California Building Code Title 24 Accessibility Compliance (CASp Inspection) in San Diego, California (2026)
Without a California Building Code Title 24 Accessibility Compliance (CASp) Inspection—also called a California Accessibility Standards inspection—your restaurant cannot legally operate if it triggers accessibility triggers under Title 24, and you expose yourself to liability and citation from the California Division of the State Architect and the California Department of Accessibility. This inspection verifies that your dining, kitchen, restroom, and service areas meet state accessibility standards. Key facts:
- 14 fields in the application — ApronPrep auto-fills 12
- $0 government filing fee for the state application (though you will pay the CASp inspector's hourly rate separately)
- Timeline varies based on your facility size and inspection scope — consult your selected CASp for an estimate
Most applicants complete the state compliance documentation in under 15 minutes with ApronPrep, which auto-fills 12 of 14 fields.
Analyzed from California Building Code Title 24 Accessibility Compliance (CASp Inspection)
86% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a California Building Code Title 24 Accessibility Compliance (CASp Inspection)
California law requires commercial buildings to meet the accessibility standards of the California Building Code, Title 24, Part 2 and Part 11 (California Code of Regulations). In San Diego, this requirement is enforced by the city's Development Services Department under the San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 12, Article 2, Division 7 (Building Regulations). The primary legal basis is the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Civil Code § 51) and the Disabled Persons Act (Civil Code § 54), which mandate equal access. While a CASp (Certified Access Specialist) inspection itself is not always legally mandated for a new permit, it is the definitive, state-recognized method for demonstrating compliance. Without this verification, your project approval can be delayed or denied outright because the city cannot issue an occupancy certificate for a space that may violate state access laws.
Failing to secure verified Title 24 compliance before opening exposes your restaurant to significant legal and financial risk. The consequences include:
- Enforcement Actions & Fines: The California Division of the State Architect or local building officials can issue citations. Violations of the Unruh Act can result in statutory damages of $4,000 per incident, plus attorney's fees, and the court can order injunctive relief to halt operations until fixes are made.
- Cease-and-Desist / Shutdown Risk: If a significant barrier is identified after opening, the city can issue a notice of violation and a stop-work or stop-use order, effectively shutting down your business until costly retrofits are completed and re-inspected.
- Insurance and Lease Implications:
- Liability insurance may not cover claims related to known accessibility violations, and your premiums could increase.
- Most commercial leases include clauses requiring the tenant to comply with all laws, including accessibility codes. Failure to comply can be grounds for lease termination or make you liable for all remediation costs, even if the barrier was a pre-existing condition.
- Project Delays: A failed final inspection due to an accessibility issue can add weeks or months to your timeline while you hire contractors, obtain revised permits, and schedule re-inspections.
Legal code: State building code, state accessibility code (e.g., MA Architectural Access Board regulations - 521 CMR)
Recent update: Effective January 1, 2024, the 2022 edition of the California Building Code (Title 24) became enforceable statewide, introducing updated accessibility provisions in Chapter 11B that San Diego building officials now use for plan review and inspection.
Who Needs a California Building Code Title 24 Accessibility Compliance (CASp Inspection)?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | All public accommodations with public entrances and restrooms must comply with Title 24, and a CASp inspection is often required by local building departments for Certificate of Occupancy. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Considered a place of public accommodation; must meet Title 24 requirements for accessible routes, seating, and service counters, typically triggered by building permit or change of use. |
| Food Truck | Not Required | Mobile food facilities are generally exempt from onsite physical accessibility requirements under Title 24, but must comply with ADA service animal and communication access rules. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Any facility open to the public with fixed seating, counters, or restrooms must comply with Title 24 accessibility standards for new construction or alterations. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (14 Fields)
12 of 14 auto-filledProperty/Business Owner Name
textEnter the full legal name of the person or entity that holds title to the property; for a corporation, enter the exact legal name as it appears on your state business registration.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a DBA or trade name instead of the registered legal entity name, or listing a property manager instead of the titled owner.
Property Address for Inspection
textEnter the complete street address of the building or site to be inspected, including suite or unit number if applicable, as it is recognized by the US Postal Service.
COMMON MISTAKE: Providing a mailing address, a parcel number, or an incomplete address missing the city, state, or zip code.
