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Elevators

The primary objective of Chapter 167, entitled Elevators of the City of Buffalo Charter and Code is to insure public safety. The elevator safety ordinance contains the requirements, which mandate the registration, inspection and issuance of certificate(s) of operation regarding all new and existing elevators/conveyances located in the City of Buffalo. This act regulates activity as it pertains to the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of elevators/conveyances. This equipment includes but is not limited to the following:

• Passenger Elevators
• Freight Elevators
• Escalators
• Dumbwaiters
• Interior / Exterior Stair-chair Lifts
• Sidewalk Elevators & Lifts
• Moving Walks
• Dormant Elevators
• Interior / Exterior Wheelchair Lifts
• Inclined and Vertical Wheelchair Lifts
• Private Residence Elevators
• Material Lifts
• LULA (Limited Use, Limited Application Elevators) Elevators

MANDATORY REGISTRATION:

Of all new and existing elevators; property owners are required to supply such information as building use, elevator type, rated load, speed, manufacture, previous alteration, and purpose for which it is used. Registrations include all commercial and private residence properties.

SEMI - ANNUAL INSPECTION:

All initial, semi - annual and final acceptance inspections are completed by a licensed third-party elevator inspection company.  Property owners can choose from a list of licensed companies. The City of Buffalo Supervisor of Elevator Inspections completes follow up inspections. All elevator inspectors are ANSI, ASME QEI or QEIS certified (qualified elevator inspectors). Upon completion of said inspections property owner are issued an elevator inspection report, a copy of which is filed with the City of Buffalo, Department of Inspections and Permit Services. If after any elevator inspection violations exist the City of Buffalo's Supervisor of Elevator Inspections is charged with the responsibility of gaining code compliance in accordance with the provisions specified in Chapter 167.

CERTIFICATE OF OPERATION:

Prior to any conveyance being used the property owner shall obtain a certificate of operation issued by the City of Buffalo. Certificate(s) of operation are renewable annually and shall be conspicuously posted inside the elevator / conveyance cab.

CERTIFICATE OF OPERATION FEE SCHEDULE:

The fee for a first time certificate of operation for an existing elevator is $52.50, renewal certificates are $36.25. An initial certificate of operation for a new installation is $105.00.

LICENSING OF COMPANIES, INDIVIDUAL INSPECTORS AND INSTALLERS:

No person firm or company shall inspect, erect, construct, alter, install service, repair, replace or maintain elevators in the city of Buffalo unless an inspectors or installers license has been issued. No Company shall hold both an inspector and installer license at the same time.

LICENSED COMPANIES:

Presently there are ten {10} Licensed Elevator Maintenance / Installation companies. four {4} Licensed Third Party Inspection Companies and two {2} Licensed Limited Installers companies. {Wheelchair Lifts}

INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Companies, which inspect or install elevators must provide and maintain insurance certificates with workman's compensation. In addition each company must maintain a two million-dollar errors and omissions policy.

CODE AND ADOPTED STANDARDS:

Chapter 167, Elevators of the City of Buffalo Charter and Code. The Codes on New York State – 2007 edition with referenced standards, as well as the ASME ANSI A17.1 {2000 edition} Safety code for Elevators and Escalators.

PERMITS:

No conveyance shall be erected constructed, installed or materially altered unless a permit has been obtained. Permits are issued only to companies holding a current installer's license. The elevator permit fee schedule is contained in Chapter 175 of Buffalo's Charter and Code. Applications may be made through the City of Buffalo, Department of Economic Development Permit and Inspection Services, Room 313, City Hall, Buffalo, New York 14202.

PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE:

New installations $105.00 and $105.00 per stop. Alterations $52.50 and $10.50 per stop. No fee for repairs.

PERMIT PROCESS:

{New Installation, Modernization and Alteration}

Applications must be submitted and are only accepted by a licensed elevator installation / maintenance company.
Plan review & approval process
Elevator permit issued
Final acceptance inspection completed
Full compliance
Issuance of certificate of operation

TYPES OF ELEVATOR INSPECTIONS:

New installation / final acceptance
Alteration
Modernization
Complaints
Accidents
Required annual elevator inspection {all existing units}
3 year hydraulic safety test / witnessed
5 year full-load safety test / witnessed
Court ordered follow up code compliance inspections
Change in property ownership
Main machine gear box 5 year test / witnessed

COURT CASE PROCESS:

Generally involves property owners who refuse to have the required annual elevator inspection completed or have had the inspection completed and have listed violations outstanding for more than a 30 days.
Final 5-30 day notice mailed to property owner {for non-compliance}
Court case initiated {after no response to the violation notice}
Fine and penalty levied by housing court
Elevator inspection completed
Owner compliant
Certificate of operation issued

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

If you need further assistance, or have questions and/or comments regarding elevators please contact Mr. Joseph L. Schiavone, QEIS #70, Supervisor of Elevator Inspections, Department of Permit & Inspections Services, 65 Niagara Square, Room 313, City Hall, Buffalo, New York 14202 at [716] 851-4290 Fax: [716] 851-4952 or email: jschiavone@city-buffalo.com