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Fairfax County, Virginia

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703-324-1780
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12055 Government Center Pkwy
Fairfax, VA 22035

Bill Hicks,
Director

Department Resources

Elevators and Vertical Transportation Equipment

Hoist going up a building under construction
chair lift moving up a flight of stairs
moving walk
dumbwaiter on wall
Elevator
Escalator
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Vertical transportation, not only vertical but also horizontal, is a means of travel, transporting people and or freight in and outside of buildings. There are approximately 6200 vertical transportation equipment in Fairfax County. This equipment refers to elevators, lifts, escalators, dumbwaiters, hoists, and moving walks.

 

Permits

Overview

You must obtain permits to install, repair, modernize, replace, remove, decommission and recommission vertical transportation equipment. A permit is also needed to change equipment information, this includes but is not limited to address, capacity, landings etc.

  1. Elevator work classified as an alteration under ASME A17.1 shall require a permit to be pulled and may require inspection; this includes work to install, repair, modernize, replace, remove, decommission and recommission.
  2. Elevator work necessitating a test from A17.1-8.6 or 8.10 to be performed to put the unit/device into service and where the testing is not classified as part of the repair or replacement per A17.1-8.6 shall require a permit to be issued and inspection.
  3. Change of equipment information for elevators, escalators, conveyors, lifts, and dumbwaiters. This includes but is not limited to address, capacity, landings etc.

All work is subject to the current edition of the Virginia Construction Code and referenced standard ASME A17.1

What to Bring for Permit Application

Valid contractor's license with an EEC and other appropriate designations from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation needed for all scopes of work. Construction plans meeting or including the following:

  • Completed permit application
  • Scope of work attached to each set of plans
  • Two copies of the building layout (equipment location)
  • Two sets of elevator drawings
  • Building name and address on each page of drawings
  • Drawing need seal and original signature according to sealed documents list
  • Drawing minimum sheet size 11 x 17, scale 1/8 inch = 1 foot

Electrical wiring diagrams not needed for review but does need to be at the jobsite for inspections.

All above required for hoists, in additional a sealed letter from the building design professional is required. Hoists are permitted for a duration of 30 days.

Permit Application and Inspection Process

STEP 1) Permit application at the Herrity Building, Suite 324; bring documents listed above.

STEP 2) Check status online while plans are under review.

STEP 3) Pick up approved plans at Herrity Building, Suite 324; pay fees at Cashier's Office, Herrity Building, 2nd floor or online; and obtain permit.

STEP 4) Receive acceptance/final inspection. Failed inspections are subject to additional inspection fees.

STEP 5) Receive Certificate of Inspection and display copy in cab or at equipment. Commercial elevators are subject to periodic and annual inspections at this time based on the date of the certificate.

Inspections

Overview

New and existing vertical transportation equipment are subject to annual and or periodic inspections as described below.

Periodic Inspections

Six months from the date of the elevator's original Certificate of Inspection, the county will perform a periodic inspection.

  • If passed, the certificate will automatically be extended another six months until the annual inspection is required; see below.
  • If failed, the violations listed on the inspection report must be corrected; see Violations.

Annual Inspections

Prior to the expiration date of the Certificate of Inspections, an annual inspection with ATIS at 703-543-9966, TTY 711, or via email. The owner’s agent or property manager must be present during inspection.

  • If passed, a new Certificate of Inspections will be issued to you after all outstanding inspection fees have been paid.  You can find your updated certificate by address or equipment ID.
  • If failed, the violations listed on the inspection report must be corrected; see Violations below.

Failure to schedule an inspection will result in fines and/or a mandatory removal of service for the elevator.

Accidents

When an accident occurs, the affected elevator must be pulled from service immediately.  Contact the county at 855-511-2847, TTY 711, to report the time, date and description of accident; address and elevator number and contact information. A county inspection will be performed at which time the affected equipment can go back into service if no violations are found.

Violations

Any violations noted in your periodic (six-month) inspection will show in your annual inspection.  If the items are still unaddressed at that time, your system will not pass the annual inspection and will require a re-inspection with associated fees.

Change of Owner/Agent

It is the responsibility of the current property owner to inform the county of a change in ownership or designated agent (responsible party). Failure to update this information can result in fines.   Submit owner/agent changes.

ATIS Elevator Inspections, LLC

Plan review and inspections for new and existing elevators are conducted for Fairfax County by ATIS Elevator Inspections, LLC. Contact them at 703-543-9966, TTY 711, or email.

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