ADA Title III · Commercial Property Requirements

ADA Compliance Audits
Metro Detroit & Southeast Michigan

Comprehensive ADA Title III audits for commercial properties across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties. Parking, accessible routes, restrooms, signage — fully documented with a prioritized remediation plan.

ADA Title III Compliance
Written Audit Report Included
Prioritized Remediation Plan
Serving All of Metro Detroit

ADA Title III — obligations for commercial properties

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires that all places of public accommodation — which includes virtually every commercial property — be accessible to individuals with disabilities. For existing buildings, the standard is "readily achievable" barrier removal: removing accessibility barriers where doing so is easily accomplishable without much difficulty or expense.

For new construction and significant renovations, the requirements are stricter — full compliance with ADA Standards for Accessible Design is required. Many Michigan commercial properties are out of compliance without realizing it, particularly in parking areas, restrooms, and building entrances.

The consequences of non-compliance extend beyond fines — private individuals can file ADA lawsuits without filing a complaint with a government agency first, and serial ADA litigation against commercial properties is common in Michigan.

ADA lawsuits against commercial property owners in Michigan have increased significantly over the past decade. A proactive audit is your best defense.

Who needs an ADA compliance audit?

Any place of public accommodation must meet ADA requirements. Guardian audits all commercial property types including:

  • Office buildings and professional spaces
  • Shopping centers and retail properties
  • Medical and dental offices
  • HOA and condo common areas
  • Restaurants and hospitality properties
  • Industrial and warehouse facilities
  • Schools and educational facilities
  • Religious institutions and nonprofits

Every accessibility element. Every barrier documented.

A thorough ADA audit covers every element of the built environment that affects accessibility — from the parking lot to the interior spaces.

01

Parking & Site Access

Accessible space count, dimensions, signage, van-accessible spaces, access aisles, and route from parking to building entrance.

02

Building Entrances

Ramp slopes, door hardware, threshold heights, maneuvering clearances, automatic door operation, and accessible route continuity.

03

Accessible Routes

Width, surface conditions, cross slopes, protruding objects, floor level changes, and connection between all areas open to the public.

04

Restrooms

Accessible stall dimensions, grab bar placement and height, lavatory clearances, mirror height, door hardware, and signage.

05

Signage & Wayfinding

Accessible room identification signs, Braille, tactile characters, mounting height, and visual contrast compliance.

06

Service Counters & Amenities

Counter heights, reach ranges, service area accessibility, drinking fountains, and other public amenities.

From audit to remediation — we manage it all

Our ADA audit doesn't just identify problems — it gives you a prioritized, actionable plan and the contractor support to resolve every barrier found.

01

On-Site Audit

Our auditors conduct a comprehensive on-site assessment of all accessibility elements, measuring and documenting every condition.

02

Written Report

You receive a detailed written report with photos, specific measurements, applicable ADA standards, and pass/fail status for each element.

03

Prioritized Plan

Barriers are ranked by severity and estimated remediation cost, helping you address the highest-risk items first within your budget.

04

Remediation Support

Guardian coordinates all barrier removal and accessibility improvements through our licensed contractor network.

05

Documentation

All audit reports and remediation records are retained in your compliance portal as evidence of good-faith barrier removal efforts.

ADA compliance audit FAQ

Who is responsible for ADA compliance — the landlord or the tenant?
Both parties can be responsible under the ADA, and lease agreements don't override ADA obligations. Generally, landlords are responsible for common areas and the building structure, while tenants are responsible for their leased spaces. However, in practice both parties can be named in ADA litigation. Guardian recommends auditing both common areas and tenant spaces to establish a complete compliance picture. See our full article on this topic for more detail.
How often should an ADA compliance audit be conducted?
There is no legally mandated audit frequency for existing buildings under the ADA. However, audits should be conducted whenever a property changes ownership, undergoes renovation, changes use, or when a complaint or lawsuit is threatened. As a best practice, Guardian recommends auditing every 3-5 years or after any significant physical changes to the property.
What is the difference between ADA and Michigan barrier-free design requirements?
Michigan's Barrier-Free Design requirements under the Michigan Building Code apply to construction and renovation projects and may have different or additional requirements compared to the ADA. Guardian's auditors are familiar with both federal ADA requirements and Michigan-specific standards to ensure your property meets all applicable obligations.
Can I be sued for ADA violations even if I haven't been cited by a government agency?
Yes. Unlike many civil rights laws, the ADA allows private individuals to file lawsuits directly in federal court without first filing a complaint with a government agency. Michigan has seen significant ADA litigation activity against commercial property owners, particularly for parking lot violations, making proactive barrier removal and documentation essential.
ADA compliance audit services across Metro Detroit & Southeast Michigan

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