Frequently Asked Questions

Whether it be new, an addition, or renovation, making your construction project accessible for people of all abilities is required by a Texas law called the Elimination of Architectural Barriers Act. The Act has a set of standards that must be met, known as the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS).

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The Act is regulated though the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and designated Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS).

TDLR does not administer or enforce the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Some elements of your project may qualify for “safe harbor”. Safe harbor is for any path of travel elements that comply with the 1994 Texas Accessibility Standards, and are not being altered otherwise. An accessible path of travel may consist of walks and sidewalks, curb ramps and other interior or exterior pedestrian ramps; clear floor paths through lobbies, corridors, rooms, and other improved areas; parking access aisles; elevators and lifts; or a combination of these elements. The term "path of travel" also includes the restrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area.

If a tenant is making alterations to their space, with their money, it does not trigger a path of travel obligation upon the landlord, if those areas aren’t being altered.

If the tenant is only spending tenant money (no TI, Landlord funds, etc), then it limits the scope of what the RAS can review to only the elements, spaces, and fixtures that the tenant is touching.

You came to the right place! Email me or call me and we can figure out how to proceed.

Email: meghan@txaccessgroup.com

Call: (281) 660-4429

Only the Architectural Barriers Department of TDLR can make the ruling that something is technically infeasible, and it can only be done through the Variance process.

Please refer to this chart: