NYC Elevator Inspection Pilot Program: 2026 Guide

DOB extended its Third-Party Elevator Inspection Pilot Program through December 31, 2026. According to DOB’s industry notice, the program allows approved elevator agencies to perform certain elevator acceptance tests, with a separate approved “witnessing” elevator agency present for the test (with limited exceptions).

"DOB's Third-Party Elevator Inspection Pilot Program has been extended through December 31, 2026."
— NYC Department of Buildings

Key takeaway for owners: if you are modernizing or installing an elevator (or doing work that requires an acceptance test), your team needs to follow the pilot’s process to avoid failed sign-offs and lost time.

This is most relevant if you are doing any of the following:

• New elevator installation
• Elevator alteration or modernization
• Work that requires an acceptance test before DOB will issue documentation

Owners feel the impact when:

• A contractor finishes work, but the elevator cannot be placed into legal service
• A closing, refinancing, or insurance renewal needs proof of compliance
• A project is on a tight schedule (tenant complaints, accessibility needs, or capital plan deadlines)

A few terms you’ll see in DOB guidance:

• Approved elevator agency: a DOB-approved elevator agency involved in testing under the pilot.
• Witnessing agency: a different approved agency that witnesses the final test and is not affiliated with the elevator work or the agency that performed the work.
• DOB NOW: DOB’s online portal used for filings and inspections.

Outbound resources:

• DOB industry notice (pilot extension): https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/elv_pilotext-in.pdf
• DOB NOW portal (modules + access): https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/industry/using-dob-now.page

DOB’s industry notice separates instructions based on when your elevator filing was submitted in DOB NOW: Build.

If your elevator filing was submitted after June 1, 2025, DOB says to:

1. File the application as a PPN by answering YES to the question: “Are you filing this application as EBN/PPN?”

2. Ensure all work under the PPN permit is performed under the direct supervision of the approved elevator agency’s Director or Co-Director listed on the permit.

3. Schedule the final inspection as required:

• DOB states the final inspection must be performed by the approved elevator agency listed on the permit, and witnessed by a Director, Co-Director, or Elevator Inspector from a separate approved elevator agency.
• DOB notes an exception: for minor work performed under PPN 26/90, a witnessing agency is not required.

1. Notify DOB at least 10 calendar days before the final acceptance test/inspection.

Owner tip: treat the 10-day notice as a hard deadline. If you wait until the last minute, the risk is not just a late inspection — it can be a missed move-in, a delayed return of service, or a contractor demobilizing.

If your elevator filing was not submitted as a PPN and was filed in DOB NOW: Build before June 1, 2025, DOB’s notice says to:

1. Notify DOB at least 10 calendar days before the final acceptance test/inspection.

2. Log into DOB NOW: Inspections and:

• Request an inspection
• Click “Important: Provide Additional Information by Clicking Here” and write “SC3” in the additional information box
• Upload the ELV44: Third-Party Certification of Elevator Acceptance Test Report (showing no deficiencies) as an Additional Supporting Document

That “SC3” note is easy to miss and can cost you time if it is not included.

DOB’s notice also explains how to receive an Inspection Certificate or Certificate of Compliance.

As part of your closeout package, ask your elevator vendor/filing rep for:

• A completed ELV44 form (no deficiencies)
• Confirmation they submitted a Pending Inspection Certificate Request
• Confirmation the email was sent to elevatorcertifications@buildings.nyc.gov

DOB states a digital Certificate of Compliance will be generated and emailed by the Elevator Unit.

Here is a practical checklist to reduce avoidable delays.

• Confirm your filing type and date (DOB NOW: Build submission date matters)
• Put the 10-day notice on the calendar as soon as the construction schedule is set
• Verify the witnessing agency is independent (not affiliated with the work)
• Collect documentation early: ELV44, inspection request confirmation, and any DOB correspondence
• Keep a single project folder for elevator compliance (contracts, permits, test reports, closeout emails)

Common failure points we see

• The team schedules a test but does not provide 10 calendar days’ notice
• The inspection request is missing the SC3 note in DOB NOW: Inspections (for older filings)
• The ELV44 is uploaded late or shows deficiencies

This is not DOB “data,” but it is a simple planning view owners can use.

Item	What to plan for	Why it matters
Pilot program end date	December 31, 2026	Work planned near year-end should build in extra buffer
Minimum notice before final test	10 calendar days	Miss it and you can lose weeks waiting for a new slot
Key document	ELV44 (no deficiencies)	Needed for closeout/certification workflow
Key DOB NOW action (older filings)	Add SC3 note + upload ELV44	Missing either can slow acceptance

If you want a broader view of staying ahead of NYC compliance, these posts can help:

• NYC compliance checklist for small-building owners: /blog/nyc-compliance-checklist-small-building-owners
• Local Law 152 gas piping inspections (helpful for annual planning): /blog/nyc-local-law-152-gas-piping-inspection-2026-deadline
• Local Law 84 benchmarking deadline (how DOB filings and penalties work): /blog/nyc-local-law-84-benchmarking-may-1-2026-deadline