Type of Facility
textState the primary public use of the building, such as 'Restaurant', 'Retail Store', 'Office Building', 'Hotel', or 'Medical Clinic'.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using vague terms like 'commercial building' or 'business'; the CASp needs to know the specific use to apply the correct accessibility standards.
Original Construction Date
textEnter the year the building was originally constructed; if unknown, provide your best estimate or 'Unknown' and be prepared for the CASp to research it.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering the date of a recent remodel or tenant improvement instead of the original building construction date, which determines the applicable version of Title 24.
History of Improvements and Renovations
textBriefly describe any major renovations, additions, or tenant improvements (e.g., 'New restrooms installed in 2020', 'Dining area remodel in 2018').
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving blank or writing 'None' when improvements have occurred; this history triggers compliance reviews for newer construction standards.
Current Accessibility Compliance Awareness
textDescribe your knowledge of the property's accessibility, such as 'Aware of some non-compliant restroom stalls' or 'Believe facility is compliant based on 2015 remodel'.
COMMON MISTAKE: Writing 'Fully compliant' without evidence; the CASp's inspection is to determine this, so an honest assessment of awareness is required.
Previous Accessibility Evaluations
checkboxCheck this box if a prior accessibility survey, inspection, or lawsuit settlement regarding ADA/Title 24 has ever been conducted for this property.
COMMON MISTAKE: Failing to check the box due to forgetting a minor past consultation, which can mislead the CASp and affect the inspection scope.
Previous Evaluation Details
textIf you checked 'Yes' for previous evaluations, provide details here: the year, who performed it (e.g., an architect), and the general outcome.
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving this field blank after checking the 'has_previous_evaluations' box, which creates an inconsistency and delays scheduling.
Scope of Inspection
textSpecify the areas to be inspected, such as 'Full building and site', 'First-floor tenant space only', or 'Parking lot and main entrance'.
COMMON MISTAKE: Defining a scope that is too narrow (e.g., 'just the front door') when seeking a full CASp report, which is required for certain legal protections.
Purpose of CASp Inspection
textState why you are requesting the inspection, such as 'Due diligence for property purchase', 'Pre-renovation assessment', or 'Voluntary compliance review'.
COMMON MISTAKE: Writing vague purposes like 'to be safe'; a clear purpose helps the CASp tailor the report and is required for the application.
ApronPrep auto-fills 12 of 14 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 California Building Code Title 24 Accessibility Compliance (CASp Inspection) Mistakes
1. Failing to Submit Complete Architectural & Site Plans
Submitting only a floor plan sketch instead of the full set of professional, scaled architectural drawings required for a proper plan review. This omission, often for projects like patios or remodels, forces the city plan reviewer to reject the application outright, as they cannot verify path of travel, door clearances, or restroom fixture layouts. The consequence is a 2–3 week delay while you must hire an architect or designer to create compliant drawings. To avoid, confirm with your CASp or architect that your submission includes a site plan, floor plans for all levels, and detailed elevation and section drawings of all accessibility features like ramps and restrooms.
2. Listing the Wrong Project Type or Scope of Work
Incorrectly classifying your project on the application, such as calling a 'tenant improvement' a 'new construction' or vice-versa. Each project type triggers a different review checklist under Title 24, Part 2 (the California Building Code) and CALGreen. A mismatch signals to the reviewer that you may not understand the applicable accessibility triggers, leading to requests for clarification or a formal correction notice. This mistake typically adds 5–10 business days to your timeline. To avoid, consult the San Diego Development Services Department's project classification guide or have your CASp consultant confirm the correct project type (e.g., 'Alteration over $200,000,' 'Change of Occupancy') before you submit.
3. Inaccurate Building Area Calculations on the Application
Miscalculating the square footage of the area of work or the entire building, especially for tenant improvements in a larger structure. Accurate area is critical as it determines compliance thresholds for required accessible elements (like the number of accessible parking spaces) under CBC Chapter 11B. An error here can lead to an approval for an insufficient number of features, resulting in a failed CASp field inspection and costly retrofits later. To avoid, base your calculations on the rentable area defined in your lease or the dimensions on the architectural drawings, not an estimate.
