Union, NY Building Safety: Elevator Maintenance (2026)

The only elevator clause in the vacant building chapter is short: elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators will be maintained or taken out of service. It sits in § 158-4(E), the list of duties for maintaining the premises of a "vacant building," under Chapter 158 (L.L. No. 4-2020, adopted 2-19-2020). Section 158-4 itself prints no inspection interval or certification form, so the duty is a choice between keeping the equipment in working order and shutting it down.

The chapter reaches a building that is unoccupied and/or unsecured, secured by other than normal means, unsafe as determined by the Code Enforcement Officer, subject to an order to correct code violations, illegally occupied, without utility services, or unoccupied for more than six months. The owner registers with the Code Enforcement Office no later than 60 days after the building becomes vacant, or 45 days after notice, submitting a vacant building plan that covers demolition, continued vacancy with securing, or rehabilitation within 365 days with progress benchmarks at least every four months.

Neighboring clauses shape how elevator service is handled. Under E(6), if the building will be demolished or remain vacant, all fuel gas, water and utilities must be disconnected at the mains within 10 days of registering. Under E(10), electrical fixtures, devices, wiring and systems must be kept in safe working condition or service discontinued at the supply. Section 158-4(A) also requires at least one access in any vacant floor area that meets the Code Enforcement Officer's approval.

By registering, an owner consents to inspection, and on request must give access to all interior portions. If the owner ignores a notice, the Town can enter, render the building safe and bill the owner, with unpaid charges filed as a lien and assessed on the real property tax bills. The Code Enforcement Officer reports annually to the Supervisor and Town Board.