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

When it comes to ADA compliance inspections, even experienced professionals can overlook critical violations that leave property owners...

CASp Best Practices PDF The CASp (Certified Access Specialist) Program helps California businesses make their facilities accessible to...

Public entities with 50 or more employees must develop comprehensive transition plans to systematically identify and remove architectural...

Restaurant owners and accessibility professionals must understand that California's accessibility requirements are more stringent than...

Measuring door opening force is a critical component of ensuring accessibility compliance under the Americans with Disabilities Act...

Measure Accessible Parking Stalls and Aisles Understanding how to properly measure accessible parking stalls and access aisles is crucial...

CBC 11B: California's More Stringent Approach to Accessible Parking California's Building Code Chapter 11B (CBC 11B) goes significantly...

Ever noticed those yellow bumpy surfaces at crosswalks and wondered what they're for? As a property owner or tenant, understanding...

ADA Lawsuits versus California Building Permits If you're fixing accessibility issues in California, here's what might surprise you:...

Yes, business and property owners can obtain a Disability Access Inspection Certificate (DAIC) after an ADA lawsuit has been filed...

If you own or operate a business with a small parking lot—such as just three or four spaces behind your building—you might wonder: Do you...

Accessible means of egress ensures that all people, including those with disabilities, can safely evacuate buildings during emergencies. ...

What is ADA 206.2.1? ADA 206.2.1 Site Arrival Points requires at least one accessible route within a site from site arrival points to...

The fundamental difference between California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 11A and Chapter 11B lies in funding source and occupancy type....

ADA and California law require the area right in front of your business door—the “maneuvering clearance”—to be nearly flat (max 2.08%...