ADA Compliant Elevator: What Commercial Buildings Need to Know

In commercial buildings across Michigan, elevators are essential for providing access to all visitors, residents, and employees—regardless of mobility. To create inclusive spaces, building owners must meet standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). An ADA compliant elevator is not just a good idea—it’s required by law in most public buildings. This article will break down what makes an elevator ADA-compliant, what business owners need to know, and how City Elevator of Michigan can help.

Why ADA Compliance Matters for Elevators

Equal Access for All

The goal of the ADA is to make buildings and public spaces more accessible to individuals with disabilities. Elevators are a crucial part of that mission, especially in multi-story buildings. An ADA compliant elevator helps people who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids access every floor with ease.

Legal Obligations

Under the ADA, commercial properties open to the public, including office buildings, retail centers, hospitals, schools, and transportation hubs, are required to comply with accessibility standards. This includes having elevators that meet specific design and performance requirements. Failing to comply may lead to legal issues, fines, or penalties.

Improved Building Value

Buildings with accessible features, including ADA compliant elevators, are more attractive to a wider audience. Whether you’re renting office space or leasing retail units, accessibility can influence tenant decisions and public perception.

Key Features of an ADA Compliant Elevator

To be ADA compliant, an elevator must meet a series of design and functional criteria. These guidelines are defined by the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and apply to both the elevator cab and its operation systems.

Cab Size and Door Width

• Minimum Cab Dimensions: The interior of the elevator cab must provide enough space for a wheelchair to enter, turn, and exit safely.

• Common Size: A standard ADA compliant cab is usually at least 51 inches deep and 68 inches wide (for center-opening doors).

• Door Width: Elevator doors must have a clear opening of at least 36 inches to allow for easy wheelchair access.

Control Panel Accessibility

• Height: All elevator control buttons, including emergency controls, must be mounted no higher than 48 inches from the floor when approached from a forward position.

• Tactile Buttons: Buttons must be labeled with raised characters and Braille for visually impaired passengers.

• Contrast and Lighting: Controls should have high visual contrast and adequate lighting to support users with limited vision.

Audible and Visual Signals

• Audible Announcements: Elevators should announce floor levels and direction of travel using a clear, synthesized voice.

• Visual Indicators: Each floor should be indicated with a visible number or icon inside the cab and outside near the door.

• Emergency Alarms: Emergency communication systems must provide both audible and visual alerts.

Door Timing and Reopening Features

• Automatic Door Operation: Elevator doors should remain open long enough for individuals with mobility devices to enter and exit without rushing.

• Reopening Sensors: Sensors must detect the presence of people or objects in the doorway and reopen the doors automatically to prevent injury or obstruction.

Call Button Placement

• Call buttons must be installed at a height that allows users in wheelchairs to reach them, typically between 15 and 48 inches from the ground.

• Buttons must also provide tactile and visual feedback when pressed.

Modern Elevator Technology and ADA

Voice Activation and Touchless Features

As buildings modernize, touchless elevator controls and voice-activated systems are becoming more popular. These features can improve ADA compliance by offering alternative ways to operate the elevator.

Smart Panels with Braille

Digital touchscreen panels that include Braille overlays and audible feedback can make elevators more user-friendly for people with vision or dexterity limitations.

Backup Power for Emergency Access

ADA standards require that elevators in certain buildings have backup power sources. This ensures that users with disabilities can still use the elevator during an outage, especially for emergency evacuations.

Who Needs to Install ADA Compliant Elevators?

New Construction

Any new commercial building with multiple floors must include at least one ADA compliant elevator if the public will have access to upper levels.

Renovations or Remodels

When an older building is remodeled or upgraded, owners must bring elevators up to ADA standards. This might include adjusting door widths, changing control panel heights, or installing audio/visual alerts.

Existing Buildings

Some buildings built before the ADA became law in 1990 may be “grandfathered in,” but if significant changes are made or accessibility becomes an issue, compliance may be required. City Elevator of Michigan offers assessments to help building owners determine their responsibilities.

How City Elevator of Michigan Supports ADA Compliance

City Elevator of Michigan offers full-service commercial elevator support—from installation to modernization and maintenance. With deep knowledge of ADA guidelines and Michigan building codes, their team helps property managers meet legal obligations and improve accessibility.

ADA Upgrade Services

If your current elevator doesn’t meet today’s ADA standards, City Elevator can provide an upgrade plan. This may include retrofitting controls, adjusting timing, adding Braille indicators, or updating the audio/visual systems.

Preventive Maintenance

Elevators must stay compliant throughout their lifetime—not just at the time of installation. Routine maintenance from City Elevator ensures that accessible features continue working properly, reducing the risk of breakdowns that could prevent access.

Emergency Support

In case of emergency, City Elevator provides fast, responsive service to get elevators back in service as soon as possible. Their trained technicians know how critical elevator function is for ADA compliance.

Choosing the Right Partner for Accessibility

Local Expertise

As a Michigan-based company, City Elevator understands local regulations, inspection requirements, and environmental factors that can impact elevator systems.

Commercial-Focused Services

City Elevator exclusively serves commercial buildings, including offices, healthcare facilities, schools, government buildings, and multi-family residential properties. This focus allows their team to offer targeted solutions for ADA compliance in large-scale systems.

Long-Term Relationships

Rather than one-time installations, City Elevator builds ongoing partnerships with building owners, facility managers, and general contractors. Their work doesn’t stop when the elevator is installed—it continues with regular service and upgrades to keep your building accessible.

Make Your Building Accessible with City Elevator of Michigan

Accessibility isn’t just a checkbox on a building plan—it’s a commitment to the safety, dignity, and independence of every visitor and tenant. If your commercial property needs an ADA compliant elevator, City Elevator of Michigan is ready to help.

Whether you’re building from the ground up, renovating an existing structure, or looking to improve your current elevator system, their expert team will guide you through every step. With industry knowledge, reliable service, and a local presence, City Elevator of Michigan is a trusted partner for businesses across the state.

Ready to take the next step? Contact City Elevator of Michigan today for a consultation or accessibility audit. Let’s work together to make your building safer, more inclusive, and ADA compliant.