NYC Building Code Title 27 – Elevators and Conveyors ( PDF )

NYC Building Code Title 27 – Subchapter 18: Elevators and Conveyors

Summary of Key Sections

Article 1 – General

• §27-982 Scope
  Covers all elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks, industrial lifts, loading ramps, automotive lifts, stage lifts, scaffolds, amusement devices, and more.

• §27-983 Standards
  Equipment must comply with Reference Standard RS-18.

• §27-984 Definitions
  Refer to Subchapter 2 for applicable definitions.

• §27-985 Plans
  Filing of plans is governed by Subchapter 1.

• §27-986 Permits
  Permits for equipment work and use are also under Subchapter 1.

• §27-987 General Requirements

  • No piping or ductwork in hoistways (some exceptions apply)

  • Hoistway enclosures must have a 2-hour fire rating; doors 1.5 hours

  • Mirrors are required in self-service elevators in multiple dwellings

  • Emergency signals must be installed in unattended elevators

  • Elevators are not permitted as a required means of egress

  • Elevator car switches must allow landing call signals

  • All electrical work must follow NYC electrical code

• §27-988 Manlifts
  Governed by RS 18-9 and additional commissioner rules.

• §27-989 Elevator in Readiness

  • Buildings 75 feet or taller must have an elevator ready for FDNY use at all times

  • Additional elevator availability requirements for high-rise buildings

  • Must include keyed switches and manual operation capability

  • Compliance deadlines set for 1981 and 1987 depending on building type

• §27-990 Acceptance of Equipment
  All equipment must be approved under Article 8, Subchapter 1.

• §27-991 Construction Standards
  Equipment must follow applicable RS-18 standards for elevators, lifts, conveyors, scaffolds, etc.

• §27-992 Alterations
  Alterations must follow Articles 4 & 5 of Subchapter 1 and RS 18-1; elevator work is not considered "minor" if classified otherwise.

• §27-993 Prohibited Devices
  Sidewalk elevators located outside the street line are prohibited.

Article 2 – Existing Installations

• §27-994 Retroactive Provisions
  Some requirements apply retroactively, including emergency switches and interlocks. Deadline for upgrades was December 6, 1970.

• §27-995 Sidewalk Elevators
  Existing sidewalk elevators are exempt from this section.

• §27-996 Hand-Powered Freight Elevators
  Not subject to full compliance, but must have secure landing doors and safety gates or chains.

• §27-996.1 Locks on Elevator Doors
  Locking devices must allow FDNY access via a standardized key system.

• §27-996.2 Firemen Service Operation
  Must be installed in high-rise and certain other occupancy groups. Deadline was April 1, 1987.

Article 3 – Tests and Test Intervals

• §27-997 Acceptance Tests
  Required before use of new, relocated, or altered equipment. Must be witnessed by a city representative.

• §27-998 Periodic Inspections

  • Elevators and escalators must be inspected 5 times every 2 years

  • Special intervals apply to safeties, buffers, and tanks

  • Certain buildings and owner-occupied dwellings may be exempt

  • Amusement devices: every 6 months

  • Workers' hoists: every 3 months

  • Owners must pay inspection fees

• §27-999 Inspection Requirements
  Devices must meet RS-18 safety and load testing standards, including anchorage checks and structural inspections.

• §27-1000 Inspection Agencies & Repair

  • Two of the five inspections may be done by a certified third party

  • Reports must be submitted by September 30 each year

  • J1 and J2 dwellings must maintain a repair contract on-site

Article 4 – Equipment Permits

• §27-1001 Permits Required
  No work or operation can begin without proper permits issued by the commissioner.

• §27-1002 Temporary Use Permits
  Temporary permits may be issued under defined conditions, including for workers’ elevators.

• §27-1003 Posting of Temporary Certificate
  Must be clearly posted near the device in use.

• §27-1004 Posting of Inspection Certificate
  Certificates must be posted inside the elevator or near the device, or available in a manager's office with posted notice.

Article 5 – Equipment Operation

• §27-1005 Operators
  Elevators with more than one-story rise must have a trained operator unless automatic. Operators must be at least 18 and certified.

• §27-1006 Accidents
  All injuries or property damage exceeding $100 must be reported to the DOB. Equipment must be inspected before reuse. Reports are public.