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New Construction, Alterations, and Existing Facilities: What Actually Has to Be Fixed?
One of the most common questions we get from property owners and business operators is some version of: "My building is old. Do I really have to fix everything?" The honest answer is: it depends on which of three legal categories your project falls into. The ADA and the California Building Code (CBC) treat new construction, alterations, and untouched existing facilities very differently. Once you know which bucket you're in, the answer to "what must be fixed" gets much cleare
Corey Taylor
Jul 1711 min read
ADA Lawsuits in California: What’s Happening at the Capitol Right Now (as of July 10, 2026)
California is the hotspot for ADA and disability‑access lawsuits, especially against small businesses. Lawmakers in Sacramento are under pressure from both disability advocates and business groups to change how these cases work. Why ADA Lawsuits Are Such a Big Deal in California Under federal law (the ADA), plaintiffs can get injunctions and attorney’s fees, but no automatic money damages. In California, the Unruh Civil Rights Act adds statutory damages—usually at least $4,00
Corey Taylor
Jul 103 min read
ADA & CBC Rules for EV Chargers in Plain English
If you install EV chargers in California, you have to think about two things: The California Building Code (CBC), Chapter 11B The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) CBC 11B gives you the specific rules for electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS). The ADA adds a civil‑rights layer that says people with disabilities must be able to use those chargers. 1. When do accessible EV chargers apply? CBC 11B‑228.3 is the starting point. It says: “Where electric vehicle char
Corey Taylor
Jul 93 min read
Tax Write-Offs for CASp Inspections & ADA Remediation: A Small Business Owner's Guide
Let's talk money — specifically, the money you can get back from Uncle Sam (and California) when you invest in making your business accessible. If you've been putting off getting a CASp inspection because of the cost, here's something that might change your mind: the federal government and the State of California have built real, tangible tax incentives to reward businesses that take accessibility seriously. And most small business owners have no idea these exist. Let's break
Corey Taylor
Jul 86 min read
Los Angeles CASp Inspectors: What to Expect
When it comes to ensuring accessibility compliance in California, Certified Access Specialists (CASp) play a crucial role. These professionals help property owners, commercial developers, tenants, attorneys, and realtors navigate the complex requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California’s accessibility laws. If you are involved with commercial properties in Los Angeles, understanding what to expect from a CASp inspection can save you time, money, an
Corey Taylor
Jul 74 min read
Where Do You Measure a Toilet Paper Dispenser? (The Answer Might Surprise You)
If you've spent any time looking at accessible restrooms, you've probably measured a toilet paper dispenser more times than you can count. It seems simple enough — 7 to 9 inches in front of the toilet, right? But here's the question that comes up all the time, especially with modern multi-roll dispensers: Where exactly do you measure from? The centerline of the dispenser housing? The centerline of the roll itself? The outlet where the paper comes out? Let's talk through it. W
Corey Taylor
Jun 184 min read
How Literal Should You Be With the CBC and ADA Standards?
Do we take the literal or practable approach? One of the most common questions I get is: "Are you just reading the code like a rulebook, or do you have wiggle room in how you interpret it?" The honest answer: it depends on what the code is actually saying. Some requirements are absolute — measure, compare, report. Others are written as performance standards or legal thresholds that require trained professional judgment. Knowing which is which is one of the most important skil
Corey Taylor
Jun 165 min read
How Wide Do My Restaurant Aisles Need To Be Under the Americans with Disabilities Act?
Setting your tables can feel like a guessing game: How far apart should the tables and chairs be? Do I really need a wheelchair path to every single table? You don’t need to be a code expert to get this right. A few simple rules will keep you out of trouble and make your space easier for everyone to use. The Big Idea: One Good Path In every dining area, the law cares most about one good path that customers using wheelchairs and walkers can use. There are two important concept
Corey Taylor
Jun 134 min read
How Los Angeles Is Using HLA To Avoid Fixing Sidewalks Under The ADA
If it feels like Los Angeles has stopped repaving streets and fixing sidewalks, you’re not imagining it. Since Measure HLA (Healthy Streets LA) passed, the City has been quietly changing how it does street work in ways that also delay long‑overdue ADA sidewalk and curb ramp upgrades. In practice, this strategy keeps many sidewalks out of compliance even though federal law already requires accessible routes. Let’s break down what’s going on in plain language. Quick primer: wha
Corey Taylor
Jun 23 min read
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