DOB Elevator - CAT 1 Inspections

What is a CAT 1 Inspection? 

A no-load safety test must be performed between January 1st and December 31st each year. The performing agency must notify the DOB 5 days in advance of tests. Additionally, the category test report no loner requires the signature of the witnessing agency inspector (but does require the witnessing agency director’s signature).

• Reports must now be submitted to the DOB within 21 days after the test date.
• All defects outlined in the report must be corrected within 90 days
  • Owners may request up to two 45-day extensions.
• Affirmations of Correction must be submitted within 14 days of the date corrections were made.

How do I file? 

• File on DOB NOW: Safety | (Filing ELV3 Form) 
• The Filing Fee $30/Device 
  • Late Filing – S150.00 Per month 

What if I don’t File a CAT 1 Inspection? / What is an FTC-VT-CAT1 Violation? 

An FTC-VT-CAT1 (EVCAT1) will be issued for failure to file Category 1 annual inspection and a penalty of $3000 

What if I receive notice my CAT 1 Inspection was accepted but with “defects”? 

The elevator must be corrected within 90 days of the original inspection date and filed within 14 days of the correction date 

• Accepted with Defect/Correction Form ELV29

What if I don’t correct the defect and didn’t submit an ELV29 form? 

An ACC1 violation will be issued for failure to file an ELV29 (Affirmation of Correction) on an Unsatisfactory/Accepted with Defects Category 1 elevator inspection. 

• To Resolve an ACC1 violation, please note the following: 

• Pay the penalty and submit an Affirmation of Correction. 

* The ACC1 carries a penalty of $3,000 per non-compliant device. * 

How do I resolve an FTC-VT-CAT1 Violation? 

Pay the full civil penalty with the Elevator Division at the Department of Buildings.  

• To challenge an FTC-VT-CAT1, provide proof of the timely, filed, and complete Category 1 test along with a copy of the canceled check for the inspection fee to the Elevator Division within 30 days of issuance of the violation.  

As of September 17, 2018, all new inspection/test reports and notifications for elevators and other related devices must be submitted online through www.nyc.gov/dobnow. This applies to: 

• Elevator Inspection/Test Reports (ELV3) for Category 1, Category 3, and Category 5 inspections.

How can I review my elevator devices and their current state of compliance?

On the Elevator Record page you'll find Elevator Record Cards for each device associated with your property assignments.



Red X: No CAT1 was filed/a submitted CAT1 failed/rejected in the previous year
Yellow Checkmark: A CAT1 was filed and accepted in the previous year, and a CAT1 is still due for the current year
Green Checkmark: A CAT1 was filed and accepted for the previous and current year