Avoid Accessibility Compliance Issues with Proactive Planning and Inspections
Avoid Accessibility Compliance Issues with Proactive Planning and Inspections
Ensuring accessibility compliance isn’t just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about designing functional, inclusive spaces that work for everyone. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides a framework for accessibility in public and commercial buildings, but true compliance starts long before a facility is open to the public.
By incorporating accessibility considerations early in the design process, architects, developers, and property owners can avoid costly retrofits, construction delays, and compliance risks while improving the overall usability of a space. Thoughtful accessibility planning ensures that buildings serve their intended users effectively while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Understanding ADA Compliance
Enacted in 1990, the ADA established guidelines to ensure equal access to public and commercial spaces for individuals with disabilities. These regulations apply to a wide range of built environments, including entrances, pathways, restrooms, parking facilities, and signage. However, compliance isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about integrating accessibility into the core design of a space. Proper planning and regular accessibility reviews ensure that usability and compliance are considered holistically rather than as afterthoughts.
The Role of Building Code and Accessibility Reviews
Building codes establish minimum safety and structural requirements, addressing elements such as fire protection, egress, and occupancy. While these codes include some accessibility provisions, they are not a substitute for a dedicated accessibility review.
An accessibility compliance review focuses specifically on usability for individuals with disabilities. It ensures that features like entrances, ramps, pathways, restrooms, and signage meet ADA, Fair Housing Act (FHA), and state-specific requirements. These reviews go beyond code minimums to assess real-world usability, helping prevent compliance issues that may not be flagged in a standard building code review.
By conducting both building code and accessibility reviews, project teams can address compliance holistically, ensuring structural integrity while also meeting accessibility standards. This proactive approach minimizes risk, avoids costly revisions, and helps create a functional, accessible, and legally compliant built environment.
The Importance of Accessibility Compliance
Accessibility compliance isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a fundamental part of good design. When accessibility is considered from the start, buildings function better, serve a broader range of users, and reduce the risk of costly modifications. A well-executed accessibility review identifies potential barriers that could limit access for individuals with disabilities. These barriers can range from door hardware that is difficult to operate to poorly placed signage or a misaligned site layout that makes navigation challenging. Addressing these concerns early in the process prevents future issues and improves the overall user experience.
Key accessibility considerations include:
Entrances and Exits – Door widths, thresholds, and automatic door functionality.
Interior Pathways – Corridor widths, floor surfaces, and clearances.
Restrooms – Placement of grab bars, accessible stall dimensions, and sink heights.
Parking Facilities – Properly designed accessible spaces, compliant signage, and clear, direct routes to building entrances.
By focusing on real-world usability, accessibility compliance ensures that spaces are not just legally compliant but truly functional for all users.
Spotting Accessibility Barriers in Parking Facilities
Parking lot compliance is a critical component of accessibility but is often overlooked until issues arise. A well-designed, accessible parking layout ensures that individuals with disabilities can safely and efficiently reach the building entrance without encountering barriers.
Take a look at the image below—can you identify the accessibility issues in this parking lot?
Common mistakes that result in non-compliant parking spaces include:
1. Obstructions in the space – Trees, poles, or other barriers blocking parking or access aisles.
2. Missing or incorrect signage – Accessible spaces must be properly marked with the required signs and symbols.
3. Poor location – Accessible spaces should be located on the shortest, most direct route to the building entrance.
4. Insufficient access aisle width – Access aisles must be wide enough for wheelchair maneuverability.
5. Improperly designated spaces – In the background, you can see that the “accessible” space near the truck lacks a compliant access aisle, rendering it unusable.
Ensuring compliance in parking facilities is not just about following standards; it impacts the safety and usability of individuals with mobility impairments. A properly designed and maintained parking area is a key first step in making a facility accessible to all.
Conducting ADA Compliance Inspections
Regular accessibility inspections proactively ensure that spaces remain compliant and functional throughout design, construction, and long-term use. While building code inspections focus on structural and safety requirements, ADA Compliance inspections precisely assess usability and accessibility.
The Role of Accessibility Specialists
Ensuring accessibility compliance requires specialized knowledge of ADA, FHA, and state-specific regulations. While building code officials and general inspectors may review basic accessibility provisions, accessibility specialists focus exclusively on the details that impact usability and compliance.
In Texas, accessibility professionals are formally recognized as Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS) under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Under Texas state law, this designation allows RAS professionals to conduct official plan reviews and inspections. However, outside of Texas, accessibility specialists perform the same essential function—evaluating design plans, conducting site inspections, and helping project teams navigate federal, state, and local accessibility requirements.
The Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to meet accessibility standards can lead to unexpected challenges, including costly modifications, project delays, and legal disputes. However, the real impact of non-compliance goes beyond financial penalties—it affects usability, public perception, and long-term property value.
Steps to Achieve and Maintain Accessibility Compliance
1. Incorporate Accessibility Early in Design – Prevent conflicts between aesthetics, functionality, and compliance.
2. Conduct Accessibility Plan Reviews – Catch compliance gaps before permitting and construction with a Compliance Assessment.
3. Perform On-Site Inspections – Ensure proper installation of accessible features.
4. Stay up to Date on Regulations. Follow changing federal, state, and local codes.
5. Educate Staff and Facility Managers – Maintain compliance over the long term.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Accessibility for Better Design
Accessibility compliance isn’t just about regulations—it’s about creating spaces that work for everyone. Thoughtful accessibility planning ensures that buildings are functional, inclusive, and adaptable to the needs of all users while protecting project stakeholders from costly revisions and compliance risks.
At ACI, we support architects, developers, and property owners through every phase of accessibility compliance. Our expertise ensures that compliance is integrated into the design from the start, minimizing risks and maximizing usability.
Visit our website today to speak with a Registered Accessibility Specialist.
To learn more, visit www.acico.com
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Accessibility requirements vary by jurisdiction. Always consult federal, state, and local regulations and licensed professionals to ensure compliance.