The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination and requires all public accommodations and commercial facilities to be accessible to individuals with disabilities since its effective date of January 26, 1992. The ADA contains no "grandfathering" provisions, and for facilities constructed before January 26, 1992, requires public accommodations to remove barriers if "readi
ly achievable to do so." All new construction, additions, or alterations to public accommodations and commercial facilities must meet the accessibility provisions of the 2010 ADA Standards and the currently enforced California Building Code. In addition, accessible features are required to be maintained at your facility. Failure to come into compliance or maintain compliance leaves you vulnerable to having a discrimination claim filed against you by an individual that is denied access to your business or facility due to physical access barriers. In California Court, a plaintiff can be awarded $4000 per access barrier encountered plus damages and attorney fees if the claim is successful. The ADA places the legal obligation to remove barriers or provide auxiliary aids and services on both the landlord and the tenant. The landlord and the tenant may decide by lease who will actually make the changes and provide the aids and services, but both remain legally responsible. Additionally, California Senate Bill 1186 (SB1186) passed in 2012 includes among its many provisions that a commercial property owner or lessor shall state on every lease form or rental agreement executed on or after July 1, 2013, whether the property being leased or rented has undergone inspection by a CASp, and, if so, whether the property has or has not been determined to meet all applicable construction-related accessibility standards. For more info: http://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa/Programs/programCert/casp/consumerfaq.aspx
With over 30 years experience (both in the public and private sectors) we bring our clients the most professional and expert accessibility services available. Our Managers: Tony Falcone is a Building Official with over 28 years experience in building code enforcement and Jeff Nespor is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer who has worked as a Senior Plan Check Engineer for over 12 years. Both are highly respected accessibility professionals, with many years experience assisting people in complying with the complex and sometimes conflicting accessibility laws and regulations. We provide consulting services to most of California
