Question about ADA (no one seems to be doing it?)

[David Switzer]

Hey all!

I recently bought a commercial condo (retail) and have been going through hoops with the seller (developer) to make changes to make the space ADA compliant.  Putting in a ramp, adding grab bars in bathroom, raising the sink height, etc.  

However, as I walk down the street in my city, I see tons of retail businesses that definitely do not comply.  Stairs are the only way to get in, no grab rails in the bathroom, ramps that are too steep, etc.

From what I've read, all commercial businesses/buildings (including ones before the ADA was passed) have to comply with the rules, unless it would be outrageously tough to fix (like installing an elevator in an already built building).

Are all these local business just not complying and taking the risk, or am I missing something?  The fines are huge.

[Chris Seveney]

Quote from @David Switzer:

Hey all!

I recently bought a commercial condo (retail) and have been going through hoops with the seller (developer) to make changes to make the space ADA compliant.  Putting in a ramp, adding grab bars in bathroom, raising the sink height, etc.  

However, as I walk down the street in my city, I see tons of retail businesses that definitely do not comply.  Stairs are the only way to get in, no grab rails in the bathroom, ramps that are too steep, etc.

From what I've read, all commercial businesses/buildings (including ones before the ADA was passed) have to comply with the rules, unless it would be outrageously tough to fix (like installing an elevator in an already built building).

Are all these local business just not complying and taking the risk, or am I missing something?  The fines are huge.

 One of two reasons most likely:

1. They are grandfathered in, the property was built prior to those standards. If this is the case then typically you only have to comply when you make alterations.

2. They cannot comply. For example I am near old town alexandria and the businesses are 200 year old row homes and there is no place to put ramps to get in establishments and door openings are not wide enough, but that is because they also could never comply.