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Washington · Elevators

The elevator code and inspection rules in force in Washington now.

Ch. 296-96 WAC (RCW 70.87): ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44-19, A18.1-2020 and A17.3-2015 adopted eff. Oct 2, 2023; A17.3-2015 enforcement suspended by L&I Policy 07-16-105 since Feb 24, 2025. Enforced by L&I Elevator Program; municipalities with elevator codes before Jun 13, 1963 may keep jurisdiction (RCW 70.87.200); Seattle (SDCI) runs its own annual conveyance inspections and certificates. Verified on the primary source, re-checked weekly.

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Elevators in Washington

Verified on the source
In force

Ch. 296-96 WAC (RCW 70.87): ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44-19, A18.1-2020 and A17.3-2015 adopted eff. Oct 2, 2023; A17.3-2015 enforcement suspended by L&I Policy 07-16-105 since Feb 24, 2025

Annual state inspection and operating certificate. WA amendments require quarterly firefighters' emergency operation tests, yearly tests of recall/shunt-trip fire alarm devices, and yearly escalator cleaning. Existing units cited via A17.2 (A17.1-2000+) or legacy WAC rules.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

L&I Elevator Program; municipalities with elevator codes before Jun 13, 1963 may keep jurisdiction (RCW 70.87.200); Seattle (SDCI) runs its own annual conveyance inspections and certificates

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; the building view resolves them from your ZIP.

What changes next

In force

In force; no code-edition rulemaking found (A17.3 suspension lasts until L&I adopts a later edition, no date set); 6.51% elevator fee increase took effect Jul 1, 2026

The federal layer

There is no federal elevator inspection program; the state or city program below is the whole obligation, with ASME A17.1 and A17.3 as the referenced standards.

Questions about the elevator code and inspection rules in Washington

Which elevator rules apply in Washington today?

Ch. 296-96 WAC (RCW 70.87): ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44-19, A18.1-2020 and A17.3-2015 adopted eff. Oct 2, 2023; A17.3-2015 enforcement suspended by L&I Policy 07-16-105 since Feb 24, 2025. Annual state inspection and operating certificate. WA amendments require quarterly firefighters' emergency operation tests, yearly tests of recall/shunt-trip fire alarm devices, and yearly escalator cleaning. Existing units cited via A17.2 (A17.1-2000+) or legacy WAC rules.

Who enforces the elevator code and inspection rules in Washington?

L&I Elevator Program; municipalities with elevator codes before Jun 13, 1963 may keep jurisdiction (RCW 70.87.200); Seattle (SDCI) runs its own annual conveyance inspections and certificates.

What changes next for the elevator code and inspection rules in Washington?

Nothing is scheduled. The rule above stays in force until the state adopts a newer edition or amends the program; AHJ Radar re-checks the source weekly.

Other areas in Washington

Everything in force in Washington
Fire code2021 International Fire Code with Washington amendments (ch. 51-54A WAC), part of the Stat…Building code2021 International Building Code incl. Appendix E with Washington amendments (ch. 51-50 WA…BoilersCh. 70.79 RCW + ch. 296-104 WAC; inspection frequencies in WAC 296-104-100 (last amended e…Pools and spasCh. 246-260 WAC Water Recreation Facilities (pools, spas, wading and spray pools) + ch. 24…Hotels and lodgingDOH Transient Accommodation license (ch. 70.62 RCW, ch. 246-360 WAC) for 3+ lodging units …Workplace safetyWashington State Plan run by L&I Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) under c…Retrofit and recertificationClean Buildings Performance Standard (RCW 19.27A.210; energy, not life safety) for buildin…

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