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Oregon Elevator Code 2026
Regulations & Standards
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Find the latest information on Oregon Elevator Code, laws, and safety standards. Our directories are updated monthly and include website links to help you quickly find the elevator codes and regulations for the state of Oregon (OR)
Oregon elevator codes impose a responsibility on building owners and property managers to adhere to specific requirements within elevators, ensuring the safety of all occupants. Failure to comply with these codes can result in penalties and potential legal action. While the particulars of the Oregon elevator code may differ at the state and local levels, three primary codes govern elevator safety: the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the International Building Code (IBC), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates unrestricted and equal access to services for individuals with disabilities.
IBC
The International Building Code (IBC) establishes precautions against hazards associated with constructed environments.
ASME
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) plays a pivotal role in the development of codes and standards.
The State of Oregon (OR) currently operates under the 2019 ASME A17.1 and CSA B-44 Code
Oregon Elevator Code Authority
Welcome to the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD). We work to ensure the safety of buildings through the administration of the state of Oregon’s current building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and energy codes and laws pertaining to the review and inspection of projects. Our goal is to provide excellent customer service and high-quality technical assistance.
Oregon Elevator Code Authority (BDC)
Before 1973, a variety of local codes governed the construction of buildings in Oregon. At that time, 20 of Oregon’s 36 counties and approximately 100 of its 240 cities had no building code ordinances in effect. While in Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties, local governments had adopted 53 different building codes. This lack of uniformity created uncertainty for contractors, real estate agents, architects, builders, and others involved in the construction process, but also posed a risk to health and safety for those who would inhabit any new construction.
Enter Senate Bill 73. Fifty years ago, Sen. Dick Groener and Reps. Robert “Bob” Elliot and Roger Martin sponsored Senate Bill 73, which Gov. Tom McCall signed to create Oregon’s unique, unified statewide building code system. The issues driving the 1973 bill included consistency of code requirements between municipalities, dispute resolution for decisions made by building inspectors, and establishment of stakeholder advisory boards to help adopt codes.
What are building codes and why do they exist?
Building codes are a set of regulations that builders and architects must follow when constructing or renovating a building. These codes exist to protect the life, health, and safety of the individuals who will inhabit the buildings and structures that are created within their communities.
Codes vary from state to state but typically include safety, structural stability, and energy efficiency requirements. Building codes are designed to protect the public from unsafe buildings and to ensure that all buildings are built to a certain standard. Oregon decided in 1973 that the best way to do so was by creating a single, uniform code for the state.
What does the Building Codes Division do?
BCD ensures safe and effective building construction while supporting a positive business climate. We do this by:
- Adopting building codes with the advice of seven statutory boards to provide the minimum level of safety in all areas of Oregon.
Testing and licensing trade workers, subcontractors, and municipal building inspectors to ensure a knowledgeable and proficient workforce. - Enforcing laws to prevent unsafe or dangerous building conditions.
- Monitoring business licensing and trade worker regulatory requirements.
- Ensuring that the code is applied uniformly across the state while providing options and local flexibility when appropriate based on local conditions.
- Establishing training and education requirements to help ensure that businesses, individuals, and building inspectors are knowledgeable about new technology, design standards, and building code requirements while achieving a consistent, uniform regulatory environment.
- Conducting inspections and plan reviews in areas where short- or long-term supplemental services are requested to support economic needs.
- Providing statewide safety inspection services for specialized equipment, including elevators, boilers, pressure vessels, and amusement rides.
- Supporting local jurisdictions and businesses by leveraging technology, such as mobile applications and connected devices, to facilitate more efficient plan review and permitting activities.
- Training new and existing inspectors to ensure technical competency and expand relevant skills.
- Collaborating with public and private entities and institutions to allow for the use of emerging technology in alternate construction methods and materials.
- Cooperating with other state agencies, including the Construction Contractors Board, Office of State Fire Marshal, Oregon Department of Energy, and Oregon Health Authority, on crossover issues related to construction standards and licensing. (excerpt from state website)
Elevator Cellular Phone Lines
How to eliminate the cost of traditional elevator phone lines and save 35% or more. Our cellular elevator phone lines conform to ASME, ADA, and IBC codes, encompassing all requirements of the Oregon elevator code.
Oregon also follows IBC 2018, which includes additional requirements for new elevator installations
If your elevator travels over 60 feet. A two-way communication system will be installed in the elevator that provides both visible text and audible modes per code requirements. If you’re modernizing the elevator it’s advisable to consult your local Oregon elevator code authority for guidance on the applicable regulations.
- Two-way message display in the elevator cab for hearing and/or speech impaired
A method for authorized personnel to access video footage of passengers from any location within the cabin - A mechanism triggered by emergency personnel to modify the cabin message, signaling that assistance has arrived on-site
Please be advised that we are committed to consistently delivering accurate and current adoption information. We diligently update our records as new Oregon elevator code information becomes available.
Oregon Elevator Code – Elevator Phone Requirements ASME A17.1
- Two-way communication between elevator and authorized personnel
- On-site communications if over 60 ft of travel
- Communication between the elevator if elevator has remote machine room
- Answer by live authorized personnel – no automated answering
- Communication capability for onsite emergency personnel
- On-site monitoring if staffed 24/7 by authorized personnel
- Location identification on demand to authorized personnel
- Location identification without voice communication
- Hands-free devices only and telephone handsets are not allowed
- Phone automatlly answers when calling into elevator
- Automatic redirect if no answer onsite
- Monitoring the status of local telephone lines and issuing local alerts
Code Compliance Guidelines
Compliance overview
The Oregon Elevator Code sets the baseline expectations for safe operation, documentation, and corrective action so owners can keep equipment compliant and ready for inspection. For property teams, the practical goal is simple: maintain clear records, resolve items quickly, and keep life safety functions working every day, not just on inspection day.
