Begin Main Content Area

Elevator Plan Review and Inspection Requirements

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A. PROJECTS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT’S JURISDICTION

Under Pennsylvania’s Uniform Construction Code, the Department of Labor and Industry has sole jurisdiction to approve the construction and use of all elevators and other lifting devices (as specified in Section 405.2 of the UCC regulation), no matter where they are located in Pennsylvania.

B. CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS UTILIZED

Elevators and other lifting devices must be installed to meet the requirements in the UCC regulation. Review the UCC regulations pertaining to elevators and lifting devices.
 
In addition to these regulations, construction and alteration of lifting devices must comply with the technical standards outlined below.
 
Note that any other requirements referenced within these standards are adopted (unless specifically excluded –- see below).
  1. The following parts of the ASME A17.1- 2000 standard (including the A17.1a-2002 addenda):
     
    Part 1 (General) Part 2 (Electrical Elevators) Part 3 (Hydraulic Elevators)
    Part 4 (Elevators with other types of driving machines) Part 5 (Special application elevators) Part 6 (Escalators and moving walks)
    Part 7 (Dumbwaiters and material lifts) Part 8 (General Requirements) Part 9 (Standard codes and specifications)
     
  2. The ASME B20.1-2000 standard for vertical and inclined reciprocating conveyors without automatic transfer devices.
     
  3. The ASME A90.1-1997 standard (including the A90.1a-1999 and A90.1b-2001 addenda) for belt man-lifts.
     
  4. The ANSI B77.1-1999 standard for passenger ropeways, aerial tramways, aerial lifts, surface lifts, tows and conveyors.
     
  5. The ASME A18.1-1999 standard (including the A.18.1a-2001addenda) for vertical and inclined wheelchair lifts and stairway lifts. Note: Testing required under sections 10.3.2 and 10.3.3 of this standard shall comply with § 405.8 (relating to periodic test results) of the UCC regulation.
     
  6. Electric wiring and apparatus shall comply with the ICC Electrical Code 2003.
SECTIONS OF ASME STANDARDS NOT ADOPTED FOR USE:
  1. The following sections the ASME A17.1- 2000 standard (including the A17.1b-2002 addenda) are not adopted:
     
    § 5.3 § 7.7 § 7.11 § 8.6.7.9 § 8.7.5.8 § 8.10.5.5 § 8.11.5.8
    § 5.4 § 7.8 § 8.6.7.3 § 8.6.9.2 § 8.7.5.9 § 8.10.5.8  
    § 5.8 § 7.9 § 8.6.7.4 § 8.7.5.3 § 8.7.7.3 § 8.11.5.2  
    § 5.9 § 7.10 § 8.6.7.8 § 8.7.5.4 § 8.10.5.2 § 8.11.5.5  
     
  2. The following sections of the ASME B20.1-2000 standard are not adopted:
     
    § 3 § 6.2 § 6.5 § 6.9 § 6.12 § 6.15 § 6.18
    § 5.14 § 6.3 § 6.7 § 6.10 § 6.13 § 6.16 § 6.19
    § 6.1 § 6.4 § 6.8 § 6.11 § 6.14 § 6.17 § 6.20
     
  3. The following parts of the ASME A18.1-1999 standard (including the A18.1a-2001 addenda) are not adopted:
     
    Part V Private residence vertical platform lifts
    Part VI Private residence inclined platform lifts
    Part VII Private stairway inclined chairlifts
Note that when a code requirement or standard cited above conflicts with the UCC regulation (Chapter 403), the regulation takes precedence.

C. THE PERMIT APPROVAL PROCESS

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 mailed 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 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 fourteen (14) calendar days), the plans and permit package will be returned to the customer.
 
All complete applications will be put in the research area to begin the approval process. Once the research is complete, the package 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 plans and application comply with the UCC, one set of approved plans will be mailed to the applicant, along with a copy of the approved application and information pertaining to inspections. A second set of approved plans and the approved application will be sent to the State Inspector who will be responsible for making the acceptance inspection.
     
  2. If either the plans or the application fail to comply to a significant degree, the project will be disapproved, and the application package will be mailed back to the applicant. The Department will include a list of deficiencies. (Note: this may be incomplete, if the information presented was insufficient to make decisions about code compliance.)
It is the customer's responsibility to have the permit application and drawings corrected and resubmitted for a compliance review. If there are any questions about the required changes or our code interpretations, call 717-787-3806 Option 2 and ask to speak to the elevator plan examiner or the administrative assistant. He/she will discuss these issues and evaluate any options you may propose.
 
Applicants should return three sets of revised drawings, highlighting and dating all changes. 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 these resubmitted plans.
 
Should rejected plans 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.

D. PERMITS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LIFTING DEVICES

The construction of all passenger, freight, dumbwaiter and LULA elevators shall comply with the ASME A17.1-2000 standard (including the A17.1a-2002 addenda). Construction shall not commence until the Department has issued a permit for this work.
 
To obtain a permit, all of the following must be submitted:
  1. Four (4) copies of the UCC-21 (APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION PERMIT: LIFTING DEVICES).
     
    The Department has prepared directions for filling out this form.
     
  2. Three (3) copies 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. Click here to obtain a copy of the fee schedule applicable to elevators and other lifting devices.
     
  4. Whenever a building plan approval is also required, Part L on the UCC-21 form must be completed. Click here to access an advisory on this subject.
Mail the application package to:
Elevator Section
Department of Labor and Industry
651 Boas Street, Room 1612
Harrisburg, PA 17121-0750
After reviewing the documents for code compliance, one of the following will occur:
  1. If the review finds that the plans and permit application comply with the UCC, one set of approved documents will be mailed to the applicant, along with a copy of information pertaining to inspections. A second set of approved documents will be sent to the State Inspector that will be responsible for making the acceptance inspection.
     
  2. If either the plans or the application fails to comply to a significant degree, the project will be disapproved, and the application package will be mailed back to the applicant. The Department will include a list of deficiencies. (Note: this may be incomplete, if the information presented was insufficient to make decisions about code compliance.)

E. PERMITS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF WHEELCHAIR AND STAIRCHAIR LIFTS

The construction of all wheelchair and stairchair lifts shall comply with the ASME A18.1-1999 standard (including the A18.1a-2001 addenda).
 
To obtain a permit, all of the following must be submitted:
  1. Four (4) copies of the UCC-23 (APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION PERMIT: WHEELCHAIR AND STAIRCHAIR LIFTS).
     
    The Department has prepared directions for filling out this form.
     
  2. Three (3) copies of required plans and supporting documentation. Click here for the specific plan requirements for wheelchair and stairchair lifts. 
     
  3. Payment via check or money order (made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) of the fees applicable to the proposed construction. Click here to obtain a copy of the fee schedule applicable to elevators and other lifting devices.
     
  4. Whenever a building plan approval is also required, Part L on the UCC-23 must be completed. Click here to access an advisory on this subject.
Mail the application package to:
Elevator Section
Department of Labor and Industry
651 Boas Street, Room 1612
Harrisburg, PA 17121-0750
After reviewing the documents for code compliance, one of the following will occur:
  1. If the review finds that the plans and permit application comply with the UCC, one set of approved documents will be mailed to the applicant, along with a copy of information pertaining to inspections. A second set of approved documents will be sent to the State Inspector that will be responsible for making the acceptance inspection.
     
  2. If either the plans or the application fails to comply to a significant degree, the project will be disapproved, and the application package will be mailed back to the applicant. The Department will include a list of deficiencies. (Note: this may be incomplete, if the information presented was insufficient to make decisions about code compliance.)

F. PERMITS FOR MAJOR REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS OF LIFTING DEVICES

All repairs, replacement and alterations of elevators or other lifting devices shall comply with the applicable section of the ASME A17.1-2000 standard (including the A17.1a-2002 addenda) listed below:
 
Section 8.6.2 (Repairs)
Section 8.6.3 (Replacements)
Section 8.7 (Alterations)
 
An approved elevator permit must be obtained before an alteration, replacement or repair is made to an elevator or lifting device. All of following must be submitted to obtain this permit:
  1. Four (4) copies of the UCC-22 (APPLICATION FOR ALTERATION PERMIT: LIFTING DEVICES).
     
    The Department has prepared directions for filling out this form.
     
    Please note that when the lifting device alterations require a building approval, section "L" of this application must be completed.
     
