NYC Clients: Important Information About the Third-Party Elevator Inspection Pilot Program & FAQs

Starting June 1, 2025, the NYC Department of Buildings is launching a Third-Party Elevator Inspection Pilot Program. Approved third-party inspection agencies, SUCH AS VDA, can now perform Acceptance Tests for new installations, alterations, and modernization work.

This change is in response to the significant backlog of tests incurred in the NYC area due to limited DOB inspectors and is anticipated to reduce the current lead time.

Owners / Managers will be responsible for contracting a third-party vendor (VDA) to witness the Acceptance Test as performed by your Elevator Contractor.

VDA can witness Final Acceptance tests not only for our own projects but also for projects in which we have not been directly involved. We are especially well-positioned to perform these tests on our own design projects in NYC, as we are typically engaged throughout the entire process—from design through construction.

Act now by calling us at 212-868-9090 or emailing metrovdasales@vdassoc.com for more information or to request a proposal! This pilot runs until December 31, 2025, but the DOB reserves the right to amend or end it early.

Note: Contractors are required to provide a minimum of ten (10) days’ notice to the NYC DOB regarding when they plan to perform the acceptance test. Therefore, inspections must be +10 days from signed proposal/deposit and coordinated with VDA for mutually acceptable date.

Click here for the full notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was this change employed by the DOB?

1.  The lead time to schedule an Acceptance Test had significantly increased over the past year due to a declining number of inspectors at the DOB, the suspension of overtime tests, and increasing demand for tests.
2. DOB submitted a notice, effective June 1, 2025, permitting licensed third-party inspection agencies (like VDA) to act on behalf of the DOB and witness select Acceptance Tests.
3. The notice permits third-party witnessing of Acceptance Tests through the remainder of 2025 at which point the DOB will evaluate whether the program will remain.

What is VDA permitted to witness?

1. We can witness Acceptance Tests for new installations, modernizations and alterations for all vertical transportation devices excluding personnel hoists and amusement rides.
2. Not all alterations require a witness and instead can be self-certified by the Contractor. VDA can advise if a given alteration warrants a witness at the time of Acceptance. This information is typically indicated on the work permit.

Is the DOB still witnessing Acceptance Tests?

1. Yes, the DOB is still witnessing tests during normal operating hours. Clients have the option to wait for DOB’s availability to avoid additional cost from third-party inspection agencies but are subject to their availability and normal operating hours, Monday – Friday.

Are there benefits for VDA to witness tests as compared to DOB?

1. VDA employs over sixty (60) licensed inspectors who are permitted to witness Acceptance Tests. The current lead time for DOB to witness is several months whereas VDA is generally able to accommodate dates directly following the minimum 10-day window required by DOB.
2. VDA can perform Acceptance Tests outside of normal operating hours to minimize impact to the building and its tenants.
3. VDA has more flexibility in timing and scheduling of Acceptance Tests.
4. VDA employs the top elevator experts in the country, which promotes high quality oversight during the Acceptance Test.
5. VDA is generally performing construction services leading up to Acceptance Tests. There is always concern regarding which Inspector would be allocated to a project and how they may interpret a given condition. With VDA monitoring your project in advance, it’s less likely “surprises” arise the day of the test as we would have likely identified them prior during our construction service visits.
6. On projects where VDA provided design services, we have an intimate understanding of the Client’s needs that we can transpire into our review of the elevators.

What is the process? Who is responsible for what? Can I operate the elevator immediately after a passed test?

1. Client must contract VDA to witness Acceptance Testing. VDA cannot be contracted through the Elevator Contractor by law.
2. VDA coordinates with Elevator Contractor and Building to find mutually acceptable date for test.
3. Elevator Contractor to provide minimum 10-day notice to DOB of mutually agreed upon date.
4. Test is performed by Elevator Contractor and witnessed by Third-Party agency.
5. Upon passing, VDA and Elevator Contractor are to co-sign required documentation. Elevator Contractor submits documentation to DOB and requests a Certificate of Compliance.
6. Upon receipt of Certificate of Compliance, the elevator can be placed into service.
7. If the test fails, VDA will coordinate retest with all parties and provide a summary of observed deficiencies for correction to Owner / Manager and Contractor. A new 10-day notice is to be provided to DOB by the Elevator Contractor.

How long does it take for the DOB to issue a certificate of compliance once all documentation has been submitted?

1. A lead time has not been provided by the DOB to date but VDA believes the duration will decrease as the program progresses.

Why must the contract be with the Owner?

1. The notice by DOB prevents us to be Contracted by the Elevator Contractor. We cannot have a financial affiliation with the Elevator Contractor / permit holder.
2. Where there are multiple parties involved in a project (Owner, Developer, Architect, GC, etc.), we would be contracted by who initially contracted us for the project unless approved by that entity.

What is the difference between an Acceptance Test and Punch List Inspection?

1. An Acceptance Test is a safety and code inspection and requires licensed personnel.
2. A Punch List Inspection is qualitative, and performance based. The inspection is to ensure the device was installed in a quality fashion, utilizing quality materials, and conforms to design requirements (specifications / drawings).
3. We do these separately as the elevator is generally not in a state for a Punch List Inspection at the time of the Acceptance Test. While the device may be safe, it generally hasn’t been “tuned up and adjusted” for use.
4. Punch List Inspections are performed after an Acceptance Tests, however, VDA is available to pre-inspect your equipment prior to a test to proactively identify any concerns and improve chances of passing the Test.

Can you witness Acceptance Tests for Construction-Use Elevators?

1. VDA is authorized to witness Acceptance Tests for Construction-Use elevators under section 5.10 of ASME A17.1 as modified by Appendix K.
2. While filed under Construction-Use, elevators are still required to comply with routine tests / inspections in accordance with Table N-1 of code.
3. When the car is transferred to Final Acceptance, an additional test is required.

If the DOB had previously witnessed testing for Construction-Use Elevators, can VDA witness the Final Acceptance Test?

1. Yes, they are different tests.

If the DOB had previously witnessed and failed a test, can VDA perform the retest?

1. Yes, but VDA would be witnessing a fully new test as our Inspectors need to personally observe all tests and conditions. The DOB is generally able to provide retest dates promptly, and, in many cases, it’s best to remain with the original Inspector, but VDA can accommodate.

If the elevator is ready, why can’t we test immediately?

1. DOB requires a minimum 10-day notice so they have the ability to audit the test.
2. A mutually acceptable date needs to be coordinated by all parties to ensure availability and that the elevator is ready.

What happens if the test fails?

1. deficiency list will be submitted to all parties. No filings are submitted to the DOB as this is a Pass/Fail test.
2. A retest will be coordinated with the Contractor based on their schedule to correct noted deficiencies.
3. An additional 10-day notice of the retest date must be provided by the Contractor to the DOB following the failed test.

If a test is requested prior to the expiration of the program for a date after expiration of the program, will the request be honored?

1. Yes, the DOB stated they would honor any test dates requested prior to the expiration of the program deadline.