Tempe ADA Accessibility Standards for Projects

Housing and Building Standards Arizona 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

In Tempe, Arizona, project teams must follow federal ADA requirements and city permitting rules to ensure accessible design and avoid enforcement actions. This guide summarizes the standards, plan-review and inspection steps used by Tempe departments, the role of the city ADA coordinator, and practical actions for architects, contractors, and property owners to achieve compliance.

Scope & Applicable Standards

Projects in Tempe are subject to federal ADA accessibility requirements and local building-permit processes that implement those standards through plan review and inspections. The City of Tempe enforces accessibility through its Building Safety and Code Compliance processes and provides an ADA coordinator for Title II matters. [1]

Required Steps for Project Compliance

  • Submit accessible design details with permit applications and plans during the Building Safety plan review stage. [2]
  • Document routes, clearances, door widths, and accessible fixtures to show compliance with the 2010 ADA Standards (or later federal standards). [3]
  • Schedule accessibility-related inspections (e.g., rough-in and final) through the Building Safety office as part of normal permit inspections.
  • Allow time in the project schedule for plan-review corrections and re-submittals if reviewers identify nonconforming elements.
  • When a standard cannot be met, apply for a code interpretation, variance, or documented alternative solution through the City's review processes.
Confirm accessible elements at the design stage to avoid costly rework during construction.

Penalties & Enforcement

Tempe enforces accessibility and building-code compliance through its Building Safety and Code Compliance units; specific monetary fines and daily penalties for accessibility infractions are not specified on the cited city pages. [2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page. [2]
  • Escalation: the city describes progressive enforcement actions but specific first/repeat/continuing fine ranges are not specified on the cited page. [2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct, stop-work orders, permit holds, and referral to court are used where warranted according to city procedures. [2]
  • Enforcer and inspections: Building Safety and Code Compliance perform inspections and enforcement; Title II complaints may be handled by the City ADA coordinator. [1]
  • Appeals/review: appeals and variances are processed through the City’s permit-review and appeal channels; exact time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages. [2]
When enforcement actions are issued, follow the notice instructions promptly to avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

  • Building permit application: submit required permit forms and accessible-design documentation during plan submission; specific form names and fees are listed on the Building Safety permit pages. [2]
  • Fees and payment: schedule and fee details are published with permit instructions; if no fee is listed for a specific review, it is not specified on the cited page. [2]

Common Violations

  • Insufficient accessible route or ramp slope issues.
  • Incorrect clearances at doors, stalls, or signage.
  • Accessible parking or van space layout nonconforming to standards.
  • Alterations performed without necessary plan review for accessibility impacts.

How-To

  1. Confirm the applicable federal ADA standard (2010 ADA Standards) for the project type and jurisdictional adoption. [3]
  2. Prepare accessible drawings and notes showing routes, fixtures, and clearances and include them with the building-permit application. [2]
  3. Submit permits and pay required fees through the City of Tempe Building Safety portal and respond to plan-review comments promptly. [2]
  4. Schedule and pass required inspections, correct any nonconformities, and obtain final sign-off to close the permit.
  5. If a dispute arises about reasonable accommodations or Title II obligations, contact the City ADA coordinator to file a complaint or request an accommodation. [1]

FAQ

What accessibility standards must projects in Tempe follow?
Projects must meet federal ADA accessibility standards and local building-code requirements enforced via Tempe Building Safety and Code Compliance. [3]
Who enforces accessibility compliance in Tempe?
Building Safety and Code Compliance enforce construction and accessibility requirements; the City ADA coordinator handles Title II administrative matters. [1]
How do I request an ADA accommodation or file a complaint?
Contact the City ADA coordinator using the official city ADA contact page; the coordinator directs investigations and remedies for Title II concerns. [1]

Key Takeaways

  • Engage accessibility review at schematic design to reduce rework.
  • Allow time for plan-review comments and resubmittals during permitting.
  • Use the City ADA coordinator for Title II questions and formal complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tempe - ADA Coordinator
  2. [2] City of Tempe - Building Safety (Permits & Inspections)
  3. [3] U.S. Department of Justice - 2010 ADA Standards

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