What You Need to Know About Commercial ADA Issues
32% of Our Clients Are Concerned About ADA Compliance — Here’s What You Need to Know
Only 32% (not nearly enough) of our clients tell us they’re concerned about ADA compliance during a commercial property inspection, they’re thinking ahead—and protecting themselves. ADA violations don’t just create barriers for visitors or tenants—they can result in lawsuits, fines, failed leases, and major renovation expenses.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through:
Why ADA compliance is a growing concern
5 of the most common accessibility issues we find
What our commercial inspection includes regarding ADA
How to stay ahead of violations and avoid legal risks
Let’s break down what building accessibility really means—and how to get it right.
Why ADA Compliance Worries Commercial Clients
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires most commercial properties open to the public to provide accessible routes, features, and amenities. Even buildings constructed before 1990 (the year ADA became law) must be modified when “readily achievable.”
Here’s why clients are right to pay close attention:
1. Noncompliance Can Lead to Costly Lawsuits
ADA lawsuits are often filed without notice by “testers” or legal firms. If a building lacks proper ramps, signage, door clearances, or restroom features, the fines and legal fees can escalate fast.
2. Property Modifications Are Often Required
Even small upgrades—new signage, door hardware, or sink modifications—can add up if required across a large property. Clients want to know what will need to change before they close.
3. Code and ADA Aren’t Always the Same
A building may meet local codes but still violate federal ADA standards. This disconnect causes confusion—and risk—for buyers, sellers, and tenants.
4. Tenants and Occupants Demand Accessibility
More and more, businesses and customers expect accessible spaces for mobility, vision, hearing, and cognitive challenges. Compliance enhances marketability and inclusivity.
5 Common ADA Accessibility Issues in Commercial Buildings
Here are the most frequent compliance failures we encounter during commercial inspections:
1. Non-Compliant Ramps and Entrances
Slopes greater than 1:12, missing handrails, or steps without alternate access are all violations. Many buildings still rely on “side door” access instead of fully inclusive main entries.
2. Insufficient Parking Signage and Striping
ADA-compliant parking spaces require exact dimensions, slope, and access aisles—plus visible, properly mounted signage. Even one missing sign can trigger a violation.
3. Restrooms That Don’t Meet Requirements
We often see restrooms with toilets positioned incorrectly, mirrors mounted too high, inaccessible sinks, or lack of grab bars. Even if they’re labeled “accessible,” they often don’t meet the 2010 ADA Standards.
4. Door Hardware and Clearance Issues
Knob-style handles, heavy doors, and narrow clearances all violate ADA. Tenants with mobility devices often struggle with doors that require more than 5 pounds of force or don’t have proper maneuvering space.
5. Path of Travel Obstructions
Even if the building has ramps and elevators, a planter box, display rack, or unlevel surface in a hallway can violate ADA rules. Routes must be clear, slip-resistant, and consistently 36 inches wide.
What Our Commercial ADA Compliance Review Includes
Our standard inspection includes a high-level, visual review of ADA accessibility features. While we don’t perform a certified ADA audit, we identify and document deficiencies in accordance with the CCPIA ComSOP, and industry best practices.
✔ Accessible Route Assessment
We inspect sidewalks, ramps, doorways, and common areas for slope, clearances, railings, surface quality, and transitions. We note non-compliant or missing features.
✔ Parking Lot and Entry Review
We assess parking stalls for size, signage, slopes, and access aisles. Entrances are checked for thresholds, automatic operators, ramps, and signage.
✔ Restroom Accessibility Check
We review a representative sample of restrooms for accessible stalls, grab bars, sink height, faucet type, mirror height, and turning radius.
✔ Door Hardware and Interior Access
We observe whether door handles are ADA compliant (lever-style), if doors open within acceptable pressure limits, and if maneuvering space is provided around doorways.
✔ Elevators and Vertical Circulation (If Applicable)
We inspect elevator size, button height, braille markings, and accessibility to upper floors or mezzanines.
✔ Signage and Wayfinding Elements
We note whether required signs are present at restrooms, exits, and accessible routes—including tactile, braille, and visual height compliance.
✔ Reporting and Referrals
We document observed deficiencies with photos and commentary, and recommend evaluation by an ADA specialist or accessibility consultant when appropriate.
How to Proactively Improve ADA Compliance
If you’re a commercial building owner, here’s how to reduce risk and improve accessibility:
➤ Start With a Barrier Removal Checklist
Focus on high-impact, low-cost improvements that are “readily achievable” under ADA law—such as signage, door handles, and restroom fixtures.
➤ Prioritize Public Access Areas
ADA requirements apply most strictly to spaces open to the public. Focus first on entries, restrooms, and circulation areas in lobbies, retail floors, and common areas.
➤ Maintain Your Parking Lot
Faded striping, missing signs, or repaved lots that don’t restore proper slopes are major red flags. Keep these areas visibly compliant.
➤ Train Staff and Tenants
Make sure your property management team understands ADA basics and is prepared to document and respond to complaints quickly and respectfully.
➤ Budget for Long-Term Improvements
Not all ADA fixes are cheap. Plan for phased upgrades, such as elevator retrofits or door widening, and track them as part of your capital improvement plan.
Conclusion: ADA Compliance Protects You—and Everyone Who Enters Your Building
Accessibility isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits—it’s about creating buildings that welcome everyone. By identifying ADA gaps early and making reasonable improvements over time, you can ensure your commercial property is safe, inclusive, and legally sound.
Need Help Understanding Your ADA Compliance Risk?
ADA compliance isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s a commitment to inclusivity, safety, and business success. With only 32% of clients prioritizing accessibility during inspections, proactive steps today can prevent major liabilities tomorrow.
At Focus Building Inspections, we help you uncover ADA compliance risks early, so you can address them thoughtfully and protect your property, your business, and your community. Make your building a place where everyone feels welcome—and where you stay protected.
Schedule your commercial inspection or contact us today. We’ll help you identify potential violations and develop a plan for improvement.
Questions This Article Answers
Why is ADA compliance critical for commercial property owners and buyers?
What are the legal and financial risks of ADA noncompliance?
How does ADA compliance differ from local building codes?
What are the most common ADA accessibility issues found during inspections?
How do accessible parking spaces and entryways impact compliance?
What does a commercial ADA compliance review from Focus Building Inspections include?
How can owners and managers proactively address ADA deficiencies?
Why is maintaining clear, accessible paths of travel important?
What steps should be taken to maintain ADA compliance in parking lots and restrooms?
How can phased improvements and staff training support long-term accessibility?
Bibliography / Resources
ADA.gov. (2010). 2010 ADA standards for accessible design. U.S. Department of Justice. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm
International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. (n.d.). ADA inspection checklist for inspectors. InterNACHI. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.nachi.org/ada-accessibility.htm
International Code Council. (2021). Accessibility codes and standards overview. ICC. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/i-codes
U.S. Access Board. (n.d.). ADA accessibility guidelines (ADAAG). Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.access-board.gov/ada/
U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). ADA compliance guide for small businesses. Retrieved April 25, 2025, from https://www.ada.gov/smbusgd.pdf