Special Services

Special Services

CALIFORNIA CASp INSPECTIONS

California implemented a program that certifies inspectors as CASp, Certified Access Specialist.  It applies to California Building Code Chapter 11B public accommodation occupancies, not Chapter 11A for Privately funded multiunit housing.  CASps have successfully passed a comprehensive exam administered by DSA to ensure they are knowledgeable on the applicable building code for existing buildings of all ages.

The disability access inspection certificate (Certificate) is a record of inspection, not a certificate of compliance. A CASp does not certify that a facility meets compliance with issuance of a Certificate. A Certificate is required to be issued to you with a CASp inspection report whether or not your facility is determined to meet applicable construction-related accessibility standards.

If aCASp inspection report has a determination of “inspected by a CASp” you should strive to adhere to your schedule for improvements to come into compliance with applicable construction-related accessibility standards. Keep the CASp inspection report in your records. After improvements to come into compliance have been made to your property, you do not need to obtain a final inspection from a CASp in order to obtain or maintain “qualified defendant” status; however, you may elect to do so to ensure that improvements were made in compliance to the applicable standards. Most important, maintain the accessible features of your facility.

CASp Certified Team Members:

MIchael B Schneider, Principal, CASp

W. Bart Sanderson, Associate, Technical Director, CASp

Paul Bishop, RA (CA), Sub-Consultant, CASp

 

TEXAS TAS INSPECTIONS BY Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS)

In Texas, for public accommodations, facilities need to meet the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), which is essentially the same as he 2010 ADA Standards.  It is required that public accommodations including a Leasing Office at a multiunit housing project have plans be reviewed by a Texas Registered Accessibility Specialist prior to obtaining a permit, and again prior to obtaining a certificate of occupancy.

Steve Dombrowski, Senior Consultant is Texas Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS), licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), at Endelman & Associates.

 

SAN FRANCISCO MANDATORY DISABILITY ACCESS IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM - For Public Accommodation Entrances

Pursuant to Ordinance No. 51-16 effective May 2016, all primary entrances and path of travel to non-exempt public accommodations constructed prior to 2002 are required to be assessed using the “Category Checklist Compliance Form”.  The assessment must be performed by a CA Licensed Architect or CASp (Certified Access Specialist).  Each separate public entrance such as a Leasing Office and all retail tenant spaces requires a survey using a separate form and filing fee.  The form includes an assessment of entrance and path of travel deficiencies per California Building Code and requires proposed Barrier Remediation documentation as part of a fully prescribed process.  Entrances must comply or receive a determination of equivalent facilitation, technical infeasibility or unreasonable hardship from the SF Dept, of Building inspection.

 

Our California Architects or CASp staff can perform this service for Owners and Tenants.

 

IF YOU HAVE A UNIQUE ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS, ASK US