[UPDATE] Starting in 2023: NJ DCA Elevator Safety Unit now requires a licensed elevator mechanic for permit applications & inspections. Elevator permit applicants must provide a name & license number on the application.
A NJ licensed mechanic must be present at all final inspections.
Installing a home elevator can be a great addition to a home, offering improved accessibility and convenience. However, the process of installing a home elevator is not as simple as just ordering the equipment and having it installed. There are several permits that are required to ensure that the installation is up to code and meets safety standards.
In this accessibility post, we’ll discuss why it’s important to get all of the proper permits when installing a home elevator. These permits include building, electric, elevator, and zoning permits.
Building Permits
Building permits are necessary for all construction projects, including home elevators. The purpose of a building permit is to ensure that the construction project meets building codes and safety standards. The local building department will review the plans for the home elevator installation and inspect the work during the installation process to make sure it meets the necessary codes. Without a building permit, the installation may not be up to code, putting the homeowner and anyone who uses the elevator at risk.
Electric Permits
Electric permits are also required for home elevator installations. The electrical system of a home elevator must meet certain safety standards, and a permit is necessary to ensure that the electrical work meets these standards. This permit is also required to make sure that the electrical work is performed by a licensed electrician and meets the necessary codes and regulations.
Elevator Permits
Elevator permits are required for any installation of a home elevator. These permits ensure that the installation meets safety standards and regulations specific to elevators. Elevator permits are issued by the local jurisdiction, and the installation must be inspected and approved by an elevator inspector.
Zoning Permits
Zoning permits are required to make sure that the installation of a home elevator complies with the zoning regulations in the area. This permit ensures that the installation does not violate any zoning laws, such as height restrictions or setbacks. The local zoning department will review the plans for the home elevator installation to make sure it complies with the necessary regulations. A zoning permit is typically not required if the elevator is being installed within the existing walls of the existing home.
Conclusion on Permitting
Installing a home elevator can be a great addition to a home, but it’s important to make sure that all necessary permits are obtained. Building, electric, elevator, and zoning permits are all required to ensure that the installation meets the necessary codes, regulations, and safety standards. Without these permits, the installation may not be up to code, putting the homeowner and anyone who uses the elevator at risk.
In conclusion, getting all of the proper permits for a home elevator installation is important for the safety and well-being of everyone who will use the elevator. It’s always best to work with a professional who has experience with the permitting process and can help guide you through the process. Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to permits – make sure you have all of the proper permits in place before beginning the installation of a home elevator.
Mobility123 takes care of all permits on your behalf. Ask about our turn-key elevator installation package. We see the process through from start to finish.
Mobility123 has Licensed Elevator Mechanics and full-time carpenters on staff to see your project through from start to finish.
NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
Elevator Safety Plan Review/Permit Process
PLAN REVIEW/ PERMIT APPLICATION SUBMISSION TO DCA
Before submitting plan review and/or permit application to the State of New Jersey confirm the project is in a municipality for which the State has jurisdiction for enforcing the Elevator subcode. Click here for a municipal listing of Elevator Subcode jurisdiction. New construction in all State-owned properties, health care facilities, K-12 public schools or municipalities under State review must be submitted to the Bureau of Construction Project Review (BCPR) through the Department’s Electronic Plan Review system ePlans. For additional information regarding the electronic (Eplans) submission of elevator layout drawings and technical section, see the Elevator Safety Unit website. If the project is in a municipality under State jurisdiction, and does not fall under BCPR jurisdiction as outlined above, proceed as follows:
NEW ELEVATOR INSTALLATION SUBMISSION REQUIRES:
- Elevator Subcode Technical Section (UCC F150)
- Elevator Subcode Technical Section -Supplement for multiple devices (UCC F155) [if applicable]
- Request for Variation (UCC F160) [if applicable]
- Signed and sealed elevator layout drawings (must have raised seal signed by a New Jersey licensed Architect or Engineer and must reflect Code year on all layouts)
- Commercial installation of elevator must include completed 15 question architect questionnaire by licensed architect/engineer on official letterhead and signed and sealed.
- Commercial installation of Inclined vertical chair or inclined vertical platform lift must include Platform Lift Certification letter completed by municipal Construction Official (sample can be found here)
ALTERATION TO EXISTING ELEVATOR DEVICE REQUIRES:
- Elevator Subcode Technical Section (UCC F150) including a detailed Scope of Work (use additional sheet if necessary.
- Elevator Subcode Technical Section -Supplement for multiple devices (UCC F155) (if applicable)
- Request for Variation (UCC F160) (if applicable)
- Decommission/Demolition permit application must include Decommission letter completed by municipal Construction Official (sample letter can be found here)
ALL SUBMISSIONS:
Elevator Subcode Technical Section (UCC F150) must be complete.
Section A must include:
- Block & Lot
- Work site location*
- Owner in fee (not the elevator company)
- Contractor/Installer
- Contractor/Installer Federal Emp. ID #
Section B must be complete. Building Use Group and Estimated Cost of Elevator Work are required. Building registration number is required for alteration/modification to existing device and/or installation of new device(s) to existing building.
Section C MUST BE SIGNED.
Section D must include detailed Scope of Work (use additional sheet if necessary) and quantity and type of device(s).
*Work site location must include correct municipality name. Mailing address city is not acceptable. Please refer to the Municipal Listing of Elevator Subcode jurisdiction for valid municipalities. Applications with invalid municipality name will be returned.
DCA REVIEW AND FINAL ACCEPTANCE INSPECTION
DCA will review submissions for completeness and accuracy. Submissions missing information, not within DCA jurisdiction or required to be submitted through ePlans will be returned.
DCA review may result in reviewer comments requiring additional information or clarification.
NEW INSTALLATION PLAN REVIEW RELEASE & FINAL ACCEPTANCE (FA) INSPECTION
Once plan review is complete and approved the project is released. Two (2) sets of stamped and signed drawings, signed F150 Elevator Subcode Technical form approved for permit and, if applicable, signed variations will be returned to the elevator company. DCA does not issue the construction permit for a new installation. Signed drawings, signed F150 Elevator Subcode form and, if applicable, signed variations must be submitted to the local construction office as part of the permit application.
When the elevator work is complete the contractor must submit an FA Request to DCA for a final acceptance inspection. When the elevator has passed inspection DCA will again sign off on the elevator subcode technical section only for approval to issue Certificate. The municipal construction office issues the Certificate when all other aspects of the permit (electrical, building, etc.) are inspected and approved.
ALTERATION PLAN REVIEW & FA INSPECTION
Once plan review is complete and approved the project is released. DCA will issue the construction permit once all permit fees have been paid. When the elevator work is complete the contractor must submit an FA request to DCA for a final acceptance inspection. When the elevator has passed inspection DCA will issue the Certificate of Acceptance.
EXCEPTION FOR RESIDENTIAL ELEVATORS
In accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:23-12.3(a)5 the Department no longer performs the final acceptance inspections of private residence elevators. Please refer to SLCI-Admin-001-2020 for additional information. This applies to private residence elevators within the scope of ASME 17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators). This does not apply to other private residence devices within the scope of ASME 18.1 (Safety Standard for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts.)
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