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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Minimum working elevators
At least 1 passenger elevator
Standard
Accessible for immediate Fire Dept use
When it applies
At all times
Governing code
SF Fire Code Section 604.5.5

Summary

San Francisco requires at least one passenger elevator to stay in working order and accessible to the Fire Department at all times.

604.5.5. Maintenance of Elevators. At least one passenger elevator shall be maintained in working order and accessible for immediate use by the Fire Department at all times.

Source: Cal/OSHA Elevator Unit – FAQView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-96: Codes: last updated to include changes made by legislation through Ordinance 133-26, File No. 260686, approved July 23, 2026, effective August 23, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Under San Francisco Fire Code Section 604.5.5, building owners must keep at least one passenger elevator maintained in working order and accessible for immediate use by the Fire Department at all times. This local amendment sits within Section 604, Elevator Operation, Maintenance and Fire Service Keys, and applies on top of the standard California Fire Code elevator provisions. It exists so firefighters always have a working elevator available during an emergency response, regardless of how many cars in the building are down for repair.

Violations & Fines

Building owners who let every elevator go out of service simultaneously are out of compliance with SFFD's elevator maintenance requirement and can be cited by the Fire Department during inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a San Francisco building take all its elevators offline for repair at once?
No. Fire Code Section 604.5.5 requires at least one passenger elevator to remain working and accessible to the Fire Department at all times.
Which agency enforces this elevator maintenance rule?
The San Francisco Fire Department enforces Section 604.5.5 as part of its building services and systems inspections.

Sources & Official References

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All San Francisco rules

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