Seattle regulates elevators through the Seattle Building Code Chapter 30 and Washington state conveyance regulations. All elevators must be registered with the state, inspected annually, and maintained according to ASME A17.1 safety standards. The owner is responsible for safe operation, maintenance, and keeping current inspection certificates posted.
Elevator regulation in Seattle involves both city and state requirements. The Seattle Building Code (Chapter 30, Elevators and Conveying Systems) incorporates national standards for design, construction, and installation of elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, and other conveying systems. Washington state requires all conveyances to be registered with the Department of Labor & Industries and inspected annually by state-certified inspectors. Elevators must comply with ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, as adopted by the state. Property owners are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of each elevator, including engaging qualified maintenance personnel and maintaining current service contracts. No permit is required for ordinary maintenance and repairs using parts of equivalent materials and strength. Current inspection certificates must be posted in or near each elevator. The 2021 Seattle Existing Building Code includes additional provisions for elevator upgrades in existing buildings undergoing substantial renovation. Emergency communication systems must be maintained in all passenger elevators.
Operating an elevator without a current inspection certificate is a violation of state law and may result in a shutdown order. Failure to maintain elevators can result in fines from the Department of Labor & Industries, liability for injuries, and potential criminal charges for willful neglect. SDCI may issue notices of violation for building code noncompliance.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08) limits apply to blower-motor noise...
Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Seattle require building permits from SDCI when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a structural roof under Se...
Seattle, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Seattle are allowed at single-family homes but are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle elevator maintenance.
See how Seattle's elevator maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.