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

The short answer: Use "disabled" or "person with a disability," not "handicapped." The term "handicapped" has fallen out of favor in the disability community and professional settings, while "disabled" and person-first language are generally the preferred, respectful choices. Why Language Matters When communicating about disability in business settings—whether you're writing job postings, talking with clients, or creating accessible spaces—the words you choose send a powerful

When a small business in California gets hit with an ADA letter or lawsuit, the first reaction is usually panic: · “Do I have to rebuild my whole building?” · “Which standard am I supposed to follow, 2010 ADA or CBC 11B?” · “What if the building is old and I’ve never remodeled anything?” Let’s walk through this in plain, conversational terms, using the same framework I use as a CASp when I’m writing reports and helping owners make practical decisions. Two Se