Elevator installation, alteration, and inspection in Portland is regulated entirely by the State of Oregon, not the City. Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) within the Department of Consumer and Business Services administers the Oregon Elevator Specialty Code (OESC) and OAR 918-400. All elevators must be inspected annually by a state-certified elevator inspector and carry a current Certificate of Operation issued by BCD.
Oregon has 'sole jurisdiction' over elevator regulation under ORS 460.085, preempting local building departments from issuing elevator permits or inspections. The Building Codes Division within Oregon DCBS administers the Oregon Elevator Specialty Code (OESC, based on ASME A17.1) through OAR 918-400. Required actions: (1) annual inspection by an Oregon-licensed elevator inspector; (2) display of a current Certificate of Operation; (3) every five years a more comprehensive inspection including load-testing on passenger elevators (OAR 918-400-0260); (4) state permits for any installation, alteration, or major repair. Portland BDS handles structural/electrical aspects of the surrounding shaft and machine room but does NOT inspect the elevator itself — that's BCD's role. For multifamily residential buildings, the Portland Property Maintenance Code (PCC 29.20) requires that all 'building service equipment' be maintained in safe operating condition, which is the local lever if an elevator is left out of service in an occupied building.
Operating an elevator without a current Certificate of Operation is a violation of ORS 460.085 and OAR 918-400, with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation under ORS 455.895. BCD may issue stop-use orders requiring the elevator be locked out until inspected. Failure to maintain an elevator in a Portland multifamily building also violates PCC 29.20 with BDS-issued notices and daily fines up to $1,000.
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