CASp inspections are your first line of defence against ADA lawsuits and costly penalties. In California—where accessibility violations are the most heavily litigated in the country—getting ahead of compliance isn’t just smart, it’s essential. This guide walks you through what a CASp inspection is, what it includes, and how it protects your business legally and financially.

What You Need to Know

CASp inspections identify ADA and Title 24 compliance issues in public spaces
Completing one earns qualified defendant status, reducing penalties and delaying lawsuits
Applies to a wide range of properties—retail, restaurants, medical offices, and more
Average cost is $750–$3,500, but one lawsuit can exceed $25,000
Best time to act? Before complaints, permits, or remodels

Why ADA Lawsuits in California Are So Common

California leads the nation in ADA Title III lawsuits, with over 10,000 claims filed annually in the U.S.—and nearly half happening here. Thanks to the Unruh Civil Rights Act, each violation can bring a $4,000 fine, even for minor, unintentional issues.

And here’s what many don’t realise: ADA laws are based on strict liability. That means good intentions don’t matter. If your site has access barriers like missing signs, slope issues, or poorly installed grab bars—you’re exposed.

That’s why a CASp inspection is a crucial risk management step.

Make ADA compliance easy – Hire one of our friendly CASp’s today!

What Is a CASp Inspection and Why Should You Care?

Who Qualifies as a CASp?

A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is trained and licensed by California’s Division of the State Architect (DSA). Their job? Identify whether your building meets the ADA Standards for Accessible Design and California Title 24 building codes.

This title, created by SB 1608 and Civil Code Sections 55.52–55.54, is unique to California and offers strong legal protections.

What’s Included in the Inspection?

Before issuing a report, your CASp inspector will walk the property and check:

Entrances, exits, and doors
Parking spaces, signage, and aisle widths
Restrooms, counters, and transaction areas
Clearances, slopes, and accessible paths of travel

After the inspection, they’ll prepare a detailed Access Compliance Report (ACR) and, if applicable, issue a Disability Access Inspection Certificate.

You can learn more about what’s included in a CASp inspection and how to prepare for one.

What Legal and Financial Protections Does a CASp Inspection Offer?

You Become a “Qualified Defendant”

By completing a CASp inspection before a complaint, you qualify for:

A 90-day legal stay on lawsuits
Reduced fines (as low as $1,000 per violation)
A chance to correct violations before litigation proceeds

This helps buy time, reduce costs, and show you’re acting in good faith.

Bonus: Insurance, Permits, and Buyer Confidence

Some insurers offer policy discounts when CASp documentation is on file.
Permitting processes often move faster with CASp-reviewed plans.
For sellers or landlords, it builds trust and smooths lease or escrow processes.

PRO TIP!

Investing in a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) ensures your property meets accessibility standards, safeguarding against costly non-compliance issues.

Emily Johnson

Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Inspector

Which Businesses Are Most at Risk and Most in Need?

Any property open to the public should consider a CASp inspection, but certain sectors face more frequent scrutiny:

Restaurants, cafes, and food service
Retail shops and strip malls
Medical clinics, dental offices, and therapy centres
Gyms, yoga studios, and fitness centres
Hotels, motels, and short-term lodging
Gas stations and convenience stores

Even shared amenities in multi-family buildings may fall under ADA rules. If you manage a restaurant, hotel, or medical office, you’re likely in the high-risk category.

When Should You Schedule?

Plan an inspection if:

- You’re about to renovate or upgrade a site
- You’ve received a formal complaint or notice
- You’re preparing to sell or lease
- You haven’t been evaluated in 3–5 years

Case Studies: Businesses Saved By A CASp

Many businesses have benefited from working with a CASp inspector.

Here are a few examples of how CASps have helped businesses avoid costly lawsuits and improve their reputation:

Restaurant Overcomes Accessibility Challenges: A bustling downtown eatery faced the imminent threat of a costly lawsuit due to inaccessible restrooms. By partnering with a CASP, the restaurant swiftly identified and rectified the issues. This newfound inclusivity translated into positive word-of-mouth, attracting a broader clientele.
Hotel Improves Guest Experience: Working closely with a CASP, they implemented a comprehensive accessibility upgrade. The results were astounding. Increased guest satisfaction led to soaring online reviews and a significant uptick in repeat bookings. The hotel’s commitment to accessibility became a key differentiator in a competitive market.

What Happens After the Inspection? Understanding the CASp Report

What the ACR Includes

The Access Compliance Report (ACR) outlines:

Items that are readily achievable fixes (like signage)
Items that may need construction or structural updates
Suggested timelines and prioritised actions

It’s a legal document that supports your compliance efforts—and shows that you’re taking steps to correct any issues.

Disability Access Certificate: Public Signal of Good Faith

This certificate can be displayed at your entrance. It doesn’t guarantee compliance, but it deters opportunistic lawsuits by showing your site has been reviewed by a state-certified expert.

If your facility includes a spa, hot tub, or pool, ADA pool and spa compliance inspections can help you meet unique aquatic facility standards.

CASp vs. ADA Consultant: What’s the Difference?

While ADA consultants can give advice, only CASp inspectors:

Are certified by the California DSA
Can issue a court-accepted Access Compliance Report
Are legally authorised to designate your business as a qualified defendant

If you’re paying for an audit, it should be from someone with the credentials to give you legal protection.

Common Problems Found During CASp Inspections

Across hundreds of cases, CASp inspectors regularly find:

Improper grab bar placements (wrong height or angle)
Restrooms with insufficient turning space
Excessively steep ramps or curb cuts
Faded, missing, or incorrect ADA parking signage
Entry doors that require too much force to open

Concerned about access to your facility from the street or lot? A dedicated parking lot inspection can address one of the most frequent pain points in ADA lawsuits.

Best Times to Act: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Strategic times to get inspected include:

Before construction, renovation, or tenant build-outs
After receiving access complaints or warnings
When preparing for a sale or lease
As part of a routine audit every 3–5 years

If you operate a residential property or manage a government facility, CASp services can be tailored to your property type

Let us help you get compliant, Contact us today.

CASp Inspection FAQs for Property Owners

Is a CASp inspection mandatory?

No. But it’s the only path to obtain “qualified defendant” protections under California law.

Can I use my CASp report in legal proceedings?

Yes, but only if the inspection is done before any lawsuit is filed.

How often should I get re-inspected?

Every 3–5 years, or after any major remodel, permitting, or tenant change.

No. But it’s the only path to obtain “qualified defendant” protections under California law.

Yes, but only if the inspection is done before any lawsuit is filed.

Every 3–5 years, or after any major remodel, permitting, or tenant change.

How much does it cost to hire a CASp?

The cost of hiring a CASp varies depending on the size and complexity of your business. It is an investment that can save you money in the long run by preventing costly lawsuits and fines.

Secure Your ADA Compliance Before It’s Too Late

ADA lawsuits don’t come with a warning but a CASp inspection gives you one. It’s not just about avoiding fines. It’s about creating accessible spaces and showing you care.

If you’re unsure where to start or need guidance on your specific property type, schedule a CASp inspection and take the first step toward proactive compliance.

Trusted Legal and Regulatory Resources

To dig deeper into CASp inspections and ADA compliance requirements, explore these primary sources:

These authoritative resources can help you better understand the law, navigate updates, and prepare your business for compliance.

Written by Emily Johnson

Emily Johnson is a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Inspector and is passionate about making spaces accessible for all. With over 10 years of experience and degrees in Civil Engineering and Architecture, she inspires others while championing ADA awareness.

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