San Diego, CA Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)

California Labor Code Section 7300 et seq. (Conveyance Safety Act) requires all elevators, escalators, platform lifts, and similar conveyances to be permitted by Cal/OSHA's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Building owners must obtain an annual permit to operate and ensure annual inspections by DOSH-certified inspectors. Cal/OSHA Title 8, Sections 3000-3141 (Elevator Safety Orders) adopt ASME A17.1 with California amendments. All elevator maintenance must be performed by Cal/OSHA-certified elevator mechanics. Emergency communication (phone or intercom) is required in every elevator car. The current Permit to Operate must be displayed in or adjacent to the elevator. San Diego's adopted California Building Code (Chapter 30, Elevators and Conveying Systems) references ASME A17.1 for new installations. Modernization or alteration of existing elevators requires plan review and permit from the Development Services Department. Seismic safety devices (seismic switches) are required in all California elevators to automatically stop operation during significant ground motion.