Understanding ADA Site Compliance for New Construction
What Florida Builders and Developers Must Know
If you're planning a new construction project in Florida—whether it's a commercial building, multifamily housing, or a public facility—ADA site compliance needs to be part of your design from day one.
Many developers assume ADA compliance is limited to door widths and restroom grab bars. But site-level accessibility is just as important—and often where costly mistakes happen.
In this post, we’ll break down what ADA site compliance means, why it matters in the early design phase, and how to ensure your new construction project meets federal, state, and local accessibility requirements.
What Is ADA Site Compliance?
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) site compliance refers to how a site’s exterior features—like parking areas, sidewalks, ramps, and building entrances—are designed and built to ensure accessibility for all users.
For new construction, ADA compliance is not optional. It’s required under:
ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Florida Accessibility Code for Building Construction (FACBC)
Local zoning and permitting rules
Failing to meet these standards can result in permit delays, fines, lawsuits, or mandatory redesigns.
What Elements Must Be ADA-Compliant?
Civil engineers play a key role in designing the site features that must meet ADA requirements, including:
Accessible Routes
A continuous, unobstructed path must connect accessible parking spaces, sidewalks, ramps, building entries, and amenities.
Minimum width: 36 inches
Max slope: 5% (otherwise, it’s a ramp and requires handrails)
Parking & Drop-Off Areas
Correct number of ADA-accessible spaces (based on total spaces)
At least one van-accessible space
Clear signage and pavement markings
Accessible route from space to entrance
Curb Ramps and Transitions
Proper slope and landing areas
Detectable warning surfaces
Correct placement at driveways and crosswalks
Entrances & Site Grades
Entry routes must not exceed allowable slope or cross slope
Site grading must allow for smooth access to at least one building entrance
Level landing areas in front of doors
Why Address ADA Early in Site Planning?
Many ADA issues arise not during construction, but during permitting—when reviewers catch grading or layout errors that make compliance impossible without redesign.
Starting ADA coordination during early site plan design can:
Avoid costly change orders or delays
Ensure permit approval on the first submission
Prevent legal exposure or retrofit expenses
Improve usability for all occupants
Common ADA Compliance Mistakes in New Construction
Placing ADA parking on a steep slope
Forgetting detectable warning surfaces at curb ramps
Not providing a compliant accessible path from public sidewalks
Misaligning ramps with building entries
Overlooking cross slope limits in sidewalks and landing areas
These are all fixable—but only if addressed early.
How Civil Engineers Ensure Compliance
At RSP Engineers, our team ensures ADA site compliance by:
Designing accessible routes, parking, and grading layouts
Coordinating with architects and surveyors
Providing sealed plans that meet Florida and federal accessibility codes
Working with municipalities during permit review
We don't just "check the box." We help clients design buildable, review-ready plans that hold up in the real world.
Build It Right from the Start
ADA site compliance is one of the most overlooked—but most critical—parts of a successful construction project. Don’t let it become a reason your project is delayed or denied.
Talk to our team today to ensure your site plan is compliant, review-ready, and designed for all users.
