Elevator Installation Permit

(New, Renewal, and Alterations)
What is the purpose of this permit?
To allow a licensed elevator company to install, renew or alter an existing conveyance for: Hydraulic Elevators, Roped-hydraulic Elevators, Cable Elevators, Limited-use/Limited-application (LULA) Elevators, Escalator; Dumbwaiters, WAC Material Lifts, Incline Elevators, Belt Manlifts, Stair Lifts, Wheel chair Lifts, Personnel Hoists, Grain Elevator Personnel Lifts, Material Hoists, Special Purpose Elevators, Private Residence Elevator installed in other than a private residence, Sidewalk Freight Elevators, Hand-powered Manlift or Freight Elevators, Moving Walk, and Elevator Alterations.
Who issues this permit?
Department of Labor and Industries
What activities require this permit?
All new installations, renewals and alterations
How much will this permit cost?
Fees vary, based on the cost of equipment and labor to install. Fees are available on the L&I web site.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called 'Elevator Permit Application' is online and can be accessed at https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/elevators/contractors-service-companies/forms.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Applications for alterations for flooring and wall coverings must include the product specifications which must cite the critical radiant flux for flooring and flame spread and smoke development rating for wall coverings.

Once an application has been processed for a major alteration or an installation a plan must be uploaded to L&I's online plan review system. See "Electronic Plan Submittal" at: https://www.lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/elevators/plans-permits-fees/plans.
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Decisions on some permits is dependent on plan review. Applications for certain devices may require a building official sign-off form.
How long will it take to review my application?
Allow 30 business days for a response. Accuracy and completeness speeds up the processing time.

Residential Incline Chair Lifts: Allow one week for a response.
Where do I submit my application?
Applications may be submitted by mail or in-person at a L&I office.
How long is my permit valid?
Permit is valid for one year from the approval date.
What is the appeal process for the permit?
Applications that are denied require applicants resubmit plans with corrections.
Notes / Comments:
Help Desk Phone:
  • General Information: 360-902-6130
  • Technical Specialist: 360-918-4246 or 509-770-0749
  • Administrative Assistance 360-902-6130
  • Account Information: 360-902-6130
Legal Authority:
Links:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 2
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 61

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 13
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 46

(Summary results based on 3663 submittals in 2023)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Helpdesk phone: See notes/comments for contacts
Subject matter expert email: elevatorsect@lni.wa.gov
Statewide Contact:
Department of Labor and Industries
7273 Linderson Way SW
PO Box 44000, Olympia WA 98504-4000
Tumwater, WA 98501-5414
Telephone: (360) 902-5800
Website: https://www.lni.wa.gov/
* Permit information last updated 11/29/2022
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