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 the City’s approved and certified third-party elevator inspectors.

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 or mail (if requested), 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 annual inspection has been performed, the third-party inspector will upload the report to the eBuild system, indicate if the inspection is passing, passed with conditions or failed and pay the $50.00 annual fee.

The Development and Permits Department will send the Certificate of Compliance to the Responsible Party on file for the elevator when a passing annual inspection report is provided.  If the inspection passes but with conditions or is "safe to operate until", a provisional Certificate of Compliance will be issued.  If the elevator inspection is failed, no Certificate of Compliance will be issued and the elevator should not be used until a passing inspection is received and a valid Certificate of Compliance is issued. All Certificates of Compliance will be sent via email to the Responsible Party on file, mailing of Certificates will be by special request only.

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. .

NOTE TO OWNER AND AGENT: Please contact our office by phone or email if there is a change in the Responsible Party information.  It is important we have the correct information on file in order to provide your Certificate of Compliance and any reminder notices.

Special Situations:

 If your elevator has been out of service or was due for inspection prior to Jan. 1, 2020, you should email your inspection report to permitsupport@cityofchesapeake.net for us to update our records and we will contact you with payment options for the $50 annual fee.

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 as indicated above.  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 606.1 of the 2018 Virginia Maintenance Code.

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

Please send letter or email 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 or email 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. The Final Acceptance test report must be provided to the Development and Permits Department in order to complete and close the permit.

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: