Navigating ADA Compliance in Design with Senior Design Engineer, Greg Philpott
In the ever-evolving world of infrastructure design and construction, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance stands as a critical component. CORE Senior Design Engineer Greg Philpott has witnessed firsthand how ADA regulations have tightened over the years, especially following lawsuits that are forcing cities and municipalities such as Denver to overhaul outdated ADA ramps, highlighting the importance of stringent ADA standards.
The Impact of ADA Regulations on Jurisdictions
The lawsuits marked a turning point, with municipalities taking note of the stricter enforcement of ADA standards. Greg, who works on several projects in the City of Aurora (CO), observes that this city has adopted some of the most stringent ADA regulations in the state. The rigorous standards have set a benchmark, and other entities like the Town of Castle Rock have followed suit.
“Aurora is an excellent test case on just how stringent things have become,” Greg notes, emphasizing that working within such a framework not only ensures compliance but also raises the bar for the entire industry.
Designing Beyond Minimum Standards
Greg emphasizes the importance of not designing to the absolute maximum allowable slopes under federal ADA standards. Instead, he advocates for self-imposed, more conservative values to provide contractors with a margin for error and to ensure that inspections go smoothly. This approach minimizes the risk of costly rework and reduces the potential for finger-pointing between design teams, contractors, and clients.
“In order to be an advocate for our clients and ourselves, and to ensure liability is met, we adopt certain max values that we self-ascribe,” Greg explains. This proactive strategy helps avoid the “headaches” that come with meeting the bare minimum requirements, which can often lead to complications and increased scrutiny from inspectors.
The Role of CORE in Setting Standards
At CORE, Greg has led a concerted effort to align the firm’s internal standards with the more stringent practices he has developed over his career. For example, CORE has decided to no longer use a 2% cross slope on residential sidewalks, a change that Greg successfully advocated for. This shift reflects the reality that designing to stricter standards not only ensures compliance but also makes it easier to manage the inevitable anomalies that arise during construction.
Greg’s influence extends to training and standardization within CORE, where he plans to roll out a company-wide training session on these new ADA slope standards. “We need to heavily stress this because it can’t happen easily,” he insists, pointing out the importance of educating younger, less experienced staff on the critical nature of these standards.
The Challenge of Retrofitting for ADA Compliance
One of the most complex challenges in ADA compliance is retrofitting existing infrastructure to meet new regulations. Greg cites a recent Aurora project as a prime example, where he had to re-grade every ramp due to incomplete or outdated designs. Retrofitting is often fraught with difficulties, especially in older areas with steep slopes and tight constraints.
“Retrofit will be the most difficult situation,” Greg asserts, explaining that while it’s less common in current projects, it’s crucial to address potential ADA issues even in non-designated areas to avoid future complications.
A Strategic Approach to ADA Compliance
Greg advocates for a “less is more” approach when detailing ADA ramps, arguing that over-specification can lead to unnecessary scrutiny and bureaucratic delays. Instead, he recommends focusing on the critical elements, such as providing just one slope per landing or ramp, to meet compliance without drawing excessive attention to minor details.
However, this approach places a significant responsibility on designers and engineers to ensure that their work meets all necessary standards. “The liability is on us to vet it out,” Greg emphasizes, pointing out that reducing the amount of information in plan sheets must be balanced with the assurance that everything is up to standard.
The Future of ADA Compliance in Design
Greg sees more developers utilizing ADA consultants, as they increasingly recognize the need for early-stage ADA expertise. He has dealt with ADA compliance on so many projects that he could write a guide on the critical path elements to consider in different scenarios—residential, commercial, or retrofitting.
Greg’s experiences, particularly with challenging projects like urban retrofits in Denver, highlight the complexities of applying new ADA regulations to existing infrastructure. These scenarios often require creative solutions to avoid exorbitant costs, such as the need for expensive retaining walls.
The Balance Between Aesthetics and Practicality
“In the realm of ADA compliance, there is often a delicate balance between the aesthetic desires of clients and the practical realities of engineering,” says Greg. “Crystal clear communication and close collaboration with the client and project stakeholders cannot be understated when it comes to reconciling the aesthetic vision with practical, cost-effective design.”
As the landscape of ADA regulations continues to evolve, Greg’s insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone involved in infrastructure design and development. His proactive approach to exceeding minimum standards, advocating for smarter, less burdensome design practices, and preparing for the challenges of retrofitting ensure that projects not only comply with ADA but also set a higher standard for accessibility and safety.
