ADA Compliance

Adherence to the accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and related standards, ensuring that buildings and facilities are usable by people with disabilities.

What is ADA Compliance?

ADA compliance refers to meeting the accessibility requirements established by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. For buildings and facilities, ADA compliance means designing and constructing spaces that are accessible to and usable by people with a wide range of physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities.

ADA Standards for Accessible Design

The ADA Standards for Accessible Design (published by the Department of Justice) establish specific technical requirements for accessible routes, doorways, ramps, elevators, restrooms, parking, signage, and numerous other building features. These standards specify dimensions, clearances, slopes, and design features that ensure accessibility — for example, a minimum 60-inch turning radius for wheelchair access in restrooms.

ADA vs. State Accessibility Codes

The ADA sets a federal baseline, but many states have adopted more stringent accessibility requirements. California's accessibility standards (CBC Chapter 11B), for instance, exceed ADA requirements in several areas. Building designs must comply with both the ADA and the applicable state and local accessibility codes, applying whichever standard is more stringent for each specific requirement.

ADA and the Permit Process

Accessibility compliance is reviewed as part of the building permit plan review process. Many jurisdictions have dedicated accessibility plan reviewers. Accessibility violations are among the most common correction comments, particularly for restroom design, accessible routes, and parking. ADA compliance is also subject to private enforcement through lawsuits, making it a significant liability consideration for commercial property owners.