ADA Compliance for Older Santa Cruz Buildings

The Historic Building Accessibility Challenge

Your business is in a beautiful historic building on Pacific Avenue. Built in 1920. Three steps up to entrance. Narrow doorways. Bathroom on second floor. No elevator.

A customer in a wheelchair approaches. They can't enter. They leave frustrated. You feel terrible—you want to serve everyone—but renovating for full accessibility would cost $80,000+. Your landlord says it's "not their responsibility." And you're not sure what's legally required vs. what's optional.

This is the ADA dilemma for many Santa Cruz businesses operating in older buildings: the law requires accessibility, but buildings weren't designed for it, and retrofitting is expensive or physically impossible.

Here's what you're actually required to do—and what practical solutions exist.

Understanding ADA Requirements

What ADA Requires:

Title III of ADA: Places of public accommodation must be accessible to people with disabilities.

"Accessible" means:

• Accessible entrance (no stairs, or ramp provided)
• Wide enough doorways (32" minimum clear width)
• Accessible routes through facility
• Accessible bathrooms
• Accessible parking (if you have parking lot)
• Service counters at accessible height
• Appropriate signage

The "Readily Achievable" Standard for Existing Buildings:

Good news: Older buildings don't have to meet same standards as new construction.

"Readily achievable" means: Easily accomplishable without much difficulty or expense

What this means practically:

• You must make reasonable modifications that don't create undue financial burden
• Simple, low-cost fixes = required
• Expensive structural changes that would bankrupt a small business = may not be required

Examples of "readily achievable":

• Installing a portable ramp ($500-2,000)
• Rearranging furniture to widen pathways ($0)
• Lowering display shelves for wheelchair access ($200)
• Adding grab bars in bathrooms ($100-300)

Examples of NOT "readily achievable" (may be exempt):

• Installing elevator in 2-story building ($150,000+)
• Completely rebuilding entrance (structural impossibility)
• Modifications that would destroy historic character

Practical Solutions for Common Accessibility Barriers

Problem #1: Steps at Entrance

Solutions (in order of cost/feasibility):

1. Portable ramp: $500-2,000, can be moved, no structural changes (most common solution)
2. Permanent ramp: $3,000-8,000, requires construction, more accessible but expensive
3. Alternative accessible entrance: If back or side entrance is level, designate as accessible entrance with signage
4. Assisted entry: Offer to help customers up stairs (NOT compliant, but better than nothing while you work on permanent solution)

Recommendation: Install portable ramp immediately (it's affordable and likely legally required).

Problem #2: Narrow Doorways or Aisles

Solutions:

• Rearrange displays to create wider pathways (32" minimum for wheelchairs)
• Remove unnecessary furniture or fixtures
• Install French doors or double doors (widens entrance from 30" to 60")
• If structurally impossible to widen, document this and provide alternative service (bring products to customer outside, offer online ordering)

Problem #3: Inaccessible Bathrooms

If bathroom is upstairs or through narrow hallway:

• Best solution: Install accessible bathroom on main floor ($10,000-30,000)
• Budget alternative: Partner with nearby business to allow your customers to use their accessible bathroom
• Temporary solution: Post signage showing nearest accessible public restrooms, offer to call taxi/rideshare if needed

Note: If you're remodeling bathrooms anyway, you MUST make them ADA-compliant. No exemptions for renovations.

Problem #4: Service Counter Too High

Requirement: At least portion of counter must be 34" high or lower (wheelchair accessible)

Solutions:

• Lower section of existing counter (carpenter, $500-1,500)
• Add separate lower transaction surface adjacent to main counter ($200-500)
• Use mobile transaction method (bring iPad/terminal to customer wherever they are)

When Compliance Feels Impossible

Document "Undue Hardship":

If modifications are genuinely not feasible:

• Get professional assessment (architect or ADA consultant)
• Document why modifications are impossible or would create undue financial burden
• Show what alternatives you ARE providing (online ordering, curb service, etc.)

Legal protection: If sued, you can demonstrate good-faith effort and legitimate hardship.

Alternative Service Methods:

If physical space can't be made fully accessible, provide equivalent service:

• Curbside service: Customer calls/texts, you bring products outside
• Online ordering with delivery: Eliminates need for physical access
• House calls: For service businesses, offer to come to customer's accessible location
• Video consultations: For professional services

Legal standard: Must provide "equal access" to goods/services, even if access method is different.

Funding Accessibility Improvements

Disabled Access Tax Credit:

Federal tax credit for small businesses (under 30 employees or $1M revenue):

• 50% tax credit on accessibility expenditures between $250-$10,250
• Maximum credit: $5,000/year
• Covers ramps, grab bars, wider doors, accessible restrooms, etc.

Example: Spend $6,000 on accessibility improvements
Tax credit: 50% × ($6,000 - $250) = $2,875
Net cost: $3,125

California State Grants and Programs:

• CASp (Certified Access Specialist) Inspection Program: Get free or low-cost accessibility assessment
• Small Business Technical Assistance: Free guidance from disability access specialists

The Bottom Line: Do What's Reasonable, Document What's Not

ADA compliance in older Santa Cruz buildings requires balance:

1. Make readily achievable improvements: Ramps, clear pathways, accessible service
2. Document genuine barriers: Get professional assessment of what's physically/financially impossible
3. Provide alternative access: Curbside, delivery, online options
4. Budget for gradual improvements: Use tax credits to offset costs
5. Consult attorney if uncertain: Better to ask than risk lawsuit

Perfect accessibility might not be achievable in 1920s buildings, but meaningful access is always possible.