Adopted code edition and effective dates
The Oregon Elevator Code follows Oregon’s specialty code adoption cycle, which can change what inspectors expect on new installations, alterations, and how existing equipment is evaluated. When you plan projects, align your scope and submittals to the current effective code so plan review, acceptance testing, and final sign off stay predictable.
Inspections and scheduling
The Oregon Elevator Code is easiest to manage when inspections are treated like a recurring operating rhythm. Track due dates, schedule early, and coordinate access, machine room entry, and service support so inspections do not slip. If corrections are needed, close them fast to avoid delays that can affect certificates and tenant confidence.
Inspection certificates and renewals
The Oregon Elevator Code ties ongoing operation to having current inspection documentation in place. Owners should keep certificates, reports, and correction proof in a single building compliance file so it is easy to produce during inspections, insurance requests, or property transitions. Renewals run smoother when you schedule with enough lead time to handle rechecks.
Permits and plan review for modernization
The Oregon Elevator Code typically expects permits for new installations and many alterations, and plan review becomes more important as projects touch controllers, doors, safety devices, or communications. A clean submittal package reduces back and forth and helps contractors avoid surprise scope adds late in the project.
Contractor licensing and qualified work
The Oregon Elevator Code depends on qualified, properly licensed elevator professionals to perform regulated work. Owners should verify credentials before authorizing installs or alterations and keep that documentation with the project records. This reduces compliance risk and helps protect the building if questions come up later about workmanship or scope.
Alterations, repairs, and acceptance testing
The Oregon Elevator Code treats certain changes as regulated work that may require review, inspection, and acceptance testing. When you modernize, plan for testing windows and inspector coordination as part of the schedule, not as an afterthought. This keeps equipment downtime lower and helps prevent last minute rescheduling that can frustrate tenants and staff.
Variances, appeals, and alternate methods
The Oregon Elevator Code allows formal paths for variances or alternate methods when strict compliance is impractical, but the key is proving equivalent safety. Owners should document the reason, the proposed solution, and the approval outcome, then store it with the building’s permanent elevator records so future inspectors and buyers can see what was approved.
Local jurisdiction coordination
The Oregon Elevator Code is statewide, but local processes can still influence timing, access expectations, and how work is coordinated on site. Before you start a project, confirm who is inspecting the equipment, how permits are routed, and what documentation they want on the day of inspection. This prevents missed steps that can stall approvals.
Emergency communications reliability
The Oregon Elevator Code makes emergency communications a real life safety requirement, so reliability matters more than convenience. Building teams should confirm call completion, clear location routing, and consistent performance, then test on a routine schedule. If a phone line fails intermittently, treat it as a compliance risk and fix it before it becomes an inspection finding.
Documentation that inspectors expect
The Oregon Elevator Code compliance file should be simple and complete: inspection reports, certificates, test records, correction closeouts, and contractor information. A one folder approach reduces confusion when staff changes, when you sell the property, or when a contractor needs proof of the last inspection outcome.
How MyLinkLine supports compliance
The Oregon Elevator Code burden is lighter when your emergency phone path is stable and easy to test. MyLinkLine helps by providing elevator cellular phone line solutions designed for dependable calling and straightforward testing workflows, reducing the risk of legacy line failures that can lead to missed emergency calls or inspection issues. When paired with consistent testing and clear records, this supports smoother inspections and better readiness for renewals.
Emergency Elevator Phones
MyLinkLine will only install elevator telephones that meet code requirements. We also comply with ADA, ASME, ANSI and IBC codes in addition to all State and Local requirements if applicable. Volume pricing available.
Elevator Phone Monitoring Service
Our dispatch center has been delivering professional service for over twenty years. Our staff has extensive technical and interpersonal training to assist in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Lifetime Product Warranty
If any part of your elevator telephone(s) or elevator cellular landline fails at any time during your lifetime due to a defect in material or workmanship, we will repair or, at our option, replace the defective device at our cost***
Frequently Asked Questions
Elevator Code and Inspection Compliance
What is the Oregon Elevator Code and who enforces it?
In Oregon, elevator safety is overseen through the state building codes program and the elevator specialty code framework. In practice, enforcement is demonstrated through permits, inspections, correction requirements, and the documentation that owners must keep current to ensure safe operation.
When do I need an elevator permit for repairs or modernization?
Permits are commonly required for new installations and many alterations. If your scope changes include controllers, door equipment, safety devices, or emergency communications, plan for permit review and inspection coordination to ensure the project can be approved and documented properly.
How do inspection certificates and renewals work under the Oregon Elevator Code?
Owners should schedule periodic inspections, address any findings quickly, and keep the certificate and related reports organized. Renewals are easiest when you plan for access, mechanic support, and any recheck time needed after corrections are made.
What should I keep on file for audits, insurers, or property transitions?
Keep inspection reports, current certificates, test records, proof of corrections, and contractor licensing information together. A clean compliance file makes Oregon Elevator Code questions easier to answer and reduces delays during inspections or ownership changes.
How can MyLinkLine help with emergency phone compliance under the Oregon Elevator Code?
MyLinkLine supports emergency phone compliance by providing cellular-based elevator phone line options built for reliable call completion and easier routine testing, helping reduce failures tied to aging copper lines and simplifying documentation for inspections.
Website Disclaimer: We do our best to keep this information current, but elevator code requirements can change. This page is for general information only and may not match your local enforcement or inspection expectations. Always confirm requirements with your inspector and the authority having jurisdiction before making compliance decisions.
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