Impact of the Washington State Elevator Permit Shut Down

Written By Sean McMannis

On Monday, February 24th, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) sent a notice that the previous portal to access elevator permits would be shut down as follows:

All business with the Elevator Program will be done manually starting Feb. 25 at 5 p.m., when L&I turned off all of the program’s online services.

What does this mean to all of us?

  • The L&I Elevator Program effectively shut down operations until March 27th when the new elevator conveyance management portal goes live.

  • Elevator Companies have been asked to submit only new critical permit applications at this time.

  • Existing elevator permits in the system are delayed. Even if you have a elevator permit that has already been approved, we cannot access it because of the shut down.

  • The L&I Elevator Division does not allow permitted elevator work to start until the elevator licensed mechanic has a permit in hand. This means not only are permits delayed, but work at your building will be delayed.

Because all elevator permit activity has stopped, you can expect a back-log (delays) of permits when it re-opens. We are monitoring this situation closely. Questions? Contact Sean at sean@waelevator.com.  

This is a reminder regarding Elevator Program service changes starting tomorrow. Here’s what’s happening as we ready the March 26 launch of the Conveyance Management Portal:

  • All business with the Elevator Program will be done manually starting Feb. 25 at 5 p.m., when we turn off all of the program’s online services.

  • Payments for permits or invoices can be made by visiting one of L&I's office locations.

  • From Feb. 25 to March 9, please only submit critical, time-sensitive elevator permit applications.

  • Between now and March 26, take advantage of training materials and presentations. See Portal user guides, videos, and presentation dates at www.Lni.wa.gov/CMP.

We also suggest you send this email to your industry friends, urging them to join the Elevator Program email list for project news and other updates.

Doing business with the Elevator Program Feb. 25-March 26
What this means for you is that permit applications, and plans will need to be sent by email or by visiting one of L&I’s office locations. Submit permit applications with plans via email to: ElevatorSect@lni.wa.gov.

This is happening now because we needed to make a clean break to start the Portal. This allowed for the smoothest transition with the least amount of impact. Despite how troublesome this may be, the Portal will provide you self-service access to permits, inspection reports, and other services with greater ease.

Gerald R. Brown CLSSYB
Chief Elevator Inspector – QEI C-4789
Washington State Elevator Program Manager - AHJ

Sean McMannis

There is nothing that Sean enjoys more than helping a customer solve an elevator issue. Since 2008, he has witnessed a deterioration in the services provided throughout the industry. Sean prides himself on being responsive and honest. He takes the time to educate elevator owners and help them understand their options. After spending time at various elevator companies, Sean joined Washington Elevator because he believes building owners and managers crave a company focused on people, not profits.

With more than 15 years of elevator experience, Sean’s goal is to proactively address all elevator issues so that you can focus on your business.

When Sean isn’t helping customers, you can find him playing on the soccer field, cheering on the Sounders and enjoying activities with his wife and their two young kids.

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