Stairlifts in Delaware: county codes, mechanics and models

Delaware is a small state with a split system, and that surprises families planning a stairlift. Building codes are adopted county by county, while the people licensed to work on elevators are regulated by a state board. So the first useful question is which county, or which city, your home is in.

We cover the state statute, what New Castle County publishes about chairlifts, the coastal climate, four lifts and Delaware's free assistive technology centers.

County codes, a state licensing board

State law hands code adoption to the counties. Under 16 Del. C. § 7601, "The Levy Court of Kent County and the County Councils of New Castle County and Sussex County may adopt and enforce building codes, plumbing codes, electrical codes or other similar codes" (Title 16, chapter 76). If your home is inside a city or town, ask whether the town office or the county handles permits there.

New Castle County spells out its approach in a published FAQ. Its codes "require elevators and conveying systems to comply with ASME A17.1 – Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators and ASME A18.1 – Safety Standards for Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts" (New Castle County, Land Use – Elevators). For homes, the county says: "Elevators in residential single-family dwellings that are not accessible to the public shall be inspected upon completion of installation prior to being placed in service." Such homes "are not subject to the annual certification process." The FAQ adds that maintenance requirements cover "those for platform lifts and stairway chairlifts."

On who may do the work, the county writes that "only Delaware Licensed Elevator Mechanics are authorized to perform any maintenance, repairs, alterations, or replacements on any elevator or conveying system." The state licensing chapter, 24 Del. C. chapter 61, defines an elevator mechanic as someone "licensed by the Board to plan, estimate, layout, perform, or supervise the installation, erection, replacement, service, and repair of any elevator in any structure" (Title 24, chapter 61). Performing elevator work without a license or exemption is a misdemeanor under that chapter.

Two gaps are worth naming. Chapter 61 does not define "elevator," so we could not confirm from the statute alone whether installing a home stairlift is elevator work. And we did not find published lift rules for Kent or Sussex County. If you live outside New Castle County, ask your county or town building office before installation.

Coastal air and low ground

The NOAA climate summary for Delaware notes that "no geographic location within the state is more than 8 miles from tidal waters." Average temperatures run from 53°F in the north to 58°F on the southern coast, annual snowfall averages 9 to 20 inches, and nor'easters peak in March.

NOAA adds that nor'easters "bring strong winds, heavy precipitation, and coastal flooding." For exterior steps, that argues for an outdoor-rated lift with weather-resistant parts. Indoors, a standard model does the job.

Four lifts to consider in Delaware

• Bruno Elite Curve Outdoor CRE-2110E: a rail handcrafted to match the angles of one exterior staircase, marine-grade components, 400 lb capacity and a 0°F to 125°F design range. For outdoor stairs with a landing or a turn.
• Bruno Outdoor Elite SRE-2010E: the straight outdoor counterpart, with a covered gear rack, weather-resistant seat materials and a light-weight cover.
• Bruno Elan SRE-5000: Bruno's entry-level straight indoor lift, 300 lb capacity, with a narrow vertical rail that leaves room on the steps.
• Harmar Pinnacle SL600: 10.5 inches wide when folded, track up to 70 feet, and batteries good for up to 60 trips in a power outage.

All figures are from the product pages in our store, drawn from the makers' specifications. Whichever you choose, ask the installer for proof of a Delaware elevator mechanic license if your county requires one for the work.

Free AT centers across Delaware

The Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative (DATI) helps "Delawareans find and try tools that support learning, communication, personal care, employment and leisure pursuits." Its resource centers "are open to the public and services are free to all Delaware residents." The AT3 Center lists DATI for device loans, demonstrations and reuse. DATI also notes that funders often look more favorably on a request once the person has tried the device.

Ordering a stairlift to Delaware

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. We ship to the lower 48 states and DC, with free shipping on orders over $500 ($15 under $500), and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days; some brands differ. Our Delaware shipping page explains delivery, and the stairlift fit check starts with your staircase.

Questions about stairlifts in Delaware

Who sets the stairlift rules in Delaware?

Building codes are local. 16 Del. C. § 7601 lets Kent County's Levy Court and the New Castle and Sussex County Councils adopt and enforce building codes. New Castle County says its codes require platform lifts and stairway chairlifts to meet ASME A18.1. If you live in a city or town, ask whether its office or the county handles your permit.

Is a home stairlift inspected in New Castle County?

The county's FAQ says elevators in single-family homes not open to the public are inspected when installation is complete, before use, and are not part of the annual certification process. The FAQ speaks of elevators and conveying systems generally, so confirm with the Department of Land Use how it applies to your stairlift.

Does Delaware require a licensed elevator mechanic for a stairlift?

New Castle County says only Delaware Licensed Elevator Mechanics may maintain, repair, alter or replace any elevator or conveying system. The state chapter that creates the license, 24 Del. C. chapter 61, does not define "elevator," so we could not confirm how it treats a stairlift statewide. Ask the Board of Elevator Mechanics or your county.

Do I need an outdoor model at the Delaware shore?

For exterior steps, yes. NOAA notes every part of Delaware lies within 8 miles of tidal waters, and nor'easters bring strong winds and heavy rain from mid-winter through spring. Bruno's outdoor Elite models use marine-grade components and are designed for 0°F to 125°F.

What should I ask my county before installing a stairlift?

Ask whether a permit is needed, whether the lift will be inspected when installation is complete, and whether the installer must hold a Delaware elevator mechanic license. New Castle County publishes answers on elevators and conveying systems; in Kent or Sussex, ask the county or town building office directly.

Look through the stairlift collection, run the stairlift fit check, or start the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Delaware Code Title 16, chapter 76 (§ 7601, county building codes)
• Delaware Code Title 24, chapter 61, Board of Elevator Mechanics
• New Castle County FAQ: Land Use – Elevators
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries 2022: Delaware
• Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
• AT3 Center: Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative
• Product specifications: Faith Mobility product pages linked above