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

All existing public elevators, escalators and dumbwaiters require an annual 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 one of a City’s approved and certified third-party elevator inspector.

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

The Department of Development & Permits will provide, by email (if available) or mail, a written notice to all property owners/agents noting the elevator’s expiration date. This notice will be sent 60 days prior to the expiration date.

What steps do I take when the elevator passes an annual inspection?

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 third-party inspector will electronically submit a report to the Department of Development and Permits (DD&P). Upon the receipt of an annual report, the DD&P will update the elevator’s record and email or mail the certificate of compliance to the owner/agent. 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 fee per elevator for the review and issuance of a Certificate of Compliance. An invoice from the City Treasurer’s Office will be mailed to the property owner/agent upon the receipt of the approved inspection report.

NOTE TO OWNER AND AGENT: Please review inspection report. It is important to contact elevator company to repair the elevator and call the third-party inspector for reinspection in a timely manner.

Your certificate of compliance will be emailed to you. If your email is not available, the 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. If you prefer to pick up the certificate of compliance, please call 757-382-6018 to expedite your service.

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, the owner must work with the elevator maintenance company to correct the problem(s) prior to the expiration date. Once corrected, owner/agent will contact the third party elevator for a reinspection. Upon the completion of the reinspection, the inspector will electronically submit the report. Problems that can’t be remedied should be referred to the Property Maintenance Code Official in writing. A Certificate of Compliance cannot be issued until all violations are corrected and approved by the certified elevator inspector. Upon approval from the elevator inspector, the Property Maintenance Code Official or designee will review a corrected report.

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) 2012 Edition.

What should I do if the elevator needs more time for repair?

Please send letter to the Property Maintenance Code Official to request a compliance extension. Your request should contain an explanation justifying the request (ex: repair part is on back-order).

What should I do if the building is vacant?

The Owner/agent should send a letter to the Property Maintenance Official to confirm that the elevator is sealed from use.

Do I need an annual inspection for my residential elevator?

A residential elevator requires only one inspection at the completion of installation. The builder or contractor must contact one of the City’s approved third-party inspectors to perform and approve final acceptance test.

How do I apply to become a 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 certification or Virginia State Certified Mechanic 
• a copy of DHCD Certification (if applicable) or State/National Certification,
• a copy of Certificate of Liability Insurance
• a copy of business license

City Certified Third-Party Elevator Inspectors: