Cook County, IL Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Inspection frequency
- at least every 6 months
- Applies to
- unincorporated Cook County only
- New equipment
- must pass inspection before use
- Inspection fee
- $110/hour, 1-hour minimum
- Compliance deadline
- 5 days after inspection demand
Summary
In unincorporated Cook County, every elevator, dumbwaiter, and moving stairway must be inspected by the Building Department at least once every six months, with results posted on a certificate.
(c)Periodic Inspection of Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Moving Stairs, and Platform Lifts.(i)Every elevator, movable stage, movable orchestra floor, platform lift, dumbwaiter, or moving stairway or walkway now in operation, or which may hereafter be installed, together with the hoistway and all equipment thereof, shall be inspected under and by the authority of the Building Commissioner at least once every six months, and in no case shall any new equipment be placed in operation until an inspection of the same has been made.
Full Breakdown
The Cook County Building Code requires the Building Commissioner or an authorized elevator inspector to inspect every elevator, movable stage, movable orchestra floor, platform lift, dumbwaiter, and moving stairway or walkway in unincorporated Cook County at least once every six months, and before any new equipment goes into service. Owners, agents, lessees, or occupants must permit the test and inspection within five days of a demand from the Building Commissioner, or sooner if he deems it necessary. If equipment passes, the Commissioner issues a certificate stating the inspection date and safe carrying weight, which the owner or occupant must post in a conspicuous place in the elevator car or near the dumbwaiter.
Equipment found unsafe cannot be certified, and if an inspector finds an unsafe condition after certification, the Chief Elevator Inspector can order it shut down until repaired; using it after written notice of an unsafe condition is unlawful. The semi-annual inspection fee is set by County Board resolution (Ch. 32-1 sets the annual/escalator inspection rate at $110/hour, one-hour minimum).
Violations & Fines
Operating uncertified or unsafe elevator equipment, or using it after written notice of an unsafe condition, is unlawful under Sec. 102-105; the Chief Elevator Inspector can order equipment stopped and kept inoperative until repaired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to elevators in Chicago?
What happens if an elevator fails inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cook County
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