  2. Three (3) copies of required plans and supporting documentation.
     
  3. Payment of $145.00 via check or money order made payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
     
  4. Whenever a building plan approval is also required, Part L on the UCC-22 must be completed. Click here to access an advisory on this subject.
Be sure to accurately detail all of the work to be done and include the appropriate code reference as specified on the application form.
 
Mail the application package to:
Elevator Section
Department of Labor and Industry
651 Boas Street, Room 1612
Harrisburg, PA 17121-0750
After reviewing the documents for code compliance, one of the following will occur:
  1. If the review finds that the plans and permit application comply with the UCC, one set of approved documents will be mailed to the applicant, along with a copy of the information pertaining to inspections. A second set of approved documents will be sent to the State Inspector that will be responsible for making the acceptance inspection.
     
  2. If either the plans or the application fails to comply to a significant degree, the project will be disapproved, and the application package will be mailed back to the applicant. The Department will include a list of deficiencies. (Note: this may be incomplete, if the information presented was insufficient to make decisions about code compliance.)

G. PERMITS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ESCALATORS AND MOVING WALKS

The construction of all escalators and moving walks (or similar devices) shall comply with Part 6 of the ASME A17.1-2000 standard (including the A17.1a-2002 addenda). Construction shall not commence until the Department has issued a permit for this work.
 
To obtain a permit, all of the following must be submitted:
  1. Four (4) copies of the UCC-25 (APPLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION PERMIT: ESCALATORS AND MOVING WALKS).
     
    The Department has prepared directions for filling out this form.
     
  2. Three (3) copies 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. Click here to obtain a copy of the fee schedule applicable to elevators and other lifting devices.
     
  4. Whenever a building plan approval is also required, Part L on the UCC-25 must be completed. Click here to access an advisory on this subject.
Mail the application package to:
Elevator Section
Department of Labor and Industry
651 Boas Street, Room 1612
Harrisburg, PA 17121-0750
After reviewing the documents for code compliance, one of the following will occur:
  1. If the review finds that the plans and permit application comply with the UCC, one set of approved documents will be mailed to the applicant, along with a copy of information pertaining to inspections. A second set of approved documents will be sent to the State Inspector that will be responsible for making the acceptance inspection.
     
  2. If either the plans or the application fails to comply to a significant degree, the project will be disapproved, and the application package will be mailed back to the applicant. The Department will include a list of deficiencies. (Note: this may be incomplete, if the information presented was insufficient to make decisions about code compliance.)

H. PLAN REVISIONS

Design changes made after an elevator permit is issued 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. Four (4) copies of the UCC-22 (APPLICATION FOR ALTERATION PERMIT: LIFTING DEVICES).
     
    Please complete this fully. Be sure to include the previously approved UCC permit information. If an informational item does not apply, indicate this by a “NA.”
     
  2. Three copies of any amended sheets from previously approved plans sets.
     
  3. Payment of the plan revision fee of 50% or the original permit fee.
Mail the application package to:
Elevator Section
Department of Labor and Industry
651 Boas Street, Room 1612
Harrisburg, PA 17121-0750
After reviewing the documents for code compliance, one of the following will occur:
  1. If the review finds that the plans and permit application comply with the UCC, one set of approved documents will be mailed to the applicant, along with a copy of information pertaining to inspections. A second set of approved documents will be sent to the State Inspector that will be responsible for making the acceptance inspection.
     
  2. If either the plans or the application fails to comply to a significant degree, the project will be disapproved, and the application package will be mailed back to the applicant. The Department will include a list of deficiencies. (Note: this may be incomplete, if the information presented was insufficient to make decisions about code compliance.)

I: RETURN OF PLANS

Approved or rejected plans will be returned by third-class mail. If applicants desire to hasten the return of plan sets, they must provide FedEx or UPS shipping labels that have been fully filled out (including shipping account numbers), in their original application package.

J: INSPECTIONS

Initial Acceptance Inspections:
 
Whenever applications for new installations or major repairs/alterations have been approved, the permit applicant receives a letter that provides the name and phone number of a Labor and Industry inspector. Upon completion of the work that has been permitted, the applicant should contact the assigned inspector to make arrangements for the required inspection.
 
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. Access the list of agencies that have been approved to perform periodic inspections in Pennsylvania.

K: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you have questions about the application process, code requirements or other issues related to the construction of elevators and other lifting devices, call 717-787-3806 and select option “2”.