Path of Travel Evaluations
Accessible Path of Travel
Evaluation of the accessible path of travel applies to existing facilities that are planning an alteration. Both the ADA and California Building Code require an accessible path of travel to areas public accommodation. If there are barriers to accessibility on the path of travel to the area of alteration, then 20% of adjusted construction cost must be allocated to removing those barriers.
PATH OF TRAVEL. An identifiable accessible route within an existing site, building or facility by means of which a particular area may be approached, entered and exited, and which connects a particular area with an exterior approach (including sidewalks, streets, and parking areas), an entrance to the facility, and other parts of the facility. When alterations, structural repairs or additions are made to existing buildings or facilities, the term “path of travel” also includes the toilet and bathing facilities, telephones, drinking fountains and signs serving the area of work.
Here is an example of how the Path of Travel requirement applies; Let’s say a tenant is altering a retail facility within a commercial shopping center. The adjusted construction cost of the project is $100,000. Before plans are submitted to the local jurisdiction, the accessible route between the public right of way and the area of alteration may be required to be inspected by a licensed architect or Certified Access Specialist (CASp). If there are restrooms, drinking fountains, telephones, signs, alarms and accessible parking that serves the area of alteration, those too will be included in the scope of inspection. If the CASp Inspector finds elements that are in non-compliance with current accessibility standards, then the owner and/or tenant will be required to spend up to $20,000 on improvement of those elements. Unless of course, full compliance can be achieved for a lower dollar amount.
If the owner, tenant or designer submit plans to the jurisdiction indicating that the accessible path of travel is compliant without actually having it inspected by a licensed architect or CASp inspector, there is potential for the building official to delay the project upon final inspection. This is actually a common yet avoidable problem that we have observed over the years. We highly recommend contracting with a Certified Access Specialist as early in the project as possible. Ideally, the path of travel is evaluated during the conceptual design phase so that improvements of the CASp inspectors findings can be included in the final design and budget. Our experienced CASp Consultants have assisted our clients during every phase of construction. Our typical services include:
Path of Travel Inspections
Site visits during rough construction
CASp Inspections with a Disability Access Inspection Certificate Upon Final Inspection
Our CASp inspectors have completed hundreds of Path of Travel evaluations for property owners, business owners, architects, contractors and property managers. Initial consultations and estimates are always free. If you have an upcoming project or if you are currently in construction, do not hesitate to reach out to our office if you have a question about construction-related disability access.