The January 1st, 2028 deadline for Michigan’s new elevator code is coming up faster than you think. At its core, this mandate requires all power-operated elevators in the state to have a critical safety feature known as Door Lock Monitoring, or DLM. This is a big step forward, bringing Michigan’s elevators in line with the updated ASME A17.3-2015 safety standards.
Understanding Michigan’s 2028 Elevator Safety Deadline
If you own or manage a commercial property in Michigan, the clock is officially ticking. This isn’t just another piece of red tape; it’s a fundamental safety upgrade that you need to plan for now.
Think of it like the safety mechanism in a modern car that won’t let you shift out of park unless your foot is on the brake. Door Lock Monitoring (DLM) is a system that acts as a vigilant digital safety check, ensuring the elevator doors are not just closed but securely locked before the car can even think about moving.
Its whole purpose is to prevent one of the most dangerous elevator malfunctions: the car moving with the doors unlocked or open. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting every person who uses your elevator and drastically reducing your building’s liability.
Why This Deadline Is So Important
This whole initiative kicked off when Michigan officially adopted the ASME A17.3-2015 safety code on June 27, 2023. It’s a major overhaul designed to bring older elevators up to the same modern safety standards that have proven effective across the country.
The key change is a system that prevents the elevator from operating automatically if the door contact circuits or locking mechanisms fail. You can get into the nitty-gritty by reviewing the state’s presentation on Michigan’s new elevator safety standards here.
The January 1st, 2028 deadline isn’t limited to a few specific buildings. It applies to a huge range of properties, including:
- Commercial office buildings
- Multi-family residential properties (apartments, condos)
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Schools, colleges, and universities
- Municipal and government buildings
By meeting this deadline, you aren’t just checking a box. You’re making a serious investment in the safety and confidence of your tenants, visitors, and employees. It’s about preventing a potential disaster before it ever has a chance to happen.
To help you get a clearer picture of the timeline, here’s a quick breakdown of what you need to be thinking about between now and 2028.
Michigan Elevator Compliance Deadlines at a Glance
This table summarizes the key milestones and requirements for building owners. While the final deadline is 2028, the process of inspection, quoting, and scheduling needs to start much sooner to avoid project backlogs and potential price hikes.
| Compliance Requirement | Effective Date | What This Means for Building Owners |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Elevator Assessment | Effective Now | Time to hire a licensed contractor to inspect your elevators. You need to know if you already have DLM, if it can be activated, or if a full retrofit is required. |
| Budgeting and Contractor Selection | 2024 – 2025 | Secure quotes and allocate funds for the modernization. Good contractors will be booked well in advance, so don't wait. |
| Permitting and Project Scheduling | 2025 – 2026 | Your contractor will need to pull permits for the alteration. Lead times for parts can be long, so getting on the schedule early is critical. |
| DLM Installation & Modernization | 2026 – 2027 | This is the window for the actual physical work to be completed. Depending on the complexity, it could take weeks. |
| Final Inspection and Compliance | By Jan 1, 2028 | The upgraded system must be inspected and approved by a state inspector. All documentation must be filed to prove compliance. |
The key takeaway is that waiting until 2027 is a recipe for disaster. Getting a handle on this requirement now is the first step toward building a clear, actionable plan that ensures your property is safe, compliant, and ready for the 2028 deadline without any last-minute surprises.
What Is Door Lock Monitoring and Why It Matters
Let’s get right to the core of the Michigan elevator code deadline of January 1st, 2028. The technology at the center of this mandate is Door Lock Monitoring, or DLM.
Think of DLM as a smart safety check for your elevator. Its job is simple but absolutely critical: it constantly verifies that the elevator doors aren't just closed but are securely locked before the cab is allowed to move even an inch.
This isn't just about making sure the doors are touching. DLM digs deeper, monitoring the actual locking mechanism to ensure the circuit is complete and the physical lock is fully engaged. It’s a powerful, redundant safety check that most older systems simply don't have.
Without it, an elevator could start moving between floors with the doors slightly ajar—a dangerous scenario that is entirely preventable.
Closing a Critical Safety Gap
So, why the big push for this upgrade? The mandate exists to close a well-known safety gap. Across the country, one of the leading causes of serious elevator-related injuries and fatalities is a car moving with unlocked doors. These incidents often happen when a small electrical fault in the door circuit goes completely unnoticed.
DLM acts as a constant supervisor, designed specifically to catch this exact failure. If the system sees that a door lock isn't properly engaged, it stops the elevator from responding to calls. It simply won't move. This single intervention is a game-changer for passenger safety.
It's like a modern car that won't let you shift out of "Park" unless your foot is on the brake. Door Lock Monitoring applies that same simple, failsafe logic to your elevator, forcing it into a secure state before it can move. This one upgrade addresses a major vulnerability found in countless elevators built before today's standards.
If you're interested in the nuts and bolts, you can learn more about the technical details of the Michigan Elevator DLM Door Lock Monitoring requirements and how they apply to different types of systems.
More Than Just a Rule—It’s an Investment
At the end of the day, meeting the January 1st, 2028 deadline is about more than just checking a box to avoid fines. It's a direct investment in the safety of every single person who steps into your elevator.
By adopting this proven national standard, you’re taking a clear step to protect your tenants and guests while significantly reducing your building's liability.
This upgrade shows a real commitment to modern safety, giving everyone from tenants to visitors and staff genuine peace of mind. It turns your elevator from a potential risk into a reliably secure asset.
Going Deeper Than Door Locks: The Hidden Dangers in Your Elevator Shaft
While Door Lock Monitoring gets most of the attention, the January 1st, 2028 Michigan elevator code deadline is about much more. These rules are part of a massive safety push to get rid of old, and frankly dangerous, equipment still operating in thousands of buildings. One of the biggest and least-talked-about requirements is the mandatory replacement of single-bottom hydraulic cylinders.
What is that, exactly? Picture a simple metal can buried in the ground. For decades, that was the standard design. But over time, groundwater and soil moisture cause corrosion. Rust eats away at the cylinder wall from the outside in, totally invisible during a routine inspection.
This creates a ticking time bomb.
The cylinder can fail without any warning, leading to a massive hydraulic fluid leak. When that happens, the elevator cab can drop, fast and uncontrolled. It's a terrifying scenario and a huge risk to passengers. The new code demands these be replaced with double-bottom cylinders or cylinders with safety bulkheads, adding a critical layer of protection against this kind of failure.
Do You Have an At-Risk System?
This upgrade is an urgent issue, especially for older properties. If your building was constructed before the 1980s, you're a prime candidate for having one of these obsolete systems. If your hydraulic elevator is over 40 years old and has never had a major modernization, it’s almost certain you have a single-bottom cylinder.
This is a big deal for Michigan's buildings. In fact, a major Michigan elevator code change taking effect on January 1, 2028, mandates the replacement of these single-bottom hydraulic cylinders. It brings our state in line with national ASME A17.1 safety standards to improve reliability, especially since these hydraulic systems power an estimated 40% of Michigan's 8,000 elevators. You can dig into the specifics of these crucial Michigan elevator code requirements here.
Other Safety Upgrades Being Phased In
Beyond the hydraulics, the updated code rolls out several other important safety measures. They're being phased in to give building owners time to prepare, but they are just as critical for keeping people safe.
Key additional requirements include:
- Better Firefighter Service: These are upgrades that ensure emergency responders can actually take control of the elevator during a fire. This means updated communication systems and controls that work predictably when it matters most.
- Safer Machine Rooms: New standards for lighting, access, and electrical disconnects in the machine room are designed to protect the technicians who service your equipment. A safer work environment for them means better, more reliable service for you and your tenants.
The January 1st, 2028 deadline isn't just about one part or one fix. It’s a complete shift toward a modern, safer standard for vertical transportation. Thinking beyond a single repair and toward a holistic modernization strategy is the only way to guarantee compliance, protect your passengers, and secure your property’s value.
Your Step-by-Step Compliance Action Plan
Tackling the Michigan elevator code deadline of January 1st, 2028 might seem like a massive project, but breaking it down into a few clear steps makes it completely manageable. The biggest mistake you can make right now is waiting. Procrastination will only lead to higher costs, fewer available contractors, and the very real risk of missing the deadline altogether.
Think of this action plan as your roadmap. Following it will get you to full compliance smoothly and without the last-minute stress.
Step 1: Initiate a Professional Code Inspection
Before you can budget or plan, you need to know exactly what you're dealing with. Your first move should be to call a licensed and experienced elevator contractor to schedule a code inspection.
But this isn't your average maintenance check-up. It needs to focus specifically on the ASME A17.3-2015 requirements. This is a deep dive into your system's compliance status.
The technician will pinpoint:
- Whether your elevator already has a compliant Door Lock Monitoring (DLM) system.
- If your hydraulic elevator is running on an outdated single-bottom cylinder that needs to be replaced.
- The overall condition of your controller, wiring, and other key components that fall under the new code.
