DBI outlines multilingual outreach to help businesses comply with Accessible Business Entrance ordinance

Department of Building Inspection staff told commissioners July 21 that they are launching a multilingual outreach campaign to help property owners comply with the Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) ordinance.

DBI communications staff said the program covers roughly 13,000 addresses representing about 6,000 property owners, and that the current program deadline is Sept. 1, 2021. Staff are coordinating with the City Administrator's Office, the City Attorney, the Mayor’s Office on Disability and the Office of Small Business on a possible extension of the compliance deadline.

The outreach plan includes a sequential direct-mail and email program targeted at noncompliant property owners, translated materials in at least four primary languages (English, Chinese, Spanish and Tagalog) and an updated web page designed to be accessible and to funnel owners to compliance instructions. Staff noted that the DBI web content is translatable to more than 100 languages and that more culturally competent, in-person outreach will be coordinated with partner agencies and community groups, particularly to reach Chinatown merchants.

Commissioners asked about language access, translation and whether outreach will include culturally competent staff contact; DBI said it will deploy a team effort and partner with the Chinatown Merchants Association and the office of small business. Staff emphasized that the ABE program is not a legal shield but can help property owners reduce exposure to ADA lawsuits by getting ahead of compliance work.

DBI said the program requires building owners to submit a pre-screening form if they believe the ordinance does not apply, a waiver if they already comply, or a category checklist completed by an architect, engineer or certified access specialist; property owners then must secure permits and complete any necessary renovations.