Not Just Tariffs, but Elevator Fee Increases!

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has shared in their Newsletter, that they are considering a higher than 5% increase to their fees. Read more and join their Newsletter to stay informed.

L&I considers elevator fee increases

Hello,

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is considering a 6.41% fee increase for inspections of conveyances and other Elevator Program services.

The increase would affect fees listed in chapter 296-96 Washington Administrative Code (WAC). A complete list is at the bottom of this message.

Additional changes are also being considered to reorganize the fees.

L&I filed a Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (CR-101) on April 1

What it supports

Fee increases are needed to support continuing operating expenses for the Elevator Program. The current fee levels are not adequate to cover current program expenses.

The amount of the increase is the state Office of Financial Management’s maximum allowable fiscal growth factor (average personal income growth over the past decade) for fiscal year 2026. 

Opportunities to comment

There will be opportunities to provide written comments or present testimony at public hearings. Here’s what happens next:

• June 2025: The proposed rules (CR-102) are expected to be filed with the state Office of the Code Reviser.

• July 2025: A public hearing on the proposed rules is tentatively scheduled.

• September 2025: The final rule (CR-103), if adopted, is expected to be filed with the state Office of the Code Reviser.

• October 3, 2025: The fee increase would take effect.

You can find information about this rulemaking at https://www.lni.wa.gov/rulemaking-activity/?query=296-96&cardNo=AO25-05&ruleTopic=Elevators  or https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/elevators/laws-rules-policies#rule-development.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at Gerald.Brown@Lni.wa.gov, or call 360-999-0592.

Thank you,

Gerald Brown

Elevator Chief, Field Services & Public Safety

Department of Labor & Industries

List of affected WACs:

• WAC 296-96-00922, Licensing fees.

• WAC 296-96-01005, Obtaining permits.

• WAC 296-96-01010, Installation and alteration permit fees.

• WAC 296-96-01025, Permit fees for personnel and material hoists.

• WAC 296-96-01027, Permit fee refunds.

• WAC 296-96-01030, Plan approval.

• WAC 296-96-01035, Inspection fees.

• WAC 296-96-01040, Construction-use inspection fee.

• WAC 296-96-01045, Residential elevator inspection and fees.

• WAC 296-96-01055, Technical services and consultations.

• WAC 296-96-01057, Accident investigations.

• WAC 296-96-01060, Inspections after normal business hours.

• WAC 296-96-01065, Annual operating permit fees.