You should get a detailed report that lists every deficiency. This document is the blueprint for your entire project, so make sure it’s crystal clear. Don't be shy about asking the technician to walk you through each finding.
Step 2: Gather and Compare Modernization Quotes
With that inspection report in hand, it's time to start getting quotes. Reach out to at least two or three reputable elevator companies to get a feel for the market and the costs involved.
A good quote is much more than just a number at the bottom of the page. It should detail the full scope of work, list the parts being used, and give you a solid estimate of the labor required.
A critical factor to consider is whether a contractor offers non-proprietary solutions. Choosing a company that installs universal, non-proprietary equipment means you won't be locked into a single service provider for future maintenance and repairs. This decision gives you long-term flexibility and control over your building's operational costs.
When you're comparing proposals, don't just look at the final price. Weigh the quality of the components they plan to use and dig into the contractor's reputation. You want to partner with someone who communicates clearly and has a proven track record of getting projects done on time and on budget.
This timeline shows you the key phases from today through the modernization and beyond.
As the visual makes clear, the planning and work need to be happening now. 2028 is the finish line, not the starting gun.
Step 3: Finalize Your Plan and Schedule the Work
Once you've picked your contractor, it's time to lock it in. Finalize your financing, sign the contract, and get your project on their schedule. With every building in Michigan needing these same upgrades, skilled technicians and the necessary parts are already getting scarce.
Waiting until 2026 or 2027 is a gamble. Lead times for major components like controllers and hydraulic cylinders can already be months long. Securing your spot on a contractor's calendar now is the only way to guarantee the work gets done well before the January 1st, 2028 deadline, helping you avoid the mad dash and the sting of non-compliance penalties.
Your Compliance Timeline to Meet the 2028 Deadline
To stay on track, it's helpful to think of the journey to compliance in distinct phases. This timeline breaks down the process into actionable steps, guiding you from initial planning to final sign-off.
| Phase | Recommended Action | Key Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Now – Mid 2025 | Schedule inspections and gather multiple quotes. | Understand your elevator's specific needs and establish a realistic budget. |
| Phase 2: Mid 2025 – Early 2026 | Select your contractor, finalize financing, and sign the contract. | Secure your spot on the schedule and get parts ordered to avoid supply chain delays. |
| Phase 3: Early 2026 – Mid 2027 | Your contractor performs the modernization work. | Complete all physical upgrades and software installations required by the code. |
| Phase 4: Mid 2027 – Late 2027 | Final testing, state inspection, and project sign-off. | Obtain official documentation and certification of compliance well ahead of the deadline. |
Following this timeline gives you plenty of buffer room, preventing the project from turning into a last-minute emergency. The goal is a smooth, predictable process that protects your investment and ensures tenant safety.
How to Budget for Your Elevator Upgrades
Let's get straight to the biggest question on every building owner's mind about the Michigan elevator code deadline of January 1st, 2028: how much is this going to cost?
The single most important thing you can do right now is plan your budget. It’s the key to making this whole process smooth, predictable, and financially manageable. While the final price tag will differ for every building, understanding the major cost factors will empower you to make smart, proactive decisions.
Think of it like renovating a house. A simple cosmetic update is one thing, but a full structural overhaul is another beast entirely. Your elevator's age, its current technology, and the complexity of the job will all play a huge role in the final cost.
Breaking Down the Major Costs
For most buildings, the budget will be driven by two main upgrades: Door Lock Monitoring (DLM) and hydraulic cylinder replacement. Each has its own set of cost considerations.
A standard DLM installation, for example, can vary wildly depending on your elevator's controller. If you have a newer, microprocessor-based controller, it might just need a software tweak and some minor hardware. But if you're working with an old-school relay-logic system, you’re looking at a much more intensive and expensive retrofit.
Likewise, replacing a single-bottom hydraulic cylinder is a serious undertaking. This isn't a simple parts swap; it involves drilling and replacing a core component buried deep beneath your building. The accessibility of the elevator shaft and the specific type of new, safer cylinder required will directly impact the price.
It's easy to look at these upgrades as just another mandatory expense. A better way to see it is as a long-term investment in your property's value, safety, and reliability. Proactive modernization pays for itself far beyond just checking a compliance box.
The Financial Upside of Acting Now
Sure, avoiding steep non-compliance fines is a great motivator. But these upgrades deliver real, tangible financial returns that you'll see for years to come.
Modernized elevators are simply more reliable. That means fewer surprise emergency service calls and a big drop in unexpected repair bills, making your maintenance budget much more stable.
