Find the latest information on Iowa 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 Iowa (IA)

Iowa 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 Iowa 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).

The State of Iowa (IA) currently operates under the 2019 ASME A17.1 and CSA B-44 Code

Iowa Elevator Code Authority (IA)

Iowa Division of Labor

1000 East Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319-0209

Elevator Installation Companies
Compliance with the following is required for elevator installation companies:

At least 8 weeks before an alteration or installation is scheduled to begin, submit an installation or alteration permit application (link is external) to Iowa Division of Labor, Elevator Safety, 1000 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319-0209. Failure to obtain a permit may result in significant extra costs and delays in the project.

Work cannot begin on an installation or alteration until a permit for the work has been issued by the Labor Commissioner. Once the permit has been issued and received it is to be posted on the job site. Equipment should not be put into use until it passes inspection by a state inspector. Most businesses in the elevator industry must have a current contractor registration number issued by the Division of Labor.

Iowa Elevator Code Authority Accident Reporting

Immediately notify the Labor Commissioner of an accident involving an elevator, escalator, or related equipment. Follow the accident notification requirements and submit a conveyance accident report form to the Iowa Division of Labor. (excerpts from state website)

Iowa Elevator Code

Elevator Phone Requirements ASME A17.1 & IBC**

• Answer by live authorized personnel – no automated answering

• Location identification without voice communication

• Monitoring the status of local telephone lines and issuing local alerts

**Iowa elevator code authority also follows IBC 2018, which incorporates extra requirements for new elevators/construction projects

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 to ensure it complies with current codes, it’s advisable to consult your local Iowa elevator code authority for guidance on the applicable regulations.

Iowa Elevator Compliance Starts With DIAL
Description: A plain language snapshot of what state regulators expect from owners and managers.

In Iowa, the Iowa elevator code is enforced through the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. For property managers and building owners, that means every covered conveyance must be registered, the current operating permit must be posted, and regular safety tests must be handled by a qualified elevator maintenance company. Inspections follow a state schedule, and you can use a state-commissioned private inspector or an inspector employed by Iowa. If you are managing a portfolio, the Iowa elevator code becomes easier when you keep one compliance file per building: permits, test logs, and correction closeouts. MyLinkLine helps by keeping the emergency phone portion organized with cellular options, documented testing, and optional monitoring.

Permits, Modernization, and Avoiding Project Delays
Description: How elevator contractors and building teams plan work so inspections and reopenings stay on schedule.

For new installs or modernization, treat the Iowa elevator code as a project timeline tool, not just a checklist. Iowa requires an installation or alteration permit before work begins, and the state asks you to submit a complete package early, one form per conveyance. That Iowa elevator code permit step is what keeps inspection day from stalling your turnover. Once issued, post the permit on site and plan for acceptance inspection before opening to the public. DIAL also encourages early design review to resolve conflicts between elevator, fire, building, and electrical requirements before equipment is ordered. MyLinkLine supports Iowa elevator code readiness by keeping emergency phone upgrades coordinated with your schedule and inspection documentation.

Owner Compliance Checklist for Day-to-Day Readiness

1. Confirm every unit is registered and listed correctly with DIAL.
2. Verify the operating permit is posted where inspectors expect to see it.
3. Keep the elevator service contract active and schedule periodic safety tests.
4. Maintain a simple folder of inspection reports, corrections, and closeout notes.
5. Track safety order due dates so items do not age past your response window.
6. Use the public permit search to confirm status when you buy, sell, or refinance a building.
7. Set internal reminders 60 days before expected inspections to coordinate vendors early.
8. Train onsite staff to document issues, take photos, and notify the right vendor fast.
9. Keep the emergency phone reachable at all times to support Iowa elevator code compliance.
10. Log every emergency phone test so you can prove the line works on demand.
11. If you use a monitoring center, confirm the call routing and notification list are current.
12. Keep elevator location labels consistent so responders can identify the right car quickly.

Permit and Inspection Workflow for Elevator Contractors

1. Submit a separate permit application for each conveyance and attach complete plan sets.
2. For alterations, include drawings and specifications for every planned change.
3. Provide one electronic plan submittal that stays readable when enlarged.
4. Include the building code analysis document when it is required for the project package.
5. Pay invoiced fees through the approved process, then save the receipt in the job file.
6. Post the issued permit on site before work starts and before the inspector arrives.
7. Coordinate the acceptance inspection through the state process before turning the unit over under the Iowa elevator code.
8. Do not place equipment into public use until the inspection passes and paperwork is complete.
9. If you need more time to comply with a safety order, submit the extension request with the inspection report attached.
10. If an accident happens, notify the state promptly and follow the reporting instructions.

Accidents, Safety Orders, and What Changes Your Timeline Fast

1. Iowa expects owners to notify the state promptly when an elevator or conveyance accident meets reporting thresholds.
2. If a report is required, the conveyance may be forbidden from use until it is inspected and approved by the state.
3. The state can also restrict the removal of damaged parts until permission is granted.
4. If safety orders are issued, start corrections immediately and keep proof of completion.

Emergency Phone Readiness for Inspection Day

1. The emergency phone must place a successful call quickly and consistently.
2. Location must be identifiable so responders know the exact building and elevator.
3. Calls should reach authorized personnel with clear communication from the cab.
4. Modernizations may require upgrades such as hands-free operation or visible communication options.
5. Keep a test log so you can show Iowa elevator code readiness without chasing paperwork.
6. MyLinkLine supports Iowa elevator code compliance by replacing aging lines with cellular service, supplying reliable equipment, and optionally monitoring calls for documentation.