Code Determination Number: 17

Date: March 14, 2025

Code Edition: 2021 IBC, 2024 IBC, 2016 ASME A17.1 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators 

Code Section: 2021 IBC: Section 3001.2, 2024 IBC: Section 3001.2, 2016 A17.1: Section 2.27  

Subject: UM AHJ blanket variance for IBC elevator emergency communication requirements for hearing or speech impaired
occupants. 

Questions (from various UM Staff and Design Consultants):

The International Building Code has required an emergency elevator communication system (visual and audible) for the hearing and speech impaired since 2018, whereas the adopted State of Missouri elevator code does not. 

  • Is an individual code variance required for each project? 
  • How does the State inspect an elevator where the hearing or speech impaired communication equipment is installed?
  • Which emergency communication system should consultants implement into the project design? 

Answer (from UM AHJ):

  1. The UM AHJ understands the conflict between the University鈥檚 adopted codes and the State elevator code requirements.
  2. The University would have to do a variance with the State Division of Fire Safety if an emergency communication system for the hearing and speech impaired is installed in an elevator (re. the elevator inspector would have to use an elevator code which has not yet been adopted by the State).
  3. This code determination shall be considered as a blanket variance, by the UM AHJ, from the IBC requirements for an emergency elevator communications system for the hearing or speech impaired (where not required by the State elevator code). Instead, project design shall meet the minimum 鈥淓mergency Operation and Signaling Device鈥 requirements of the current state adopted elevator code.