Review details about the Accessible Barrier Removal grant

Is there an application deadline?

No. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

What is a new business?

A business or nonprofit registered as a business, has leased a location, and is not yet open for business.

What are examples of Equipment, Fixtures or Furniture?

Equipment generally requires electricity to operate, such as assistive technology devices, power doors and buttons.

Fixtures are items affixed to a wall, the floor or entryway. These include bathroom bars, sink, toilets, towel dispenser, door handles or signage.

Furniture items that are eligible for reimbursement are those that are non-movable, such as bar counters with a lower section or a sales counter with ADA POS section. Restaurant or cafe tables are not eligible for reimbursement. 

What are prevailing wages and why is this required for labor costs?

All construction-related projects that receive funding from the City have to comply with prevailing wage laws. These laws are to make sure that workers are paid at least a certain amount hourly, depending on the type of work. The exact hourly rate depends on the type of work (for example, the hourly rate for painting is different from door installation). 

In order to reimburse for the labor portion of accessibility improvements, we will ask you to request that your contractor to send an email or letter in writing confirming that they pay their employees and subcontractors the appropriate prevailing wage. They can also include it as part of the final paid invoice.

Can I receive tentative approval for a quote?

Yes, but we will ask for your the final, paid invoice and other requirements before you receive the grant payment.

Can invoices for an hourly ADA assessment qualify?

No, this grant reimburses for a complete CASp inspection and report.

Is a CASp inspection and report required?

Sometimes. CASp inspections are not required for entryway improvements, since those are covered by the Accessible Business Entrance program. A CASp inspection is required for businesses seeking reimbursement for improvements to the interior of the business (counters, restrooms, etc.). 

Who are CASp inspectors and what are CASp inspection reports? Why are these important?

A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) is a professional who has passed an examination and has been certified by the State of California to have specialized knowledge of the applicability of state and federal construction-related accessibility standards. A CASp will know which standards apply to your property based on the age of your facility and its history of improvements. While a licensed design professional, such as an architect or engineer, can provide you an access compliance evaluation of your facility, only a CASp can provide services that offer you “qualified defendant” status in a construction-related accessibility lawsuit.

About the CASp inspection report

• Your CASp inspector should pull a full building permit history and include a summary of the remodeling work in the report in order to place the context or previous triggers for access under Californian Building Code.
• The CASp report should describe both the building and its characteristics such as on-site parking, and the occupancy type such as M-retail or A-dining banquet and bar.
• The CASp report should identify all of the barriers, following the format of the priority table in the ADA where the 1st priority is the entrance, the 2nd priority is the path of travel, 3rd priority is the restrooms, tables and chairs, and counters.
• The report should have photos of the barriers.
• Your CASp inspector should be capable of identifying both problems and solutions.
• And last of all, your CASp inspector should help you assemble a plan for barrier removal that is tailored to your site and your financial circumstances. 

Find a CASp that works with San Francisco small businesses.

Is there a deadline to submit final invoices for submitted quotes?

No. The Office of Small Business will work with each applicant on a reasonable timeframe.

Is there a limit to the number of invoices or quotes submitted at one time?

No. Make sure each document is labeled as an invoice or a quote.

What is a place of public accommodation?

Is a business or nonprofit that is open to the public, such as, but not limited to: restaurants, retailers, hair or nail salons, doctors' offices, and day care centers. Short term residential rentals are exempt from ADA compliance and therefore not eligible for this grant program.

Are there other financial support to offset accessibility costs not covered by the grant?

Yes. There are annual Federal Tax Credits and Deductions. Consult your tax accountant to confirm allowable expenditures.

Can I use this grant for my Shared Space/parklet?

No. This grant is for permanent places of public accommodation; expenses relating to a Shared Space or parklet are not eligible for reimbursement.

Are permit fees covered under this grant?

Yes. Permit fees you have paid for to make your business accessible are eligible under this grant program with confirmation the construction work complies with the prevailing wages laws. You will need to show us you paid for the permit(s) associated with the address of your business. 

How do I apply?

Once you've reviewed this page, click here to get to the application page.