Minn. building owners face elevator code deadline

With the condition of the economy A state elevator code that took effect in January 2007 gave owners however five years to comply with certain safety-related provisions, which means they have another 16 months to make sure their lifts are code-compliant.

Failure to comply “within the required time period will result in the elevator being removed from service until such work has been completed,” according to Minnesota’s elevator code statute.For building owners who have put off the necessary upgrades, which can cost in the six-figure range, the clock is ticking toward that January 2012 deadline.

And the timing is less than ideal.

“With the condition of the economy, funds are short,” said Kent Warden, executive vice president of the Building Owners and Managers Association’s Minneapolis chapter. “So it’s a little difficult.”

One concern is that some code work may qualify as an alteration of the system, which would trigger the need for more work under the code. Warden said state relief may be available.