Tarrant County Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance Rules (2026)

Elevators, escalators, and related conveyances in Tarrant County buildings are regulated by the State of Texas, not Tarrant County. The Texas Elevator Safety and Licensing Act in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 754, implemented by TDLR rules at 16 TAC Chapter 74, requires that elevators in non-single-family buildings be registered with TDLR and inspected annually by a TDLR-licensed inspector. Installation, alteration, and repair must be performed by TDLR-licensed contractors, and elevator mechanics must be licensed apprentices or certified elevator mechanics. The national standards adopted by reference are ASME A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators) and A17.3 (Safety Code for Existing Elevators), with the specific edition set by TDLR. Single-family residential elevators are generally exempt from Ch. 754 but must meet ASME A17.1 Part 5.3 and IRC standards during installation. Condominium and apartment elevators ARE regulated and must be inspected annually. Operating an elevator with an expired or missing registration is a violation; most buildings post the current TDLR certificate in the elevator cab or lobby. Tarrant County buildings such as the Tarrant County Courthouse, county subcourthouses, and large private buildings in Fort Worth and Arlington follow these state rules. Fire-service recall and emergency communications must meet ASME A17.1 Section 2.27.