Existing Elevators, Escalators, Moving Walks, Special Hoisting and Dumbwaiters

All existing elevators, escalators and dumbwaiters require two inspections per year: an annual inspection and a 6-month-routine inspection. The Department of Development & Permits is responsible for ensuring that all elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, moving walks and special hoisting and conveying equipment are installed, maintained, altered, operated, inspected and tested for compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.  All required inspections and tests shall be made by a City’s approved and certified third-party elevator inspector.

The owner/agent of the buildings is responsible for making arrangements with an approved third-party elevator inspector to complete the inspection within the thirty day time frame prior to the expiration date of the certificate. The cost of the third-party inspections and test are the responsibility of the owner/agent.

The Department of Development & Permits will provide, by mail, a written notice to all property owners/agents noting the elevator’s expiration date. This notice will be sent one month prior to the expiration date.

What steps do I take when the elevator passes inspections

Once the elevator passes inspection, the third-party inspector will provide the owner with a report stating the elevator has been inspected and found to be compliance with the code. The owner/agent or third-party inspector will submit a copy of this report along with the completed Certificate of Compliance form (pdf) or Certificate of Compliance Form online.  In order to comply with the City Code and Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), a Certificate of Compliance must be posted in or near the elevator.  Each inspection requires a $40.00 fee per elevator for the review and issuance of a Certificate of Compliance.  An invoice from the Treasurer Office will be mailed to the property owner/agent upon the receipt of Certificate of Compliance.

Your Certificate of Compliance will be mailed to you within 5-10 business days. Please allow sufficient time for mail delivery and expiration date of your current certificate.

Method of Payments:

• Pay online: Treasurer online payment

What steps do I take if the elevator does not pass inspection?

If the elevator does not pass inspection, then the owner must work with the third-party inspector and elevator maintenance company to correct the problem(s) prior to the expiration date. Once corrected, forward the report and fee to the City for processing.  Problems that cannot be remedied or are in dispute should be referred to the Building Code Official in writing. A Certificate of Compliance cannot be issued until all violations are corrected and approved by the certified elevator inspector and reviewed and approved by the Building Code Official or designee.

What will happen if my certificate of compliance is expired?

If the elevator is not approved by the current certificate’s expiration date, the owner/agent will receive a Notice of Violation (NOV) letter from the City.  This official notice will establish a deadline for code compliance. If inspections/corrections are not completed by the deadline or the Certificate of Compliance has expired, the elevator shall be subject to being removed from service by the City, as authorized per Section PM-606.3 of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) 2009 Edition.

Do I need an annual inspection for my residential elevator?

Residential elevator is required only one inspection at the completion of installation.  The City certified third party inspector will perform the final acceptance and approved by the City's Building Code Officials.

How do I apply for the City of Chesapeake Certified Third Party Elevator Inspector?

You need to submit the following documents:

• a completed application for certified third party elevator inspector,
• a copy of your Qualified Elevator Inspector caqrd from National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities,
• a copy of Virginia State Contractor License,
• a copy of Certificate of Liability Insurance
• a copy of the City of Chesapeake Business License (if applicable)

City Certified Third Party Elevator Inspectors:

Bayline Lift Technologies
249 E. Little Creek Road, Suite 203
Norfolk, VA 23505
Phone: 757-583-8900

National Elevator Inspection Services (NEIS)
Tom Albright
2063 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Suite 3
Stafford, VA 22554
Phone: 804-614-4630
          800-886-6350

Central Elevator Inspection Services, LLC
Tighe A. Pearson
2612 Alvey Drive
Haymarket, VA 20169
Phone: 703-754-3393
          703-298-1229

Overlord Service, LLC
Charlie F. Stainback
1238 Gatewood Road
Newport News, VA 23601
Phone: 757-508-0847