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ADA Compliance Inspections Across California

CASp-certified inspections for 39 cities. Contractor-ready scope of work. Same-day preliminary findings.

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CASp #991Built Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical CenterMS Structural EngineeringTutor Perini Veteran$1M Insured

California's Unique ADA Enforcement Framework

California imposes stricter accessibility requirements than federal ADA law alone. The state's Civil Code §55.51–55.56 creates a private right of action that allows any individual to file suit against a property owner for accessibility barriers—without proving actual injury. The result: California accounts for roughly 40% of all ADA Title III lawsuits filed nationally, making it the highest-risk state for commercial property owners.

Two landmark bills shape the current enforcement landscape. SB 1186 established the CASp incentive program, giving property owners who obtain a CASp inspection report access to statutory protections including reduced minimum damages, mandatory early evaluation conferences, and a 90-day stay of litigation. SB 269 extended these protections by codifying Qualified Defendant status for property owners who have either completed a CASp inspection or are actively remediating identified barriers under a compliance schedule.

Together, these laws create a clear path: property owners who invest in a CASp inspection before a lawsuit is filed gain meaningful legal advantages. Those who wait face uncapped statutory damages, attorney fee exposure, and no procedural protections.

What Qualified Defendant Status Protects

Qualified Defendant status is California's most powerful shield against serial ADA litigation. When a property owner holds a current CASp inspection report, they gain access to reduced statutory damages (minimum drops from $4,000 to $1,000 per violation), a mandatory early evaluation conference before trial, and a 90-day stay to remediate identified barriers. These protections apply automatically once the CASp report is on file—no additional filings or motions required.

A CASp inspection activates Qualified Defendant status by producing a certified report that documents the property's accessibility condition. The report identifies barriers, prioritizes remediation, and provides a contractor-ready scope of work. Courts recognize this report as evidence of good-faith compliance effort.

For a detailed breakdown of how Qualified Defendant status works and what it means for your property, see our Qualified Defendant Status guide.

How a CASp Inspection Works

A CASp inspection is a certified on-site evaluation of your property's compliance with both federal ADA standards and California Building Code Title 24 accessibility requirements. The inspection covers parking, path of travel, entrances, restrooms, service counters, signage, and all public-facing areas. For healthcare facilities, the scope extends to patient rooms, exam areas, and OSHPD/HCAI-regulated spaces.

After the on-site evaluation, you receive a detailed report that catalogs every barrier found, assigns a priority ranking, and includes a contractor-ready scope of work with remediation specifications. This report is what activates your Qualified Defendant status and serves as your compliance roadmap.

View our service tiers and pricing or read the CASp Inspection Cost Guide for detailed cost breakdowns by property type and size.

The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Why CASp California

Your inspector built Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center as Assistant Superintendent at Tutor Perini, one of America’s largest construction firms. He holds an MS in Structural Engineering and CASp License #991. He doesn’t just find violations — he provides contractor-ready scope of work because he understands how buildings are actually built.

Activate Your Legal Protection

A CASp inspection is the only way to achieve Qualified Defendant status under California Civil Code §55.51–55.545. This status reduces statutory damages from $4,000 to $1,000 per violation, triggers a 90-day litigation stay, and grants access to an early evaluation conference. Schedule your assessment and activate these protections today.

Ready to Protect Your Property?

Get Qualified Defendant status and protect your investment with a professional CASp inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CASp inspections

Still have questions? Contact us or call (818) 575-0264

Ready to Protect Your Property?

Get Qualified Defendant status and protect your investment with a professional CASp inspection.

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