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Handicap Accessibility - Submittal and Inspection Timeline PDF Print E-mail
Written by Andrew Thiess   
Monday, 15 June 2009 00:00
Andrew Thiess, PEI run into a lot of people with different ideas on when Texas Accessibility Standards ("TAS") submittals and inspections are due.  "I just have to get the inspection within a year of finishing my project, right?"  Well, almost.  The guideline at the bottom of this message is a simple aid to stay out of trouble.

The handicap accessibility rules in Texas, known as the the Texas Accessibility Standards, or "TAS", are important rules.  They ensure the state is compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is designed to protect over 50 million people in this country with physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental disabilities.  They ensure your family members, or maybe even you yourself someday, will have access to the school, the library, the grocery store, the bank and your favorite restaurant.

It is important to follow the TAS guidelines not just to be a good person, but to avoid fines.  The state can and will fine you from $500 to $3,000 for a first violation, and up to $5,000 a day for each violation thereafter.  You give the state an estimated date for completion of construction when you first register your project.  If the state does not receive paperwork showing the inspection was done within a year of this date, your file will go to enforcement and you will receive a notice of violation with a $1,500 to $2,000 fine, for starters.  

The best way to avoid an enforcement action is to follow the plan review and inspection timeline.

Keep in mind the TAS applies to any privately funded building defined as a "public accomodation" or "commercial facility", as well as any building funded or leased by the state, county or municipality.  The only exception is any portion of a building used for "religious ritual".  Remember, all projects are required to follow the standards.  However you are only required to register your project with the state if the estimated construction cost is over $50,000.

Below is a quick guide to when submittals and inspections are due:
  • Register the project with the state (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, or TDLR) prior to applying for your building permit.  The city permit department should require proof of registration before issuing you a building permit.  Registration can also be done by your Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS).  Cost $175.  Registration online at: https://www.license.state.tx.us/ABProjectRegistrationOnline/.
  • Submit plans for review by a RAS or by the state within 5 business days of issuing the plans.  The date of issuing the plans is the date the sealed plans were issued for the purpose of construction or for a building permit.  Review cost from $250 to $1,175, varies according to estimated construction cost.
  • Request an inspection by a RAS or by the state within 30 days of completion of construction.  The RAS or the state has up to one year from completion of construction to complete the inspection.  Inspection cost from $350 to $1,175, varies according to estimated construction cost.

Hiring a good Registered Accessibiliy Specialist, or "RAS", up front to do your registration, plan reviews and inspections can be the best way to avoid surprises and be sure your project stays on track.

For information on Overland Assessments, contact:
Andrew Thiess, RAS, PMP, PE
phone: (832) 250-2899
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
www.overlandassessments.com
 

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Contact Overland today to discuss your upcoming construction and property projects. We are a professional firm that is dedicated to providing undivided attention and unsurpassed service to our clients.  You can call us at the contact number below, or use the Quick Contact email form and we will reply within one day.

Universal Phone:  832-250-2899

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Email:  athiess@overlandassessments.com

 

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