On top of that, new components are almost always more energy-efficient, which chips away at your monthly utility costs. A safe, modern, and reliable elevator is also a huge selling point. It boosts your property’s value and makes it far more attractive to potential tenants, which helps reduce vacancies and support premium rental rates.
Making these upgrades before the January 1st, 2028 deadline isn't just about meeting a requirement; it's a strategic move to secure your asset's future. To explore how to fund your project, you can learn more about different options for commercial elevator financing in Michigan and find a plan that works for you.
Finding the Right Partner for Elevator Modernization
When it comes to getting ready for the Michigan elevator code deadline of January 1st, 2028, picking the right elevator contractor is the single most important decision you'll make. This choice dictates everything—not just the upfront cost, but how smoothly the project runs and how reliable your equipment will be for years to come.
Think of it like hiring a builder for a major home renovation. You wouldn’t just grab the cheapest quote you could find. You’d want an experienced, reputable partner known for quality work and clear communication. The same logic applies here. A cut-rate or unreliable contractor can quickly turn your compliance project into a nightmare of delays, surprise costs, and constant headaches down the road.
The Power of Non-Proprietary Equipment
One of the first and most critical things to discuss with any potential partner is their approach to non-proprietary equipment. Proprietary systems are a lot like smartphones locked to a single carrier—only the original manufacturer has the tools and software to service them. This effectively traps you, giving them a monopoly on all future maintenance and repair pricing.
Non-proprietary equipment, on the other hand, is built with universally available components and open-source software. This gives you the freedom to choose any qualified technician for service in the future. It creates competition, which is the best way to keep your long-term maintenance costs fair and under control.
Insisting on a non-proprietary modernization is the single best way to protect your investment. It ensures you stay in control of your elevator’s future, preventing you from being held hostage by one service provider for the life of the equipment.
Questions to Ask Potential Contractors
When you start vetting companies, you have to look well beyond the price on the proposal. A solid local contractor with deep knowledge of Michigan’s specific requirements is invaluable. For instance, just knowing how to navigate the permitting process in different municipalities can save you weeks of frustrating delays. You can see the benefits of working with an experienced local team for Birmingham Michigan elevator modernizations and apply those same principles to your search.
Here are the key questions you need to ask:
- Do you install non-proprietary equipment?
- How many ASME A17.3-2015 modernizations have you completed?
- Can you provide references from local buildings that are similar to mine?
- What are the current lead times for parts and for scheduling the work?
Choosing a partner with a strong reputation for transparent pricing and dependable service isn't just a good idea—it's your best strategy for a seamless journey to compliance.
Your Questions Answered: The Michigan Elevator Code
New regulations always kick up a lot of questions. We get it. Here are some clear, straightforward answers to the biggest concerns we hear from building owners about the fast-approaching Michigan elevator code deadline.
Does This 2028 Deadline Apply to My Residential Elevator?
This one's a common point of confusion. The ASME A17.3-2015 code, especially the critical Door Lock Monitoring requirement, is aimed squarely at commercial and public-use elevators. Think office buildings, apartment complexes, hotels, and other public facilities.
That said, safety standards for home elevators are always getting better. Even if you're not legally bound by this specific commercial deadline, it’s a smart move to have a professional inspect your private elevator. It’s the best way to make sure your system is up to modern safety standards for your own peace of mind.
What Happens If I Miss the January 1st, 2028 Deadline?
This isn’t a deadline to take lightly. Ignoring the January 1st, 2028 cutoff can bring some serious headaches. State inspectors can issue violation notices, and those come with hefty fines that can stack up fast.
Even worse, they can shut down a non-compliant elevator and "red-tag" it. A red-tagged elevator is completely out of service until every single required safety upgrade is made. That means massive disruptions for your tenants and visitors. Acting now is the only way to sidestep these expensive penalties and operational nightmares.
Can Door Lock Monitoring Be Installed on a Really Old Elevator?
Yes, most of the time it's entirely possible. Today’s Door Lock Monitoring systems are designed to be flexible. They can be retrofitted onto a huge range of elevator controllers, from old-school relay-logic systems to the latest microprocessor units.
The key is to have a qualified technician take a look at your specific equipment. They can figure out the best path forward. In some cases, a full controller modernization might actually be the smartest long-term play, bundling the DLM upgrade with other improvements that boost performance and reliability.
Don't get caught scrambling at the last minute. Crane Elevator Company can give you a clear picture of what your elevator needs with a free, no-obligation second opinion and a competitive quote.
Contact us today to schedule your assessment and build your compliance plan.