Elevators

An application package (see sections below for what constitutes a complete application package) for construction, alteration, replacement or repair of an elevator or lifting device must be mailed to the Department.

Application materials are first processed for receipt of proper payment in our mailroom on the 16th Floor of the Labor and Industry Building. The package is then delivered to the Elevator Section, where staff perform a preliminary review to ensure that all required information has been included.

Application packages that are deficient will be emailed back to the applicant. If the deficiencies are minor, the project may be stored in a temporary holding area, so that staff can attempt to communicate by email with the applicant about items needed to complete the application package. If contact cannot be made or the requested information is not received within the time period specified by the plan examiner (not to exceed Ten (10) business days), the application package will be returned to the customer.

All complete application packages will be given to the plan examiner in the order of the dates received. The plan examiner will grant or deny a permit, in whole or part, within 30 business days of the filing date of a complete application.

After reviewing the permit application and drawings for compliance, one of the following will occur:

1. If the application package complies with the UCC, the approved application package will be emailed to the applicant and inspector.
   
2. If either the plans or the application fail to comply to a significant degree, the plan examiner will email the applicant a list of item(s) that will need to be addressed before the application package can be approved. (Note: this may be incomplete, if the information presented is insufficient to make decisions about code compliance.)
   

It is the customer's responsibility to have the application package corrected and resubmitted for a compliance review. If there are any questions about the required changes or our code interpretations, call 717-787-7465 and speak to the elevator plan examiner. He/she will discuss these issues and evaluate any options you may propose.

 If the applicant disputes any of the deficiencies cited, the resubmission should include written statements that explain the basis for the applicant’s dispute. No additional fees will be charged for review of the resubmitted application package.

Should rejected application packages not be resubmitted, it is the customer’s responsibility to request, in writing, a refund of fees paid. When requested, the Department will refund the base inspection fee. No refunds will be made of fees paid for Department permit application/plan reviews.

The construction, repair, replacement, and alteration of all passenger, freight, dumbwaiter, and LULA elevators shall comply with the ASME A17.1-2000 standard (including the A17.1a-2002 addenda).

To obtain a permit, all of the following must be submitted:

1. One (1) copy of the LIBI-26 (APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION AND ALTERATION PERMIT: LIFTING DEVICES).
   
2. One (1) copy of required plans and supporting documentation.
   
3. Payment via check or money order (made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) of the fees applicable to the proposed construction, repair, replacement, or alteration. Click here to obtain a copy of the fee schedule applicable to elevators and other lifting devices.
   

Mail the application package to:

Elevator Section
Department of Labor and Industry
651 Boas Street, Room 1612
Harrisburg, PA 17121-0750

Design changes made after an application package has been approved require a review and approval of the proposed changes, before the work proceeds.

To obtain approval for any revisions, the following must be submitted:

1. One (1) copy of the LIBI-26 (APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION AND ALTERATION PERMIT: LIFTING DEVICES).
   Please complete this fully.
   
2. One (1) copy of any amended sheets from previously approved plans sets.
   
3. Payment via check or money order (made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) of the fees applicable to the proposed construction, repair, replacement, or alteration. Click here to obtain a copy of the fee schedule applicable to elevators and other lifting devices..
   

Mail the application package to:

Elevator Section
Department of Labor and Industry
651 Boas Street, Room 1612
Harrisburg, PA 17121-0750

Permit Acceptance Inspections:

• New Electric Elevator Checklist
• New Hydraulic Elevator Checklist

Whenever permit applications have been approved, the permit applicant receives a letter with the approved permit that provides the name and contact email address of the assigned Labor and Industry inspector. Upon the completion of all work, including all trades, the permit holder shall fill out the Request for Inspection form and email it to the inspector. The inspector will schedule the inspection for the first available date.

Expediting Inspections:

Permit holders may have the inspection expedited by the Department Inspector. When filling out the Request for Inspection form place a checkmark in the expedite box. The inspector will then schedule your inspection to take place within 3 calendar days. Permit holders will be invoiced for the fees relating to the type of permit and equipment (See fee schedule). View a copy of the fee schedule applicable to elevators and other lifting devices.

Permit holders may request to have the inspection take place after/before normal working hours with or without expediting the inspection. To expedite the inspection for after/before normal working hours check the expedite box and expedite inspection after/before business hours. In the box provided below the expedited inspection after/before business hours provides the time in which you would like your inspection.

For inspections after/before business hours which will not be expedited place a check mark only in the scheduled inspection after/before business hours. In the box below schedule inspection after/before business hours enter the time you would like the inspection to start. Permit holders will be invoiced for the fees relating to the type of permit and equipment.

Periodic Inspections of Existing Equipment:

The UCC regulations require periodic inspections of existing equipment every six (6) or twelve (12) months, depending on the type of equipment. Usually, based on the last inspection date, the inspector will return to conduct a current inspection within the appropriate time frame, without the owner having to schedule the inspection.

Any UCC-certified elevator inspector may conduct a periodic inspection. If equipment is not inspected within the appropriate inspection cycle, the owner of elevator equipment should contact one of the UCC-certified third party inspection agencies, to make arrangements for an inspection. 

If you have questions about the application process, code requirements or other issues related to the construction, repairs, replacement, or alteration of elevators and other lifting devices, call 717-787-7465 or send an email to elevators@pa.gov.