Stairlifts in Iowa: the State Elevator Code's home exemption

In Iowa, the state law that governs elevators and wheelchair lifts has a one-line exemption that settles the main question for most homeowners. If the lift goes into a single private home, the Iowa State Elevator Code does not apply to it.

That still leaves practical choices: indoor or outdoor rating, battery backup for storm season, and capacity. Below we quote the statute, explain the edges of the exemption, and compare lifts that fit Iowa houses.

What chapter 89A of the Iowa Code covers, and what it leaves out

Section 89A.1A gives chapter 89A its short title, the "Iowa State Elevator Code," and its definitions reach well beyond elevators. Under Iowa Code 89A.1(2), "'Conveyance' means an elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, moving walk, lift, or inclined or vertical wheelchair lift subject to regulation under this chapter." An inclined or vertical wheelchair lift is "a lift used to transport a wheelchair as specified in the American society of mechanical engineers safety standard for platform lifts and stairway chairlifts, A18.1." The chapter is administered by the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing.

The exemption comes next. Iowa Code 89A.2(1) says: "The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any of the following: a. Any conveyance installed in any single private dwelling residence." The list goes on to material hoists, certain older material lifts and federally regulated equipment, but the first item is the one that matters at home.

So a stairlift or a wheelchair platform lift in your own house sits outside the chapter, along with the operating permits and inspections the chapter requires elsewhere. Outside a private home, the picture changes. The chapter requires an operating permit for covered equipment to be "posted conspicuously" on or near an inclined or vertical wheelchair lift, and it gives the state's safety board power to "adopt rules permitting inclined or vertical wheelchair lifts in churches and houses of worship to service more than one floor" (Iowa Code 89A.3(6)).

What the statute does not spell out is the meaning of "single private dwelling residence." A duplex, a condominium unit or a home with a business open to the public could fall on either side of that phrase, and we did not find a definition to settle it. In those cases, ask the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing before ordering. Your city or county building office can tell you whether it wants an electrical or building permit for the work.

Iowa storms, outages and winter steps

NOAA's Iowa State Climate Summary says Iowa "experiences damaging storms during all seasons." On August 10, 2020, a derecho "produced widespread winds greater than 100 mph," causing severe damage to homes, particularly in Cedar Rapids. In winter, a December 8-9, 2009 storm brought more than 15 inches of snow at several long-term stations, gusts over 50 mph and wind chills below 0°F. Snowfall averages more than 40 inches a year in the north and about 20 inches in the south.

Two lessons follow for a stairlift. Indoors, battery backup keeps an upstairs bedroom reachable when storms take down power lines. Outdoors, a lift has to be rated for deep cold, and someone has to clear snow from the rail and landings.

Lifts that make sense for Iowa homes

• Indoor stairs with battery backup: the Bruno Elite SRE-2010 carries 400 lb, and Bruno says its stairlifts run on batteries and are designed to make several trips even during a power outage.
• Porch and deck steps: the Bruno Outdoor Elite SRE-2010E is designed for 0°F to 125°F, with marine-grade components and a light-weight cover to protect the lift between uses.
• Higher capacity: the Harmar Pinnacle SL600HD lifts up to 600 lb, and its seat swivels 85° at the upper landing for dismount or transfer. It is not for outdoor use.
• Turning or spiral stairs: Harmar custom-makes the Helix for one staircase on a True-Curve rail, rated for 350 lb on inclines up to 58°.

Before comparing models, count the steps, measure the stair at its narrowest point, and note any landing, turn or door near the top or bottom. Check where the nearest outlet is for charging. If the lift is for a basement or a back entry as well as the main stair, list each one separately; each staircase needs its own rail, and a curved rail is made for one stair only.

Iowa's assistive technology program

Iowa's program under the federal Assistive Technology Act operates through iowaat.org, with the University of Iowa's Center for Disabilities and Development as lead agency. The AT3 Center lists device loans, demonstrations, reuse and financial loans. The program describes its demonstration center and lending library as offering "Hands on demonstrations and opportunities to borrow devices for short term trials."

Ordering and delivery to Iowa

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. More is on the Iowa shipping page, and the stairlift fit check starts with your staircase.

Questions about stairlifts in Iowa

Does the Iowa State Elevator Code apply to a stairlift in my house?

No, if the house is a single private dwelling. Iowa Code 89A.2(1) says the chapter does not apply to any conveyance installed in any single private dwelling residence. That removes a home lift from the chapter's permits and inspections. Ask your local building office whether it wants a local electrical or building permit for the work.

Do Iowa churches need state approval for a wheelchair lift?

A church is not a private dwelling, so chapter 89A's rules can apply. The chapter defines inclined and vertical wheelchair lifts as conveyances, requires operating permits posted on or near covered lifts, and authorizes the safety board to adopt rules permitting wheelchair lifts in churches and houses of worship to serve more than one floor. Contact the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.

Which stairlift keeps working in an Iowa power outage?

Look for battery operation. Bruno says its stairlifts run on batteries and are designed to make several trips during an outage, which matters in a state where NOAA records damaging storms in every season, including a 2020 derecho with winds greater than 100 mph. Keep the lift parked on its charger so the batteries stay topped up.

Can a stairlift be used outdoors in an Iowa winter?

Yes, with an outdoor-rated model. Bruno designs the SRE-2010E outdoor straight lift for 0°F to 125°F and supplies a cover. NOAA reports average snowfall of more than 40 inches a year in northern Iowa, so plan to keep the rail, seat and landings clear after every storm.

Browse the stairlift collection, use the stairlift fit check, or begin with the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Iowa Code 89A.1, Iowa State Elevator Code definitions
• Iowa Code 89A.2, scope of chapter
• Iowa Code 89A.3, rules
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Iowa (2022)
• Iowa assistive technology program (iowaat.org)
• AT3 Center: Iowa
• Bruno Elite Indoor Straight SRE-2010 (Faith Mobility product page)
• Bruno Outdoor Elite SRE-2010E (Faith Mobility product page)
• Harmar Pinnacle SL600HD (Faith Mobility product page)
• Harmar Helix Curved Stairlift (Faith Mobility product page)