CASp Inspection Benefits For California Businesses
Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your business, welcoming more customers, and creating an inclusive community. A CASp inspection (Certified Access Specialist inspection) is one of the smartest investments a California business can make. Whether you run a restaurant in San Diego, manage a retail space in Los Angeles, or operate a medical office in Orange County, a CASp inspection provides both legal protections and practical solutions that help your business thrive.
What is a CASp Inspection?
A CASp inspection is a non-invasive site evaluation performed by a Certified Access Specialist (CASp). During this process, a trained expert surveys your property to evaluate if it complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the accessibility requirements of the California Building Code (CBC).
The inspection of facilities typically covers common problem areas such as:
Parking Lots and Loading Zones
Entrances and Exits
Restrooms and Drinking Fountains
Accessible Routes and Ramps
Dining Tables & Counters
Signage and wayfinding
When complete, you receive a detailed CASp Report that documents accessibility barriers, code citations, photos, and general recommendations for barrier removal. Businesses that are CASp inspected can also receive a Disability Access Inspection Certificate (DAIC), showing customers and employees that you take accessibility seriously.
Importantly, businesses inspected by a CASp may qualify as a Qualified Defendant under California law, which grants legal protections against accessibility lawsuits.
Why Hire a CASp Inspector?
Hiring a CASp inspector is about more than checking a compliance box—it’s about protecting your investment, reducing risks, and opening your doors to more people.
Legal Protection & Risk Reduction
Lawsuit Deterrence: A CASp inspection and report demonstrate proactive approach toward accessibility compliance, making your business less attractive to opportunistic serial litigants.
Qualified Defendant status: Properties that complete a CASp inspection and make a good faith effort toward achieving compliance can request a 90-day stay on construction related lawsuits filed and may be eligible for reduced statutory damages, lowering exposure from $4,000 to $1,000 per violation.
Enhanced Accessibility
Expert Evaluation: CASp inspectors are trained to spot subtle issues like slopes, door pressures, or sign placement that others may overlook.
Inclusive Environment: Removing barriers improves access for customers, employees, and visitors with disabilities.
Financial & Tax Benefits
Tax Incentives: Many improvements qualify for the federal Disabled Access Tax Credit or deductions.
Cost Savings: Fixing accessibility barriers early costs far less than defending a lawsuit or paying settlements.
Improved Reputation & Customer Trust
Positive Brand Image: Displaying a CASp certificate builds community trust.
Wider Customer Base: Accessibility improvements attract the nearly 1 in 4 Americans with a disability.
The CASp Inspection Process
At Proactive Access, our inspection process is straightforward and professional. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation – We’ll learn about your property, goals, and any past accessibility concerns.
On-Site Survey – A CASp inspector conducts a non-invasive review of your facility, including restrooms, parking, entries, signage, and more.
Detailed CASp Report – You’ll receive written documentation with photos, diagrams, code references, and a prioritized remediation plan.
Disability Access Inspection Certificate (DAIC) – Once complete, we order your official certificate from the state of California.
Ongoing Support – Our team is available to answer questions and assist with developing a barrier removal strategy. We also offer additional services such as plan review for future renovations.
Related: CASp Plan Review Services
What to Expect from Your CASp Report
Your CASp report is a comprehensive document that becomes your roadmap to compliance. It includes:
Photographic Documentation of existing accessibility barriers
Code citations from ADA Standards and CBC
Diagrams and measurements for clarity
Barrier removal recommendations prioritized by cost and impact
Plain-English explanations so business owners can easily understand findings
Want to see a sample report so you can see the level of detail before you commit?
CASp Legal Protections in California
California created the Certified Access Specialist program to encourage proactive compliance. Two key laws—SB 1608 and SB 1186—offer benefits to businesses that hire a CASp inspector:
90-day Stay of Litigation: Lawsuits are paused for 3 months to give businesses time to consult with legal counsel and develop a defense strategy that may involve correcting the alleged barriers.
Early Evaluation Conference (EEC): Encourages faster, less costly resolutions.
Reduced Damages: Statutory damages may be reduced from $4,000 to $1,000 per violation.
Deterrence of Frivolous Lawsuits: Displaying a “CASp Inspected” certificate signals good-faith compliance efforts.
By acting early, businesses gain immediate legal protections recognized in California—even before completing all recommended upgrades.
Who Needs a CASp Inspection
Any California business open to the public should consider a CASp inspection. It’s especially important for:
Restaurants – Frequent targets of accessibility lawsuits.
Retail Stores – Every public-facing element must be accessible.
Hotels & Lodging – Industry-specific requirements for rooms and amenities.
Medical Facilities – Higher compliance standards than most businesses.
Shopping Centers – Parking is a common trigger for lawsuits.
Gas Stations – Fuel pumps and convenience stores are frequent problem areas.
Choosing the Right CASp Inspector
Not all CASp inspectors offer the same level of expertise or service. Here’s why Proactive Access stands out:
Experience: Over 1,000 field evaluations for small shops and large corporations.
No Conflicts of Interest: We don’t perform construction work, so our reports are unbiased.
Fast Response Times: Calls and emails are answered quickly.
Ongoing Support: We remain a resource even after the inspection is complete.
Client-First Mission: We started our company to help businesses reduce legal risks and expand access.
Restaurants
Restaurants are one of the most targeted facilities by high frequency litigants. Our CASp Inspectors are very experienced with evaluating large and small restaurants.
San Diego & Los Angeles Facilities The We Service:
Retail Establishments
All areas that are open to the public in retail facilities must be accessible to people with disabilities. Our Certified Access Specialists will thoroughly evaluate all applicable areas and elements of the retail facility.
Hotels & Lodging
Lodging facilities have many accessibility requirements that are specific to the industry. Our consultants have surveyed large resorts, small boutique hotels and everything in between.
Medical and Dental Facilities
Medical facilities understandably have a higher level of accessibility standards compared to most public accommodations. Our experts will inspect all areas and elements of the medical facility.
Commercial Facilities
Shopping Centers are most often exposed to accessibility related litigation because of parking, which is the most common allegation in ADA lawsuits. Our experts have evaluated commercial facilities of all sizes.
Gas Stations and Convenience Stores
Fuel stations are often targeted by high frequency litigants for non-compliant fuel pumps as well as inaccessible convenience stores. Our CASp inspectors will inspect all areas and elements of the fuel station facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Costs vary depending on property size and complexity. We provide free customized quotes after reviewing your facility details.
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There is no “grandfather clause” in the ADA. All public accommodations must meet minimum standards, regardless of age.
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No. The CASp report allows you to create a reasonable timeline for barrier removal. Legal protections begin the day of inspection.
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Most inspections are completed in one day, with reports delivered within 3-5 business days following the inspection.
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Yes. We provide ongoing support, answer questions, and can review plans for future renovations.
A Proactive Approach to ADA Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, yet many businesses are still non-compliant today. A common misconception is that older buildings are “grandfathered” into compliance—this is not true.
California goes even further with the California Building Code (CBC), which often has stricter requirements than the federal ADA. These overlapping rules can be confusing for business owners.
That’s where Proactive Access comes in. We take the guesswork out of compliance, explain what is required, and help you prioritize cost-effective solutions. Each improvement reduces legal exposure and expands your customer base.
Related: Learn About ADA Inspections
Don’t wait for a lawsuit to find out your property isn’t compliant. A CASp inspection is the most effective way to protect your business, gain peace of mind, and welcome more customers.