Elevator & Escalator Permit
What Is It?
You need a permit to install elevators, escalators, moving walks, dumbwaiters, handicap lifts, and material lifts in public or private buildings and private residences. The elevator contractor installing the equipment must have a valid contractor’s license from the state of Washington.
You may also need a business license if you are working in Seattle, even if your office is outside the city.
How Much Does It Cost?
Elevator and escalator fees vary depending on whether you are installing new elevators, doing repair work, or purchasing an annual certificate of conveyance inspection. All fees are subject to an additional technology fee. See our Fee Subtitle for details. To pay for your certificate of conveyance inspection, login to the Seattle Services Portal or contact the cashier at (206) 386-9780.
How Long Does It Take?
We issue most elevator and escalator permits within 14 business days after we receive your application, unless information is missing or additional information is needed.
Steps to Get Your Permit
Start permit. Go to the Seattle Services Portal and log into your account. Select Permits – Trade, Construction, and Land Use, and then choose the Conveyance Permit option. Follow the prompts to submit your application.
You will need:
- The work site address
- Owner or tenant name, phone, and address
- Detailed description of work
- Contractor name, phone, address, Washington state elevator contractor’s license number, and City of Seattle business license number
- Site number and conveyance number, if it is an existing elevator or escalator
- Set of plans
- Other required documentation per scope of work
Note: An engineer’s stamp is not required for hydraulic elevators.
Submit application. Submit your application through the Seattle Services Portal.
Pay fees. Your permit fees are due when you apply. The fees are calculated based on your project value.
Wait for your review. Your project reviewer will contact you within 14 business days if changes are needed.
Print your permit. We will notify you when we have issued your permit and the documents are available in your Seattle Services Portal. Print the permit and approved plan.
Display your permit. Place your permit in a visible location on the project site.
After your permit is issued, schedule the required inspections.