mark handler
SAWHORSE
Stopping the drive-bys
http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Katy-Tang-wants-to-hold-down-number-of-ADA-7241518.php
Stopping the drive-bys: In an effort to curb drive-by lawsuits filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Supervisor Katy Tang has introduced legislation to give property owners clear guidelines for complying with the law — and avoid the kinds of lawsuits that can cost them thousands of dollars for minor offenses.
The 25-year-old federal law says that all commercial facilities must be easily accessible to people with disabilities. Important legitimate cases have been filed, but the law has also been abused, especially in California, where property owners often pay thousands of dollars to settle cases out of court.
Tang’s legislation applies to buildings where people can congregate, like restaurants, hotels, theaters and shopping centers.
It sets out a compliance schedule for the owners to show that primary entries are accessible to persons with disabilities. It gives the city’s Access Appeals Commission the power to determine whether the accommodations are sufficient and whether to give the property owner more time to make the necessary changes.
And it requires the Department of Building Inspection to create a disability access compliance unit to enforce the provisions and also help property owners comply.
“We hope that San Francisco will set a strong example across the nation through this first-of-its-kind program, ensuring that business establishments provide full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, and services to everyone,” Tang said in a statement.
http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Katy-Tang-wants-to-hold-down-number-of-ADA-7241518.php
Stopping the drive-bys: In an effort to curb drive-by lawsuits filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Supervisor Katy Tang has introduced legislation to give property owners clear guidelines for complying with the law — and avoid the kinds of lawsuits that can cost them thousands of dollars for minor offenses.
The 25-year-old federal law says that all commercial facilities must be easily accessible to people with disabilities. Important legitimate cases have been filed, but the law has also been abused, especially in California, where property owners often pay thousands of dollars to settle cases out of court.
Tang’s legislation applies to buildings where people can congregate, like restaurants, hotels, theaters and shopping centers.
It sets out a compliance schedule for the owners to show that primary entries are accessible to persons with disabilities. It gives the city’s Access Appeals Commission the power to determine whether the accommodations are sufficient and whether to give the property owner more time to make the necessary changes.
And it requires the Department of Building Inspection to create a disability access compliance unit to enforce the provisions and also help property owners comply.
“We hope that San Francisco will set a strong example across the nation through this first-of-its-kind program, ensuring that business establishments provide full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, and services to everyone,” Tang said in a statement.
