Stairlifts in Wisconsin: the home exclusion in s. 101.981

Wisconsin families often expect a stairlift to come with a state elevator permit and yearly inspections. For a lift in a single home, the state's conveyance statute says otherwise, in one clear sentence.

That does not make every question go away. Your municipality still enforces the Uniform Dwelling Code, the stairs still have to suit the rider, and Wisconsin winters shape what works on an outside step.

Chapter 101, subchapter VII: chair lifts in a home are left out

Wisconsin regulates elevators and similar devices in subchapter VII of chapter 101, "Elevators, Escalators, and Other Conveyances." Its definitions in s. 101.981(1)(c) first draw the circle wide: "'Conveyance' means an elevator, an escalator, a dumbwaiter, a belt manlift, a moving walkway, a platform lift, and a stairway chair lift, and any other similar device." Then the same paragraph lists what is not a conveyance, ending with "a vertical platform lift, inclined platform lift, or a stairway chair lift that serves an individual residential dwelling unit."

That exclusion is the key fact for a family home. A stairway chair lift serving one dwelling unit is outside the statute's definition of conveyance, and so outside the subchapter built on that definition. A chair lift in a church, an apartment building's shared stair, a business or anywhere that serves more than one dwelling unit is a different case and stays inside the definition. Ask the Department of Safety and Professional Services about any lift that is not for one home.

The home itself is still governed by Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code for one- and two-family houses. SPS 320.08(1) requires a Wisconsin uniform building permit from "the municipality administering and enforcing this code" before on-site construction begins, and SPS 320.02(2)(c) allows any municipality, by ordinance, to "require permits and fees for any construction, additions, alterations or repairs not within the scope of this code." Some municipalities may want a permit for wiring or structural work tied to a lift; your village, town or city building inspector is the one to ask, and the answer can differ from place to place.

The exclusion is about state conveyance rules, not quality. A stairlift should still go in according to the maker's instructions, on a stair that can carry it.

Lifts that suit Wisconsin homes

• A straight stair and a modest budget: Bruno's Elan SRE-5000 is its entry-level straight lift, rated to 300 lb, with a narrow vertical rail that leaves room on the steps for family members who still walk them.
• Curving steps outdoors: the Bruno Elite Curve Outdoor CRE-2110E has a rail handcrafted to the staircase, carries up to 400 lb and is designed for 0°F to 125°F with marine-grade components.
• A wall you would rather not drill: Harmar's SL350AC mounts to the stairs rather than the wall and runs on standard 115V household current. Capacity is 350 lb on track up to 15 ft 9 in, and it is for indoor use only.
• A rider who needs a sturdier chair: the Harmar Pinnacle SL600HD lifts up to 600 lb, with an extra wide seat that swivels 85° at the top.

Ratings above are quoted from the individual product listings.

A few questions sort most Wisconsin homes quickly. Is the stair straight from top to bottom, or does it turn or pause at a landing? Is it inside the house, or out to a porch, deck or garage? How much does the rider weigh, and can they stand and pivot at the top? Is the stair narrow enough that family members will squeeze past the folded seat every day? Answer those, and two or three models usually stand out. The fit check below asks the same things.

Cold, snow and lake-effect winters

NOAA's Wisconsin climate summary describes "incursions of bitterly cold air masses from the Arctic in the winter," with "frigid winters" in the north and annual average temperatures from 39°F in the north to 50°F in the south. Snowfall runs from about 30 inches a year in the south to more than 100 inches along the Gogebic Range, where lake-effect snow off Lake Superior has trended upward. The summary also notes that 2-inch extreme rain events have become more frequent. For steps outside, compare a lift's rated temperature range with your own winters, plan where snow will be shoveled, and keep the rail clear. For most Wisconsin families, an indoor lift on a basement or second-floor stair avoids those issues entirely.

WisTech, Wisconsin's assistive technology program

WisTech, run by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, "provides information on selecting, funding, installing, and using assistive technology." Its listed programs include device loan, device demonstration, device reutilization and exchange, and alternative financing programs. The AT3 Center lists the same core services for the Wisconsin Assistive Technology Program, including a financial loan.

Delivery and installation in Wisconsin

We work with a team of credentialed local specialists to guarantee timely, safe, and optimal delivery and installation. Every order ships within the lower 48 states and DC, free 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. Read shipping to Wisconsin and begin with the stairlift fit check.

Questions about stairlifts in Wisconsin

Does Wisconsin require an elevator permit for a stairlift at home?

Not under the state conveyance law. Wisconsin's definition of conveyance in s. 101.981(1)(c) excludes "a stairway chair lift that serves an individual residential dwelling unit." Your municipality may still have its own permit requirements for related construction under the Uniform Dwelling Code, so check with the local building inspector.

What about a stairlift in a Wisconsin church or apartment building?

The home exclusion covers a chair lift serving one dwelling unit. A lift in a church, a business or a shared stair is not described by that exclusion, and the definition of conveyance names stairway chair lifts and platform lifts generally. Contact the Department of Safety and Professional Services before planning one.

Can an outdoor stairlift handle a Wisconsin winter?

Check the maker's rated range. Bruno designs its outdoor Elite models for 0°F to 125°F. NOAA describes bitterly cold Arctic air in Wisconsin winters and more than 100 inches of snow a year in parts of the north, so plan for snow removal and talk with us about where the lift will sit.

Can WisTech help me pay for a stairlift?

WisTech lists alternative financing programs alongside device loan, demonstration and reutilization, and the AT3 Center shows a financial loan program for Wisconsin. Contact WisTech at the Department of Health Services to learn whether a stairlift qualifies and what the terms are.

Look over every model in our stairlift collection, run the stairlift fit check, or take the full assessment. Questions? Email us at info@faithmobility.com.

Sources

• Wis. Stat. s. 101.981, definitions (Wisconsin Legislature)
• Wis. Admin. Code SPS 320.02, scope of the Uniform Dwelling Code
• Wis. Admin. Code SPS 320.08, uniform building permit
• NOAA NCEI State Climate Summaries: Wisconsin (2022)
• Bruno Elan SRE-5000 product page
• Bruno Elite Curve Outdoor CRE-2110E product page
• Harmar SL350AC product page
• Harmar Pinnacle SL600HD product page
• WisTech, Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• AT3 Center: Wisconsin