At the ICSCconference in Vegas there's been a lot of discussion aboutthe importance of retail properties complying with the requirementsof the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Retail is essentiallya public space and as such, accessibility issues are highlyscrutinized and at risk of lawsuits if found not to be incompliance. To avoid legal implications, I'm seeing thatretail investors are increasingly committing to thoroughaccessibility reviews that often go above and beyond standardADA regulations.

Retail Accessibility requirements – what'sdifferent?

Accessibility requirements for retail properties are two-fold,concerning both external issues (such as building access and carparking) and the configuration of interior space to ensure thateveryone has equal access to dressing rooms, sales counters etc. Importantly, compliance can be affected by a change oftenant: different business uses have different accessibilityrequirements, and modified shop fit-outs or entrances may bringabout new concerns.