NYC OFFERS AMNESTY TO OWNERS OF PRIVATE ELEVATORS

The New York City (NYC) Department of Buildings (DOB) announced on March 1 that owners of private elevators have 90 days from that date to get their devices up to code without sanctions, The Real Deal reports. During that period, owners can request an inspection and test for a registered or unregistered elevator — and apply for registration — without penalties. The amnesty program was prompted by an incident in January in which a 53-year-old cleaning woman spent three days trapped inside an elevator at a townhouse. DOB inspectors blamed the elevator’s breakdown on a burned-out hoist motor, likely caused by the owners' neglect of proper maintenance and required inspections. In addition, the elevator’s emergency phone didn’t work. The DOB issued three citations against the owner for failing to properly maintain the device, having a defective emergency-call system, damaged hoistway door and defective hoist motor with a maximum of US$60,000 in fines.