans Code of Ordinances § 26-17 (International Mechanical Code Amendments)

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