Phoenix, AZ Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)

Unlike most states, Arizona does not have a statewide mandatory elevator inspection law. The responsibility falls to local jurisdictions. Phoenix enforces elevator safety through the adopted building code (2024 PBCC) and the Planning and Development Department (PDD). New elevator installations and major alterations require building permits and must comply with ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. The PDD conducts inspections at installation and after significant modifications. However, there is no mandatory annual reinspection program for existing elevators in Arizona. Building owners are responsible for maintaining elevators in safe operating condition and should engage qualified maintenance providers. Insurance companies and property management standards often require annual inspections even without a legal mandate. Multi-family and commercial building owners typically maintain voluntary inspection programs. The National Elevator Industry Inc. recommends semi-annual inspections for all elevators.