A practical guide for Cross Timbers businesses—parking, entrances, counters, and restrooms done right.

If your site is open to the public—shops, restaurants, offices, banks, gyms, medical/dental, hotels, theaters, etc., your facility must be accessible. New construction and alterations must meet current standards; existing buildings must remove barriers when it’s “readily achievable.” (ADA.gov)

The Texas overlay: TAS, TDLR, and RAS

Texas enforces accessibility through the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) under the Architectural Barriers Act, administered by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR). For projects with total estimated costs of $50,000 or more, you must register, obtain a plan review by a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS), and complete a post-construction inspection. (TDLR)

Timing that trips owners up: You must request the inspection within 30 days of construction completion, and inspection/close-out requirements then follow under 16 TAC §68.52. TDLR lists penalties for missing these deadlines. (TDLR)

Standards you’ll use on the ground

Texas adopted the 2012 TAS, aligned with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design; projects beginning on or after March 15, 2012, must comply. Designers and contractors should keep the TAS PDF handy for scoping and technical details (routes, parking, doors, counters, restrooms, seating, etc.). (TDLR)

Existing buildings: “readily achievable” barrier removal

Even without a remodel, public-facing sites must remove architectural barriers when easily accomplishable without much difficulty or expense. DOJ recommends tackling work in this order:

1. Approach/entrance, 2) Access to goods/services, 3) Restrooms, 4) Other measures. Keep a simple, dated plan that you update as improvements are made. (ADA Archive)

Cross Timbers field checklist (start here)

• Parking & route: Correct number/type of accessible spaces, access aisles, signage, slopes; continuous, firm, slip-resistant route to the door.
• Entrances & doors: Thresholds, clear widths, closer force/speed, lever hardware, maneuvering clearances.
• Counters & service areas: Provide a compliant lowered transaction surface; ensure turning/approach clearances.
• Restrooms: Turning space, grab bars, lavatory knee/toe clearances, mirror and dispenser heights, door swings.
• Seating (if provided): Integrate accessible seating and route.
• Signage: Permanent room IDs (where applicable) and directional signage to accessible features.
  (Use TAS sections for exact dimensions; many quick wins are inexpensive and high-impact.) (TDLR)

Local project workflow (what to do in Erath, Hood, Comanche & neighbors)

1. Scope & budget: If you’re at $50,000+, register with TDLR.
2. RAS plan review: Submit construction docs and resolve comments before/ during permitting.
3. Build & document: Track field changes that affect access (ramps, restrooms, slopes).
4. Inspection: Request within 30 days of completion; address findings within the required time frames to avoid sanctions.
5. Keep improving: For existing sites, maintain a running barrier-removal plan and complete items as budgets allow. (TDLR)

Tax incentives that help offset costs

• Disabled Access Credit (IRS Form 8826): For eligible small businesses, a 50% credit for qualified access expenditures (annual limits apply).
• Barrier Removal Deduction (IRC §190): Businesses of any size may deduct up to $15,000/year for qualified barrier-removal work. These can be used in the same year (not on the same dollar). Talk to your tax professional. (IRS)

Final word

In the Cross Timbers, the easiest path is to plan early, register when required, use a RAS, and keep a living plan for barrier removal at existing sites. It’s good for customers, community, and compliance.

Is your property compliant?
Book a quick on-site ADA/TAS walkthrough and priority action list—let’s get you inspection-ready.