Washington State Passes Bill Allowing Smaller Elevators

Lawmakers in Washington State passed SB 5156, which allows smaller elevators in buildings with up to 24 residential units or six stories, Sightline Institute is among outlets to report. A version greenlit by the Senate Housing Committee in 2025 directed the state Department of Labor & Industries to adjust elevator standards. The latest version, instead, directs the Washington Building Code Council to address the issue as part of its 2027 code update. The bill would legalize small elevators that still meet federal accessibility requirements for such buildings. Proponents point out that smaller elevators are common in places like Western Europe and East Asia, not to mention more affordable. Factors that play into the cost differential including higher labor costs, limited competition and certain U.S. elevators being required to accommodate not only a wheelchair user, but a full-sized stretcher. Trade organization the National Elevator Industry, Inc. worked with lawmakers to amend the bill’s original language to avoid code-compliant issues related to the adoption of an international standard in a single jurisdiction.