What is the purpose of this permit?
Property owners or elevator companies can apply for a variance for items that meet the intent of the code provided the alternative method of safety provided meets or exceeds that which would be obtained by compliance with the code.
Who issues this permit?
Department of Labor and Industries
What activities require this permit?
Property owners or elevator companies may apply for a variance for items that are allowable deviation(s) from specific requirements of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 296-96 and other codes adopted by the elevator department where the proposed alternative method(s) maintain equivalent safety.
How much will this permit cost?
Fees are available on the L&I web site.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is online and can be accessed at
https://www.lni.wa.gov/forms-publications/F621-048-000.pdf.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Not usually, although it is sometimes helpful to include pictures or drawings with the variance application.
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Applications must include an alternative method for achieving the same level of safety.
How long will it take to review my application?
Allow 4-6 weeks for a response. Accuracy and completeness speeds up the processing time.
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?
The variance is valid for the life of the equipment provided no other changes impacting the item for which the variance was approved are made.
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: 6Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 97Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 26Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 101(Summary results based on 71 submittals in 2023)
Where can I get permitting assistance?
Helpdesk phone:
See notes/comments for contactsSubject matter expert phone: 360-902-6131
Subject matter expert email:
elevatorsect@lni.wa.gov