As the City of Clovis works toward ensuring ADA compliance at all facilities, both public and private, they have updated their requirements for development in order to assist in protecting the business community from vexatious litigants while also ensuring access for everyone in their City. Lars Andersen & Associates has been assisting the City as they make every effort to accomplish this goal, contributing our expertise in the area of accessibility. In the course of our discussions with Clovis officials, they have advised us that all ADA related site modifications require permits – even if the upgrade consists of only re-striping a parking lot or modification of signage.
Through this prerequisite, the City is actively pursuing its goal of ensuring compliance at all facilities within its limits; by requiring permits and the subsequent inspections, the likelihood of compliance is improved as the changes have the opportunity to be checked by individuals who are up on the most current Accessibility requirements. This also creates a permanent record for the altered site for future reference. The cost of this permit is generally comparable to the cost of an inspection down the line.
As a result of the consistently high level of confusion concerning ADA requirements and obligations, the City is now recommending the following:
- Business and commercial property owners employ a Certified Accessibility Specialist (CASp) to provide an onsite inspection and prepare a CASp report.
- The CASp report is the basis by which a Licensed Design Professional prepares drawings.
- Site and/or building components to be altered for ADA compliance are identified in the drawings and submitted to Building Division for review and approval.
- A permit is issued, inspection(s) requested as required.
- Project completed.
While some may consider this another hurdle to overcome in the course of operating a business, it is important to remember that these requirements have been put in place in order to protect the business community. Adhering to the strict requirements laid down in the California Building Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is proving to be essential as serial litigants continue to target valley facilities.
Be sure and check with your local Building Department often to make sure you are up to date on requirements!
Fresno CASp 