Removing an elevator in New York City requires more than physically dismantling the equipment. The removal must be properly filed with the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), completed in accordance with the approved scope, and signed off so the elevator is removed from DOB records.
1. Confirm the Elevator Can Be Removed
Before filing, verify:
The elevator's DOB device number and existing records.
Whether the elevator is passenger or freight.
Whether it is traction or hydraulic.
Whether the elevator is required for accessibility.
Whether there are open elevator violations or inspection requirements.
Whether the removal affects the building's Certificate of Occupancy.
Whether other DOB construction filings are required.
Important: Removing an elevator cannot diminish accessibility required by the NYC Building Code. Have the project's architect or engineer evaluate this before filing.
2. Determine the Scope of Removal
Define whether the project involves:
Complete elevator removal.
Dismantling as part of a replacement project.
Removal of elevator equipment while retaining the shaft.
Removal of the elevator and infilling the shaft.
Conversion of the former elevator space to another use.
The scope may include removal of the car, counterweights, ropes, machinery, controller, guide rails, doors, hall stations, pit equipment, hydraulic equipment, and associated electrical systems.
Structural, fire-rated, accessibility, electrical, or other building modifications may require additional DOB filings.
3. File With DOB
Elevator removal and dismantling are filed through DOB NOW: Build.
The filing generally requires the existing elevator/device to be identified using information such as:
Device number
Building address
BIN
Supporting documentation may include:
Device location/plot diagram
Removal scope
Applicable plans and details
Owner documentation
Accessibility documentation
Structural or architectural documents, when applicable
DOB's removal guidance also identifies a notarized owner statement confirming that removal will not diminish required accessibility.
4. Obtain the Permit Before Starting Work
Do not begin permanent elevator removal until the required DOB permit has been issued.
The approved filing should match the proposed field work. If site conditions require a material change to the approved scope, determine whether a DOB amendment or additional filing is required before proceeding.
5. Safely Decommission the Elevator
The elevator contractor should establish a site-specific shutdown and dismantling procedure, including:
Taking the elevator out of service.
Lockout/tagout of electrical and other energy sources.
Securing hoistway openings.
Establishing controlled work areas.
Protecting building occupants.
Safely rigging and removing equipment.
Addressing hydraulic systems, where applicable.
The exact dismantling sequence should be determined by the qualified elevator contractor based on the existing installation and approved scope.
6. Address the Remaining Building Conditions
After equipment removal, the project must leave the building in a safe and code-compliant condition.
Depending on the project, this may include:
Closing or protecting hoistway openings.
Removing or modifying shaft construction.
Infilling the pit.
Structural repairs.
Fire-rated construction.
Electrical modifications.
Fire-alarm or firefighter-service modifications.
Removal of abandoned elevator wiring and equipment.
Accessibility modifications.
Structural or architectural changes may require separate DOB filings.
7. Obtain DOB Sign-Off
Once the physical work is complete:
Complete the permitted removal.
Submit the required DOB sign-off request.
Address any DOB inspection issues or objections.
Obtain department sign-off.
Verify that the elevator device record reflects the completed removal.
Physical removal is not the final step. DOB sign-off is important because it establishes that the elevator has been officially removed from the Department's records.
8. Verify Final Records
After sign-off, confirm that:
The elevator removal filing is signed off.
The device is no longer shown as an active elevator.
Related violations have been resolved or appropriately addressed.
Required inspection obligations have been updated.
The Certificate of Occupancy is consistent with the final building condition.
Quick Checklist
Before filing
Identify elevator/device number
Review DOB records and violations
Confirm accessibility requirements
Determine removal scope
Determine whether an RDP or additional DOB filings are required
During permitting
Submit DOB NOW: Build removal filing
Upload required documentation
Resolve DOB objections
Obtain permit
During construction
Safely shut down elevator
Dismantle equipment
Address shaft, pit, structural, electrical, and fire-safety conditions
Complete work according to approved plans
Closeout
Request DOB sign-off
Resolve inspection issues
Obtain final sign-off
Verify DOB device records
Confirm related violations and inspection requirements are addressed
Official NYC DOB Resources
Note: DOB NOW: Build is the current filing system. Older ELV1 instructions can be useful for understanding removal requirements, but the current DOB NOW filing requirements should control.