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

Big picture: which rules matter? For California commercial and public projects, plan check and inspections are governed by CBC Chapter 11B. At the same time, Titles II and III of the ADA apply as separate civil‑rights laws, so you have to satisfy both CBC and ADA—whichever is stricter in a given situation. In practice, this means you ask two questions on every multistory building: Does CBC 11B require an elevator (or other accessible vertical access)? Even if the ADA “elevato

A Simple Explanation of ADA Slope Rules If you work in construction or design, you’ve probably heard both numbers for “max slope” on an accessible surface: 2.0% 2.08% (which is the same as a 1:48 slope) It sounds confusing: if the “old ADA” was always talked about as 2.0%, why do the 2010 ADA Standards and California’s CBC Chapter 11B allow a slope that works out to about 2.08%? Let’s break it down in plain language. First, what do the current rules actually say? Both the 201

Navigating the Gray Areas: When Barrier Removal is NOT "Readily Achievable" When you are served with an ADA lawsuit, the immediate reaction is often to start tearing up concrete and widening doors. But as a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) and expert witness, I frequently evaluate conditions where strict compliance simply isn't feasible. Federal law requires "readily achievable barrier removal"—modifications that are easily accomplishable without much difficulty or expense.

When we inspect a facility, we have to look at these two terms through very different lenses: 1. The Accessible Route (The Physical Path) An accessible route is the actual, physical pathway that connects accessible spaces. According to both 2025 CBC 11B-402.2 and 2010 ADA 402.2 , this route can only consist of walking surfaces, doorways, ramps, curb ramps, elevators, and platform lifts. Notice what's missing? Stairs. Stairs are never classified as an accessible route compo

If you’ve ever had this conversation in a parking lot— · Contractor: “My 4-foot level shows 1.8%. We’re good.” · CASp: “My 2-foot digital level reads 2.3%. That’s a violation.” —you’ve run into a core problem in accessibility enforcement: the codes give us hard slope numbers , but they say nothing about the length of the level we’re supposed to use to prove them. That gap is exactly where owners, builders, and CASps start arguing. This article puts all of that int

Effective January 1, 2026 If you're building or managing multifamily residential housing in California, there's an important update you need to know about. The 2025 California Building Code Chapter 11A includes a significant scoping change that became effective on January 1, 2026. This guide explains exactly what changed from 2022 to 2025 in simple, easy-to-understand language. Complete List of 2025 11A CBC Section Changes Here's the official list of sections that changed fro

Effective January 1, 2026 If you own or manage commercial buildings, public facilities, or public housing in California, there are important updates you need to know about. The 2025 California Building Code Chapter 11B includes changes that became effective on January 1, 2026. This guide breaks down all the changes from 2022 to 2025 in simple, easy-to-understand language—with complete explanations so you don't have to search through the code yourself. Complete List of 2025 11

Find a CASp: https://www.coreyandpartners.com/contact https://www.casinstitute.org/casp/ https://www.apps2.dgs.ca.gov/DSA/casp/casp_certified_list.aspx When it comes to ensuring your property complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and California accessibility standards, hiring a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is one of the smartest decisions you can make. But here's what many property owners don't realize: not all CASps are the same . With nearly 1,000 ac

The short answer: Neither the ADA 2010 Standards nor the California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 11B actually require kick plates on doors. What they require is a smooth bottom surface on certain doors, and kick plates are simply one way to achieve or protect that smooth surface. Understanding the Smooth Surface Requirement What the Codes Actually Require Both the 2010 ADA Standards (Section 404.2.10) and CBC Chapter 11B-404.2.10 contain identical requirements for door surf

Main takeaway: Property owners, architects, and CASp inspectors can propose that something is “technically infeasible,” but only the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) – usually your city or county building department / building official – can formally accept that claim for permit and code‑compliance purposes. Courts and the U.S. Department of Justice can still review those decisions under the ADA. 1. What “Technically Infeasible” Actually Means Both the ADA Standards f

How a CASp Inspection Can Save You Thousands in Accessibility Lawsuits What Is a CASp Inspection? A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is a state-licensed professional who inspects your property for accessibility barriers. After the inspection, you can receive a Disability Access Inspection Certificate (DAIC) . This certificate isn't just paperwork—it's legal protection . The Game-Changer: Qualified Defendant Status When you obtain a CASp inspection before you are served wi

If you're a restaurant owner, facility manager, or designer working to make your dining spaces accessible, you've probably asked yourself: "Do I need to put those blue wheelchair symbols on my accessible tables?" It's a common question, and the answer is simpler than you might think. The Short Answer: No ISA Stickers Required According to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, you are NOT required to place International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA) stickers or signs o

Getting hit with an accessibility lawsuit is overwhelming—especially when your small business revenue is already stretched thin. The reality is clear: you need to make repairs, but you don't have unlimited funds to tackle everything at once. So how do you decide where to start? This guide breaks down how to prioritize accessibility fixes when your budget is limited. All recommendations included in this article are starting points and not a complete scoping or technical checkl

When designing accessible parking, one of the most critical—and often overlooked—safety features is the path of travel from the car to the building. A common question arises: Is it acceptable for a wheelchair user to travel behind other parked vehicles to reach a ramp or entrance? The simple answer is no , especially in California. The Safety Hazard Imagine a wheelchair user parking in an accessible stall. They deploy their lift, exit into the access aisle, and turn toward th

As a retail property buyer, a CASp (Certified Access Specialist) inspection is one of the most important due diligence steps you can take. Before signing on the dotted line, you need to know exactly what accessibility issues you're inheriting—and how much it will cost to fix them. Know What You're Really Buying Many retail commercial real estate buyers discover accessibility problems after closing. By then, it's too late. You own a property that could trigger expensive lawsui

Understanding the ADA as Civil Rights Legislation The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990, stands as one of the most significant civil rights laws in United States history. But what exactly makes the ADA a civil rights law? And how does disability discrimination connect to the broader civil rights movement? Let's break this down in a way that's easy to understand. What Is a Civil Rights Law? Before we can understand why the ADA is considered a civil rights l

When planning events, construction projects, or any situation requiring temporary facilities, understanding accessibility requirements is essential. The 2010 ADA Standards make it clear: temporary structures must be just as accessible as permanent ones. Whether you're setting up a festival tent, installing portable restrooms, or creating temporary walkways for any reason, accessibility isn't optional—it's required. The Basic Rule: Temporary Equals Permanent The 2010 ADA Stand

When it comes to accessibility compliance, confusion often arises around the difference between a transaction counter and a writing surface. Many business owners wonder: Can a writing surface substitute for an accessible transaction counter? Are they separate requirements? Let's clarify these important distinctions using the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. What Is a Transaction Counter? A transaction counter is where goods, services, or information are exchanged bet

Accessibility compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is critical for ensuring that people with disabilities can access goods, services, and facilities. However, business owners and property managers frequently encounter situations where full compliance seems impossible—or at least highly challenging. Understanding the concepts of "readily achievable barrier removal" and "technically infeasible" is essential for navigating these complex scenarios while st