Laws and Rules

The state Legislature makes elevator laws, found in the Revised Code of Washington in Chapter 70.87 RCW. You may also find laws through the RCW search tool.

The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) contains rules that are written by L&I based on the law. Elevator rules are found in Chapter 296-96 WAC.

The State Office of the Code Reviser maintains and updates laws and rules.

Stay updated on our laws and rules, rule development and policies by joining our email list.

Rule Development

2022 Fee Increase

L&I has adopted a 17% fee increase for funding of a new Conveyance Management System (CMS). The fee increase is divided into two, 8.5 percent fee increases, effective January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024.

On May 17, 2022, L&I filed proposed rules (CR-102) for a single, 17% fee increase. A public hearing was held on June 22. The CMS project team has updated the project schedule with a new go-live date for CMS of January 2024. As a result, the single, increase was instead divided into two, 8.5%, fee increases for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.

The increase affects fees under chapter 296-96 Washington Administrative Code (WAC). The fees include licensing, permits, and plan approvals.

The final rules (CR-103) were filed with the state Office of the Code Reviser on October 18.

What it supports

A fee increase is needed to fund a new CMS. The CMS is the database used to provide permitting, inspection, and other information for customers and program staff. Our current system is aging, failing, and no longer meets the service needs.

Plans call for the new system to include a secure customer portal for you to manage your account information, submit applications and permits online, and immediate access to inspection results.

The new CMS is expected to go online in January 2024.

Rulemaking documents

2021-23 Rulemaking (Code Adoption)

L&I is proposing changes to the elevator rules to adopt new safety codes from the 2019 edition of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1., and other related codes.

L&I is also proposing updates, clarification, housekeeping, and other changes to the rules. The rule changes would affect chapter 296-96 WAC, Safety regulations and fees for all elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators and other conveyances.

L&I filed the proposed rules (CR-102) on May 2.

How to participate

Public comments on the proposed rules will be accepted through June 13, 2023.

Public hearings on the proposed rules are scheduled as follows:


June 7, at 9 a.m.           

How to participate:

  • Join electronically:

         https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/88472027841?pwd=dHV5VDRhTVJVendNaEZwTGZGcVJYZz09

         Passcode: 1Nh+8S+Y

  •  Join by phone (audio only):

         1-253-215-8782

         Meeting ID: 884 7202 7841

         Passcode: 57042695

June 13, at 9 a.m.         

How to participate:

  • In person

         L&I Tukwila Office, 12806 Gateway Dr. S. Tukwila, WA 98168

The hearings will continue until all oral comments are received.

You can provide testimony or written comments at the above hearing, or send written comments by 5 p.m. on June 13, 2023, to:

Alicia Curry

Email: Alicia.Curry@Lni.wa.gov

Mail: Department of Labor & Industries

Field Services & Public Safety Division

P.O. Box 44400

Olympia, WA 98504-4400

Fax: 360-902-6134

Rulemaking documents:

Notice of Intent 10/19/2021

 Proposed Rule Language 5/2/2023

 Here’s what happens next:

  • June 7 & 13, 2023: Public hearings on the proposed rules are scheduled for 9 a.m.
  • August 1: The final rules (CR-103) are expected to be filed with the state Office of the Code Reviser.
  • September 1, 2023: The new rules are expected to take effect.

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