Skip the Paperwork on Your California Building Code Title 24 Accessibility Compliance (CASp Inspection)
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California Building Code Title 24 Accessibility Compliance (CASp Inspection) by City in California
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Contact Division of the State Architect for CASp inspection fee information | Variable based on facility size and inspection scope; consult with selected CASp for timeline estimate |
| San Diego | ||
| San Jose |
Timeline: Varies
Retain a Certified Accessibility Specialist (CASp)
Hire a California-licensed Certified Accessibility Specialist (CASp) — this is mandatory for all Title 24 accessibility compliance inspections in San Diego. Your CASp must hold a current license issued by the California Architects Board. Verify their license status on the Architects Board website before signing an engagement letter. This step is non-negotiable; the city will not accept inspection reports from unlicensed consultants.
Prepare Building Documentation and Site Survey
Compile your restaurant's architectural plans (floor plans, elevations, construction details), current building permits, and any prior accessibility reports. Your CASp will conduct an on-site survey to measure doorways, ramps, restroom fixtures, parking spaces, and accessible routes — this is where most accessibility gaps are identified. Have your lease, building ownership documentation, and any tenant improvement permits ready for the CASp's review.
CASp Conducts Detailed Accessibility Assessment
Your CASp performs a comprehensive audit against California Building Code Title 24 standards and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines. They will document specific deficiencies (e.g., door width non-compliance, missing grab bars, inaccessible parking) with measurements and photographic evidence. This assessment becomes the basis for your remediation plan and compliance report.
Where to Apply
Applications go to the California board of building regulations. Local procedures and fees may vary — select your city below.
Other Requirements You'll Need
This is one of 13 requirements for opening a restaurant in California.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Alcohol Server Training Certification (RBS)
state
Application for Employer Identification Number
federal
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsTimeline varies depending on the scope of your accessibility improvements and the San Diego Department of Building & Safety's inspection queue. Per the department's application guide, initial inspections typically occur within 2–4 weeks of scheduling, though complex projects involving structural or egress modifications may require additional review cycles. Contact the San Diego Department of Building & Safety at (619) 446-5000 to confirm current processing timelines for your specific project.
San Diego does not charge a separate filing fee for CASp inspections — the inspection is included as part of the Building Permit process. However, you will incur government filing fees for the underlying building permit (fee varies by project scope and valuation), and you may need to budget for required accessibility modifications, professional CASp certification reports, and any consultant or architect fees. Contact the San Diego Department of Building & Safety to confirm the building permit fee applicable to your accessibility project. Not legal advice — verify current fees with the city.
No — CASp inspections are location-specific and tied to the physical address where accessibility modifications were completed. If you relocate your restaurant, you will need to obtain a new CASp inspection for the new location, including a fresh Building Permit and compliance review by the San Diego Department of Building & Safety. Contact the department to confirm what accessibility upgrades and certifications are required at your new address.
CASp inspections do not require renewal — once your accessibility improvements pass inspection and receive sign-off from the San Diego Department of Building & Safety, the compliance status remains valid for the permitted improvements at that location. However, any structural modifications, layout changes, or new construction will require a new CASp review and inspection. Per the California Building Code, accessibility features must be maintained in working condition throughout the building's operation; contact the department if you make significant changes to your restaurant's layout or egress routes.
During a CASp inspection, an inspector from the San Diego Department of Building & Safety verifies that your restaurant's accessibility features—including entrance ramps, door widths, accessible restrooms, parking spaces, and emergency egress routes—comply with California Building Code Title 24 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The inspector will review your certified access specialist (CASp) report, measure doorways and hallways, test equipment like automatic door openers, and document any deficiencies. If non-compliant items are found, you will receive a report detailing corrections needed; contact the department or your CASp consultant to resolve issues and schedule a re-inspection.
About This Data
This guide is generated from ApronPrep's compliance dossier system, which uses 53 parallel AI authority experts to discover requirements, then downloads actual forms and generates field-level intelligence for each one.
For California specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 14 form fields analyzed for this requirement. Fee data is sourced from actual county department fee schedules, not estimates.
Our data is verified against official government sources and updated when regulatory changes are detected. If you find an error, please report it — accuracy is our core commitment.
Sources
- State building code, state accessibility code (e.g., MA Architectural Access Board regulations - 521 CMR)
- Los Angeles — Board of Building Regulations / Architectural Access Board
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