ADA Accessibility Compliance

ADA 42 USC §12181 · NYC Admin Code §8-107 Active — federal + city

ADA + NYC Human Rights Law

Every business open to the public must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the federal level and the NYC Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) at the city level. The NYC law is broader than federal ADA — it applies to all businesses regardless of size, and provides for unlimited civil damages in discrimination complaints.

ADA lawsuits are extremely common in NYC. NYC accounts for roughly 30% of all ADA Title III lawsuits filed nationally. Most involve inaccessible entrances, websites, or service counters — and most are resolved through costly settlements.

$75K+

ADA federal fine, first violation

$150K+

ADA federal fine, repeat violation

Unlimited

NYC HRL damages — no cap

31%

Of all US ADA lawsuits filed in NY (H1 2025)

Physical Accessibility Requirements

Accessible entrance

Required — no steps or ramp/lift needed

Service counter height

Max 36 inches AFF

Accessible restroom (if open to public)

At least one required

Clear floor path to all services

36 inch min width

Parking spaces (if lot provided)

1 of 25 spaces accessible

"Readily achievable" standard: Businesses are required to remove barriers when doing so is easily accomplishable without much difficulty or expense. A small business with limited resources has lower obligations than a large chain — but some level of accessibility is always required.

Website Accessibility

NYC is the most active jurisdiction in the US for ADA website lawsuits. Courts increasingly treat business websites as "places of public accommodation." Your website must be navigable by screen readers, have alt text for images, and meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards to minimize lawsuit exposure.

41% of ADA website lawsuits in NYC are repeat filings against companies already sued before. Getting hit once without remediation makes you a repeat target.

Fine and Liability Schedule

Violation	Exposure
ADA Title III violation — first complaint (federal DOJ)	$75,000+
ADA Title III violation — repeat complaint	$150,000+
NYC Human Rights Law complaint — civil lawsuit	Unlimited civil damages + attorney fees
DOB code violation from inaccessible renovation	$1,000–$10,000 + correction order

Related Laws

ADA Accessibility Requirements