TDLR Elevator / Escalator Annual Inspection & Certificate of Compliance: Austin restaurant guide
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation — Elevators
What it is
Every elevator, escalator or lift in a Texas commercial building must be inspected every 12 months by a TDLR-licensed inspector, the report filed with TDLR within 60 days, and a Certificate of Compliance obtained for each unit (electric elevators also need a Category 5 full-load test every five years). The building owner is responsible — but in a mixed-use or multi-level building your lease may push the cost to you.
When a restaurant needs it
If your space or the building you share has an elevator, wheelchair lift or escalator (common in mixed-use buildings and basement/mezzanine restaurants).
How to apply
Confirm the landlord has a current certificate; if you install a lift, your contractor files plans with TDLR (plan review $200 per unit) and schedules the inspection; file the inspection report within 60 days.
Documents you’ll need
- Current TDLR Certificate of Compliance (from landlord or for your lift)
- Annual inspection report (filed within 60 days)
- Plan review for new installations
Good to know
TDLR can remove non-compliant equipment from service. A new wheelchair lift to reach a raised or basement dining area counts as elevator equipment.
Official source
TDLR — Elevator program at a glance
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.