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1. Who is authorized to perform work on my elevator?

The International Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code, as adopted and amended by New Castle County, require elevators and conveying systems to comply with ASME A17.1 – Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators and ASME A18.1 – Safety Standards for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts. The codes require a maintenance program of periodic safety inspections to be performed by a Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI) and annual testing performed by a Delaware Licensed Elevator Mechanic. In accordance with Delaware Code, only Delaware Licensed Elevator Mechanics are authorized to perform any maintenance, repairs, alterations, or replacements on any elevator or conveying system.

2. Is maintenance required for elevators?

Yes. Maintenance requirements are currently based on installation date and New Castle County adopted codes, including those for platform lifts and stairway chairlifts. In general, installations, maintenance, and inspections shall comply with ASME A17.1 and ASME A18.1 as referenced in the currently adopted International Building Code, as amended by New Castle County Council and the New Castle County Property Maintenance Code.

3. When is an inspection required?

Inspections are required when a device is first installed as new before the public may use it; when any alteration/modernization work is performed as outlined in the Code; when a device has been reactivated after being taken out of service for an extended period; or when a safety or test inspection is required per the Code. All elevators require an inspection every six months and testing every year. 

Elevators in residential single-family dwellings that are not accessible to the public shall be inspected upon completion of installation prior to being placed in service. New Castle County will issue residential single-family dwellings an Elevator Certificate of Compliance and Operation only in the instances defined here and are not subject to the annual certification process.

4. Who is authorized to perform inspections?

New Castle County staff will inspect elevator shafts and their structural components as part of the permit process for the structure. All elevators and conveying systems shall be inspected by a Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI). A QEI is someone who has obtained a certification through an independent, accredited, certifying organization as specified in the applicable ASME Standard.

5. How do I submit an inspection report to New Castle County?

The Qualified Elevator Inspector performing the inspection shall file with the Department of Land Use duplicate copies of all inspection reports. Reports can be sent via email to: [email protected] or by mail to: NCC Dept. of Land Use, 87 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720. Building owners should only send inspection reports at the time of annual renewal, if it is defined as outstanding on the Elevator Renewal Statement.

6. Why am I receiving an Elevator Renewal Statement?

You have been defined as the owner/responsible party for a parcel containing an elevator or conveying system and are responsible for maintaining a current Elevator Certificate of Compliance and Operation. Renewal statements are sent annually from New Castle County and detail all outstanding fees and/or outstanding inspections required to renew the Elevator Certificate of Compliance and Operation.

7. Why is the Statement sent to the Property Owner of Record on the tax bill?

Renewal statements are sent to the owner of record for each property as the owner is responsible for elevator compliance. The owner can designate another person such as a building manager to act as the responsible party (or agent) for maintenance service related to the operation of the elevator. However, the owner remains responsible for compliance and payment of all related fees and penalties.

8. How do I receive an updated Elevator Certificate?

The Department of Land Use mails out renewal statements every June and issues Elevator Certificates of Compliance and Operation annually. Once the renewal fee is paid and the required inspections are verified by Land Use staff, the updated Certificate will be issued and may be obtained using the Parcel Search webpage. 

• Enter the property address or parcel # into the search criteria.
• Click the Details link next to the property.
• Click the Elevator Certificates link at the top of the screen.
• Each Certificate will be listed individually by Elevator License #.

9. Who is responsible for maintaining a current Elevator Certificate of Compliance and Operation?

The owner/responsible party for a parcel containing an elevator or conveying system is responsible for maintaining a current Elevator Certificate of Compliance and Operation.

10. How do I request a copy of the elevator records?

Records may be obtained from the Elevator Maintenance Company servicing your unit or the Qualified Elevator Inspector performing the inspections. You may request copies of inspection reports from New Castle County by submitting a request through the Freedom of Information Act at: FOIA

11. How do I contact the Department of Land Use to discuss elevator compliance?

The Licensing Section of the Department of Land Use issues the Elevator Certificate of Compliance and Operation. Please email questions to [email protected] or contact staff at 302-395-5420.