Redmond Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance Rules (2026)

Elevator safety in Washington is a state function, not a city function. The Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) Elevator Section regulates the design, installation, inspection, and operation of all conveyance equipment including passenger elevators, freight elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts, stage lifts, and residential elevators. Governing law is RCW 70.87 and chapter 296-96 WAC, which incorporates the ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators. All elevators must be installed by L&I-licensed elevator contractors and must receive an L&I installation permit before work begins. Once operating, elevators must be inspected annually by L&I inspectors and display a valid operating permit in the car. Maintenance must be performed by licensed elevator mechanics working for licensed contractors. Building owners are responsible for scheduling annual inspections, paying annual fees, and correcting deficiencies within the timeframes L&I specifies. Commercial buildings with elevators out of service for extended periods may be issued use-prohibited orders. Residential elevators in single-family homes are also regulated. Redmond does not issue separate elevator permits; L&I is the sole authority.