Advice on Avoiding Issues with the ADA

First and foremost, what is the ADA?

It is the American Disabilities Act which pertains to all Commercial Real Estate transactions. The ADA defines disability as – “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.” This Federal bill includes everything from how you can hire and fire to how you can enter a building.

So how do you avoid issues with the ADA on Retail Properties?

Reading below is a good start to gain intel on some crucial accessibility problems to avoid.

The American Disabilities Act appoints retail businesses as “places of public accommodation” so developers must provide access for people with disabilities when constructing new facilities. Every space is unique and has its own set of problems but there are more common issues that will be discussed below.

  1. Curb Ramps. Not up to standards curb ramps are very common. The property may have curb ramps but, unfortunately, often times they do not comply since they do not have regulation slopes, dimensions, or landings. ADA requires curb ramps along the accessible route which includes the path from parking spaces. Noticeable warnings are necessary in local jurisdictions and certain states. Design details for curb ramps encompass clear landings at the top of the ramp, appropriately flared sides, and maximum slopes.
  2. The Legend of The Grandfather Clause. This is a major misunderstanding about the ADA in general, not specific to retail properties. The ADA is federal law, not a building code. Properties built before 1991 are not excluded by a grandfather clause. The ADA regulates that tenants and building owners are required to constantly remove familiar barriers.
  3. No Entry from Public Sidewalks. Retail properties need to include at least one accessible route from public transportation stops, streets and sidewalks. It’s necessary for these accessible routes to include maximum slopes, proper head clearances, free from obstructions, and minimum dimensions. Retail properties also need to grant easy access from buildings that are on the same site.
  4. Parking. This area of compliancy is often times complicated. Common issues are unacceptable striping/identifications of the parking spaces and too few ADA spaces. ADA Standards are very stringent about the markings, size, parking identification of accessible parking spaces, the ground slope, free from obstructions, and has to be adequately conserved.
  5. Historically Significant Facilities. City governments usually believe they have no duty to change historically significant buildings and facilities to improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

UES Consulting and our team of inspectors are well-versed in any needs related to Commercial Real Estate transactions. We’re aware how thorough and time-sensitive Phase I Environmental Site Assessments and Property Condition Assessments are and we can help the process run smoothly and close on time.

Join our Newsletter!

Kansas City Development Landscape Still Booming!

Even with the pandemic and the grim economic landscape of 2020, the greater Kansas City metro area continues to plow ahead with growth and building as we head into 2021. The Kansas City Business Journal recently outlined several top projects in our area and gave us an update on progress. You can read more on […]

Medical Office Buildings a Safe Haven Asset During Uncertain Times; Physician Practices Still Struggle

MBA CREF 2020

MBA CREF 2020 Recap

The UES team attended MBA CREF in San Diego this week. It’s always a great meeting, chocked full of quality education, networking with clients and making new connections. The MBA does a good job of delivering market trends, forecasts for the year ahead and information that we need to help guide our environmental consulting services. […]

Rethinking Adaptive Reuse Projects

What is an Adaptive Reuse Project? Adaptive reuse projects is the process of taking old buildings or sites, and reusing them for a purpose other than it was designed. When considering Adaptive reuse projects it’s important to understand if these investments make sense? Competition is increasing for developable land within certain asset classes, not to […]

Wrapping up summer with UES sponsoring the RISE Rooftop Crawl

RISE ROOFTOP CRAWL What is it?! Kansas City’s fifth annual rooftop crawl is an exciting and exclusive night to explore private rooftops all with unique eccentric themed parties benefitting nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters.  When is it?! Aug 24, 6:00 pm Come to the Crossroads to celebrate an evening full of networking, food, drinks, live […]

UES to sponsor CREW KC’s 16th Annual Golf Classic!

Join us at CREW Kansas City’s 16th Annual Golf Classic for an unforgettable day full of golf, networking, and supporting a wonderful organization! WHEN: AUGUST 15, 2019 WHERE: CREEKMOOR GOLF COURSE TIME: 8:00 AM REGISTRATION, 9:00 AM SHOTGUN START MORE DETAILS CREW KC and Creekmoor Golf Course have joined together for a great annual event. […]

What’s Next with Commercial Real Estate?

Commercial Real Estate has never been in a better spot but you have to ask the question, what’s coming next? MBA Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Research Jamie Woodwell expressed his opinion for the sector at the MBA Commercial/Multifamily Servicing & Technology Conference. “We’re currently in the longest economic expansion ever,” Woodwell said. “There […]

UES Investing in the Next Generation

UES employees were excited to sponsor a local event that raises support for youth in low income regions. We are passionate about empowering and equipping the next generation for success. The event, Power of Words, was held in the Power and Light District in Kansas City, Missouri by Youth Ambassadors(YA). YA is a not-for-profit organization […]

Everything to know about Qualified Opportunity Zones in the United States

So… what exactly is an Opportunity Zone? Opportunity Zones are economically-distressed communities where new investments, under specific conditions, might be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Districts are eligible to be Opportunity Zones if they have been submitted for that classification by the state and that submission has been certified by the Secretary of the U.S. […]

The What, Why, and How of a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment

So, what is a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment? A Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, commonly called an ESA, or Phase 1 ESA, is an assessment done to research the historical and current uses of a property as part of a Commercial Real Estate transaction. Why do Commercial Real Estate transactions require a Phase 1 […]

Women who are Inspiring the Commercial Real Estate Industry

Learn from 3 respected female leaders in the commercial real estate industry who have paved the way for other women in Commercial Real Estate. Find out their biggest lessons throughout their careers and apply them to your professional career.

CRE Investors! Here are 3 ways to quicken decisions in uncertain markets.

Check out 3 ways for CRE Investors to quicken decisions in uncertain markets. With movements and changes in the US economy and real estate industry it’s crucial for investors to keep up to pace and pivot to remain successful. Included are reasons for this change in the CRE industry, ideas to fill property space with new-age tenants and diverse tenants, ways to build capital relationships and maintain banking communication, and instructions to diversify your assets. Specific statistics and helpful practical steps combined with expertise from a leader of a commercial real estate firm qualify for a must-read. “To stay relevant, future real estate leaders need to continue on the path of innovation. While transformation is tough, the only way to continue growing is to advance with the times. As it was in previous cycles, great things come to those who are able to pivot during the hardest times.”