Updated: June 5, 2025
The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) has launched a Third-Party Elevator Inspection Pilot Program beginning June 1, 2025, and running through December 31, 2025. This update directly impacts developers, general contractors, and construction management firms involved in elevator installations, alterations, or modernizations across the five boroughs.
Key Updates You Need to Know:
- Program Timeline – The pilot program runes from June 1 to December 32, 2025.
- DOB may advise or terminate the program at any time.
- Third-Party Testing Authorized – Approved elevator agencies may now perform acceptance tests for new installations and upgrades. These tests must be witnessed by a separate approved agency not affiliated with the performed work.
- Witnessing Requirements – A licensed Director, Co-Director, or Elevator Inspector from the witnessing agency must be present during the acceptance test.
- Exclusions – This program does not apply to:
- Personnel hoists
- Amusement rides
- Minor work filed under PPN 26/90
- Filing Procedure:
- For filings submitted after June 1, 2025, register as a PPN filing in DOB NOW: Build.
- Notify DOB 10 calendar days in advance via elevatorcertifications@
buildings.nyc.gov with the required permit, device ID, and contact information in the email subject line. - For filings prior to June 1 that are not submitted as PPN, additional steps in DOB NOW: Inspections and documentation (ELV44 Form) are required.
Why This Matters:
The previous pilot program was limited to dwellings with only one elevator and applied only to repair and modernization. This new pilot applies to ALL types of elevator work, including installations, and all buildings are now able to qualify.
The pilot creates an opportunity to streamline elevator testing schedules, reduce delays, and shift some oversight to third-party professionals—while maintaining rigorous safety standards. Contractors and elevator firms should familiarize themselves with the new protocols to remain in compliance and avoid project disruptions.
If you’re part of our New York City construction industry and would like to keep informed of new developments and how your project could be affected, we invite you to sign up for our mailing list. We’ll also send you our complimentary, comprehensive guide to New York City DOB’s new Chapter 33 Building Code revisions.
Cahill Strategies Construction Solutions Guide to NYC Building Code Chapter 33 Revisions
Cahill Strategies has developed a detailed and documented guide to the most important revisions that New York construction professionals are likely to encounter every day. We were able to do this because Cahill Strategies has been involved instrumentally in the development of these codes.
The 100-page book is meticulously organized and can be used as a handy reference when many common issues arise. In each section, the specific revisions are highlighted, and the new information is presented in a clear and practical manner with further explanation on why the change is so important. All of this, reviewed and vetted by one of New York’s longest serving, former DOB professionals – Cahill Strategies’ Director of Construction Code & Safety, Bobby D’Alessio.
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Get to know Bobby D’Alessio
Robert “Bobby” D’Alessio, is a former New York City Department of Buildings Senior Executive Director of Construction Safety. Mr. D’Alessio’s focus is predominately in the areas of construction code and safety analysis for our clients’ major new building and renovation projects in the New York City and surrounding regions.
As Cahill Strategies’ Director of Construction Code and Safety, Bobby brings an unparalleled level of knowledge and practical experience to our growing construction solutions practice area.
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Get to know Kevin Moran
Kevin, the Vice President of Construction Solutions at Cahill Strategies, brings a wealth of experience in the New York construction industry to his role. He has a strong track record of guiding clients through complex building processes, with a range of successful projects under his belt, including commercial and residential developments, infrastructure and transportation projects, and various utility matters.
