Stairlifts in Ohio: why home chairlifts sit outside 4105

Ohio changed its elevator law in 2023 so that the definition of an elevator now reaches equipment in a private residence. Families who hear that often worry that a simple stairlift at home has become a state-inspected elevator, with plans, permits and an inspector's visit.

It has not, at least not for a chairlift. The same sentence that brings private residences in also lists what the word "elevator" does not include, and a chairlift installed in a home is on that list. A home platform lift is a different story. Here is the text and how to get a definite answer for your house.

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4105, word for word

Section 4105.01 of the Ohio Revised Code, effective April 3, 2023 under House Bill 107 of the 134th General Assembly, defines an elevator as "a hoisting and lowering apparatus equipped with a car, cage, or platform which moves on or between permanent rails or guides and serves two or more fixed landings in a building or structure to which section 3781.06 of the Revised Code applies or in a private residence."

The definition goes on to include "other lifting or lowering apparatus permanently installed on or between rails or guides," and then lists exclusions: it "does not include construction hoists and other similar temporary lifting or lowering apparatuses, ski lifts, chairlifts installed in a private residence, a lifting device installed in a showroom for demonstration purposes only," along with certain amusement rides. A "private residence" is "a distinct building or a unit in a multiple dwelling building that is occupied by members of a single-family unit."

For a stairlift in a single-family home or a single-family unit of a larger building, then, the exclusion applies by its own words. A vertical platform lift or a home elevator is not named in the exclusion, and the definition expressly reaches private residences, so treat those as covered until the state tells you otherwise.

Where the chapter applies, section 4105.16 requires that "Before any new installation of an elevator of permanent nature is erected," specifications and construction plans go to the division of industrial compliance, and "No new elevator shall be operated until completion in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, unless a temporary permit is granted by the division." Some cities run their own programs: the section sends plans to "the elevator department of the municipal corporation" in "municipal corporations which maintain their own elevator inspection departments." The final inspection before operation "shall be made by a general inspector or a special inspector designated by the superintendent."

If your lift will serve a duplex shared by two households, a church, an office or any building open to the public, the private-residence exclusion may not fit. Ask the Division of Industrial Compliance, or your city's elevator department where one exists, before you pick a model. Your local building department can say whether its own rules touch the work.

Lake-effect snow, river floods and summer heat

NOAA's Ohio climate summary notes that the northern part of the state along Lake Erie receives 60 inches or more of snow a year while the south gets less than 16, and that lake-effect snow "is a hazard along the southeastern shoreline of Lake Erie." Annual precipitation runs from about 32 inches in the northwest to 42 in the south, and the state "has experienced a significant increase in the number of 2-inch extreme precipitation events since the mid-1990s."

For stairs, that argues for keeping the lift indoors wherever the floor plan allows, especially near the lake. If the only route is an outdoor stair, a model built for weather is the starting point, and the steps still need clearing. Inside, summer humidity matters less than the shape of the stair, which is where most choices are really made.

Choosing a stairlift for an Ohio home

• Bruno Elan SRE-5000: Bruno's entry-level straight lift, rated to 300 lb, on a narrow vertical rail that leaves room on the steps for family members who still walk them. Obstruction sensors and wireless remotes are standard.
• Harmar SL350AC: mounts to the stairs rather than the wall, on either side, and runs on standard 115V household current. Capacity is 350 lb on tracks up to 15 ft 9 in. Indoor use only.
• Bruno Elite Curved CRE-2110: a rail made by hand for one staircase, for stairs that turn or pause at a landing, with a 400 lb capacity.
• Harmar Pinnacle SL600: track from 15 ft 6 in up to 70 ft for long straight runs, and just 10.5 in wide with seat and footrest folded. Batteries allow up to 60 trips in a power outage.

Assistive Technology of Ohio

The AT3 Center lists Assistive Technology of Ohio, based in Columbus, as the state's program, with device loans, device demonstrations, device reutilization and other state financing. Its own site describes a device lending library and says that while it does not finance equipment purchases, it may be able to point you toward funding resources.

Ordering and delivery to Ohio

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; orders over $500 ship free and smaller orders ship for $15, and we cover the sales tax on every order. Most products are processed in 2-5 business days, with some brands differing. More on shipping to Ohio; the stairlift fit check is the quickest way to a recommendation.

Questions about stairlifts in Ohio

Does Ohio inspect stairlifts in private homes?

Ohio's elevator definition in section 4105.01 reaches equipment in a private residence, but it expressly excludes "chairlifts installed in a private residence." A stairlift in a single-family home is therefore outside the definition by its own words. Lifts in shared, public or business buildings may be treated differently, so ask the Division of Industrial Compliance if yours is not a single-family home.

Is a home wheelchair platform lift treated like an elevator in Ohio?

Possibly. Section 4105.01 counts "other lifting or lowering apparatus permanently installed on or between rails or guides" as elevators and includes private residences, and it does not list platform lifts among the exclusions. Under section 4105.16, elevators need approved plans and a final inspection before use. Confirm with the Division of Industrial Compliance or your city's elevator department.

When did Ohio's elevator law start covering private homes?

The current version of section 4105.01, which includes "a private residence" in the elevator definition and defines that term, took effect April 3, 2023 under House Bill 107 of the 134th General Assembly. The same text excludes chairlifts installed in a private residence.

Can I try equipment before buying in Ohio?

Assistive Technology of Ohio runs a device lending library, and the AT3 Center lists it for device loans, demonstrations and reutilization. Its site notes that it does not finance purchases but may direct you to funding resources, so contact the program about what it can lend for your situation.

See every model in our stairlift collection, describe your stairs in the stairlift fit check, or begin with the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Ohio Revised Code section 4105.01, definitions (effective April 3, 2023)
• Ohio Revised Code section 4105.16, permit for erection or repair, final inspection
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Ohio (2022)
• AT3 Center: Ohio
• Assistive Technology of Ohio
• Bruno Elan SRE-5000 product page
• Harmar SL350AC product page
• Bruno Elite Curved CRE-2110 product page
• Harmar Pinnacle SL600 product page