Plans, Permits, and Fees

Before starting work on your project, you need to submit plans, permits applications, and pay fees. In all cases, accuracy in filling out permit applications can speed processing. You can always contact the program with questions.

Permit Application

You will need to submit a permit application and an elevator plan if necessary. The forms are linked below. You will need to download the form and can fill out a paper version, or fill it out on your computer then save the document as a PDF to send by email. The permit application for a conveyance alteration or installation should include the following:

• Type of permit (New installation, new alteration or renewal).
• Conveyance number.
• Location of conveyance in building.
• Name of company performing work.
• Contractor license number.
• License expiration date.
• Company's amiling address, city, state and zip code.
• For alterations only: Detailed description of alteration.
• Existing building (Yes, No).
• Conveyance Type (commercial, residential).
• Capacity, speed, rise, car width, car length, number of landings, number of front and rear openings feet of blind hoistway.
• Machine type.
• Number of plans submitted.
• Contract value (labor and materials).
• Building owner name, contact name and information, including phone number, street address, city, state and zip code.
• Building name and location, including street address, city, state and zip code, where the work will be performed.
• Name of installation/alteration company representative, email address and phone number.

Please note: If any of the above information  is missing or does not coincide with the information in our database the permit application will be denied until the appropriate actions are taken.

Simply click a link below to start:

• Elevator Permit Application (F621-005-000): Allow 30 business days for a response.
  Use this form for the following:
  • Residential incline chair lifts (F621-005-000): Allow 1 week for a response.
  • Alteration permit (F621-005-000): Allow 14 business days for a response.
• Construction Elevator Installation Application and Inspection Data Report (F621-001-000): Allow 2 weeks for a response.

Once you have filled out the form, you will need to calculate the fees to accompany your permit application.

Calculate Fees

With the links below, you can see the fees for licensing, installation, or alteration of an elevator or other conveyance. Annual operating certificate fees and other fees are also listed.

• Installation fees: For all conveyances.
• Alteration fees: For all conveyances.
• Annual operating certificate fees: For building owners involving all conveyances.
• Other fees: Fee information for supplemental, voluntary, technical inspections and other services.

Fees can be paid by cash, check, money order, Visa, or Mastercard.

There are other ways to submit plans. See below for office locations, email, or sending the information through the U.S. mail.

Submitting the application

You can submit your plans, permit application and fees …
By mail:

Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
Region 4 Mailstop 4810
7273 Linderson Way S.W.
Olympia, WA 98501-5414

In person:
Visit the L&I office nearest you.

By email:
ElevatorSect@Lni.wa.gov

Submit Plans

All new installations of elevators or other conveyances first require approval of plans before a permit can be issued. Alterations do not typically require plans; however, in instances where the machine or pump unit and the controller are being replaced plans should be submitted along with the permit application and fee. After the Elevator Program has received accurate permit applications and any accompanying documentation, companies should allow:

• 30 days for installation permits for all conveyances other than Residential Inclined Chairlifts.
• One (1) week for installation permits for Residential Inclined Chairlifts.
• 14 days for alteration permits.

All new installations as well as the alterations described above require the approval of plans. We suggest an engineer review plans before submitting. Plans should include the following:

• Detailed description of the alteration.
• Conveyance type.
• Contact information.

Electronic Plan Submittal

Submitting plans can be done online with L&I and there are many advantages, including faster plan review and notification. Please note: The permit application must be submitted and paid for either by mail or at a service location prior to submitting an electronic plan.

• View our Elevator Electronic Plan Review Step-by-Step Instructions. (1.5 MB PDF)
• Next, sign up or log on to My L&I – remember to have your elevator contractor license and UBI available. After reviewing the instructions:

• Create a login and password.
• Click on the link that's in the email that was sent to you.
• Enter your login and password.
• Complete the setup.

Questions about logging on or using the new features? Contact L&I at SpecCompBusinessITSupport@Lni.wa.gov.

Once your account is created, log on and you will be able to:

• Create a plan, attach it, and submit it to the department for review. You will also see the status of plans as they move through the process.
• See all the permit applications you have submitted and paid for in your list of permits;
• See what changes need to be made to plans with notes from us about issues or corrections – then re-submit the corrected plans for review.
• Print out approved plans with your permit to post on your job site.

There are other ways to submit plans. See below for office locations, email, or sending the information through the U.S. mail.

NOTE: Pay An Elevator Invoice Online: You may receive an invoice for other fees or charges. You can quickly and easily make a payment for elevator invoices either online, by mailing your payment or visiting a nearby L&I office. We suggest having your invoice available when you make your payment.

NOTE: The Elevator Program must approve all new products before plans and permit applications are submitted. The list below includes the documents necessary for review of elevators, stair chairs, material lifts, and all other products being introduced for the first time. “New Products” are defined as any model or type of conveyance not previously approved by the Elevator Program.

NOTE: Penalties may be assessed for installing, altering, and operating a conveyance without a permit, among other issues.

Documents Necessary for Review of New Conveyances

All new products must be approved by the Elevator Program before the application and plans are submitted.

View the list of what is needed to submit for review: