Providence, RI Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- RI Statute
- RI Title 23 Ch. 33
- Inspector
- RI DBR + city
- Cert posted
- Inside elevator car
- Maintenance
- Licensed contractor
Summary
Elevators in Providence buildings must be permitted, inspected, and maintained under the Rhode Island State Building Code and elevator-safety statutes, with state inspectors and Providence Inspection Standards verifying compliance.
The inspection fee shall be paid immediately upon the conclusion of the inspection and before a certificate is issued. Biennial inspection of elevator or escalator $200.00. Inspection of elevator $120.00. Reinspection of elevators and escalators $90.00. Authorized inspector's examination fee $60.00. Exemptions apply for government agencies and certain nonprofits.
Full Breakdown
Rhode Island General Laws Title 23, Chapter 33 and the RI State Building Code (Title 23, Chapter 27.3) regulate elevator installation, inspection, and maintenance. Providence Department of Inspection and Standards coordinates with the RI Department of Business Regulation for periodic state inspections of passenger and freight elevators. Owners must contract with licensed elevator-maintenance companies, keep maintenance logs, and post current inspection certificates inside cars. Older Providence buildings with traction or hydraulic elevators may require modernization to meet current safety codes during major renovations.
Violations & Fines
Buildings with expired elevator certificates or missed inspections can be ordered out of service, face fines, and lose certificate of occupancy until repairs and re-inspection occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must elevators be inspected?
What if my building's elevator certificate is expired?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Providence
Compare Providence to another location·View the Rhode Island building safety overview
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