Making your property accessible to people with disabilities is both a legal and ethical obligation. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), commercial buildings must be physically accessible to people with disabilities, including employees.
If you own a commercial building, it is crucial to comply with ADA standards. Failure to do so can lead to legal issues, penalties and, in worst cases, business closure.
What are the accessibility standards for commercial buildings?
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design set certain requirements, features and adjustments a commercial building must have. These include but are not limited to:
- Wheelchair ramps
- Wide doorways
- Handrails on both sides of stairs and ramps
- Wheelchair-friendly bathrooms
- Special parking spaces
- Signage for the visually impaired
These are just some of the standards you have to follow. It is highly advisable to read the 2010 guidebook and have a professional conduct audits.
What businesses are required to meet these standards?
Generally, all new buildings must follow ADA’s standards. If your building is older, you must also remain ADA-compliant when making changes to the structure.
However, not all ADA requirements are easily attainable. If a feature is too difficult or expensive to carry out, you can argue that this is an undue burden. In such cases, you may be able to propose other modifications.
What are the penalties for noncompliance?
Failing to follow ADA rules can result in huge fines:
- $75,000 for the first violation
- $150,000 for every other violation after the first one
Moreover, you could face lawsuits from private parties, which could add even more financial difficulty.
Regular audits and careful consideration of the law are the key to avoiding these penalties. If you are concerned about your building’s ADA compliance, consider speaking to a commercial real estate attorney. They can help make sure your property follows all the rules and address any legal issues that may arise.