Texas Accessibility Standards
In the State of Texas, a person may not perform a plan review or inspection function of the department unless the person is a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS).
Since 2004 Eckhard K. Fennig, RAS No. 476 has provided TAS(ADA) plan reviews and construction inspections to local and statewide architects, building owners, managers, contractors, and public authorities, also numerous ADA related Assessment reports to municipalities, public and private facilities and churches.
Since then, two additional staff members, Cesar Gallegos and Ruth Garcia, have also become Texas State Certified Registered Accessibility Specialist (RASs), which makes our firm the most qualified Accessibility Specialist group, with three out of six RASs in West Texas.
We are licensed Registered Accessibility Specialists (RAS) for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Our mission is to ensure and verify compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), as mandated by the Texas Architectural Barriers Act (TABA).
Services Provided:
- TAS/ADA Plan Reviews
- TAS/ADA Construction Inspections
- ADA Consulting for Planned Projects
- ADA Assessment Reports and Solutions for New and Existing Buildings and Facilities
- ADA Compliant Remedial Designs
- FHA Fair Housing Compliance Consulting
- UFAS Compliance Consulting and Design
- TAS/ADA Education and Consulting
- ADA Architectural Solutions
Work Examples:
- EPISD: ADA Upgrades for various schools
- HACEP: 5 year ADA Implementation Plan for Public Housing
- Wal-Marts: Civil Rights Law Suit – Accessibility Routes – Design Solutions
- Bassett Center Mall: Civil Rights Law Suit – Accessibility Routes – Design Solutions
- Cielo Vista Mall: Civil Rights Law Suit – Accessibility Routes – Design Solutions
- K-Mart Sites: Accessibility Assessment Report
- Abraham Chavez Theatre: Accessibility Assessment Report
- Ascarate Park: Civil Rights Law Suit – Accessibility Survey and Design Solutions
- El Paso County Coliseum: Civil Rights Law Suit – Accessibility Survey and Design Solutions
- YISD Ramping System and Viewing Area at Football Stadium
TAS Compliance
What is Subject to Compliance?
In the State of Texas, all plans and specifications for the construction of or for the substantial renovation or modification of a building or facility must be submitted to a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) for review if:
The building or facility is subject to compliance.
The estimated construction cost is at least $50,000.
Compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards is required in addition to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The U.S. Department of Justice administers compliance with the ADA and the 2010 ADA. Compliance with other accessibility codes may be required, depending on various factors including the use of the building.
The following buildings and facilities are subject to compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards:
Public Buildings and Facilities
A building or facility used by the public that is constructed, renovated, or modified, in whole or in part, on or after January 1, 1970, using funds from the state or a county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the state;
Public Accommodations
A privately funded building or facility that is defined as a "public accommodation" by Section 301, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12181), and its subsequent amendments, and that is constructed, renovated, or modified on or after January 1, 1992;
State Leases
A building leased for use or occupied, in whole or in part, by the state under a lease or rental agreement entered into on or after January 1, 1972;
Commercial Facilities
A privately funded building or facility that is defined as a "commercial facility" by Section 301, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12181), and its subsequent amendments, and that is constructed, renovated, or modified on or after September 1, 1993.