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Perform ADA Sidewalk Compliance Inspection using eAuditor

ADA Sidewalk Compliance refers to ensuring that sidewalks and pedestrian pathways meet the accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These standards are designed to guarantee that sidewalks are usable, safe, and navigable for individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids.

Performing ADA Sidewalk Compliance Inspection using eAuditor ensures a thorough evaluation of sidewalk accessibility, safety, and legal compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This process helps identify physical barriers or design flaws that may hinder individuals with disabilities from safely navigating public walkways and supports corrective action through structured reporting, real-time data collection, and digital audit trails.

1. Purpose of ADA Sidewalk Compliance Inspection

ADA sidewalk inspections are performed to:

• Ensure sidewalks and pathways meet ADA accessibility standards.
• Identify and correct barriers to mobility for individuals with disabilities.
• Support regulatory compliance for municipalities, public facilities, and commercial properties.
• Promote inclusive public infrastructure by verifying accessibility features like slopes, ramps, and clearances.

2. Preparation and Setup in eAuditor

3. Define the Scope of Inspection

• Determine the type and location of sidewalk assets to be inspected (e.g., city blocks, school zones, public parks, transit hubs).
• Include curb ramps, crosswalk connections, utility access covers, and sidewalk extensions in the inspection scope.

1. Create or Customize an ADA Sidewalk Compliance Template

Using eAuditor’s template builder, structure your inspection form to reflect ADA requirements. Key sections should include:

• Sidewalk Width Measurement
  • Record if the sidewalk is at least 36 inches wide throughout.
  • Note the presence and spacing of 60-inch passing areas if the width is under the minimum.

• Surface Condition
  • Identify cracks, heaving, broken pavement, or loose materials.
  • Check for level changes greater than ½ inch, and whether they are beveled properly.
• Running and Cross Slope Checks
  • Measure cross slope (maximum 2%) using a digital level or app.
  • Check running slope; flag segments steeper than 5% for ramp classification.
• Curb Ramps
  • Verify the presence of ramps at street crossings or driveways.
  • Check ramp slope, width (minimum 36 inches), and tactile warning surfaces (e.g., truncated domes).
• Obstructions
  • Identify and photograph fixed obstructions like poles, benches, mailboxes, or vegetation.
  • Confirm an 80-inch vertical clearance from overhanging signs or tree limbs.
• Pedestrian Signal Accessibility (if applicable)
  • Inspect signals for audible tones, tactile/vibration feedback, and clear push-button access.
• Photos, Notes, and GPS Data
  • Use photo capture and annotation to document deficiencies.
  • Capture GPS location data for mapping compliance gaps.

III. Assign Inspectors and Plan Routes

• Assign sidewalk segments to field teams via eAuditor.
• Schedule inspections based on location priority, complaint reports, or maintenance timelines.

3. Conducting the ADA Sidewalk Compliance Inspection in eAuditor
4. Launch and Begin Inspection

• Open the customized ADA Sidewalk template in the eAuditor mobile app or web platform.
• Select the appropriate site or sidewalk segment.

1. Collect Inspection Data

• Measure widths, slopes, and clearance dimensions using digital tools.
• Select responses from dropdowns or checklist items:
  • Compliant / Non-Compliant / Not Applicable
• Enter detailed notes for observed issues or partial compliance.

III. Capture and Annotate Evidence

• Photograph any non-compliant elements.
• Use eAuditor’s annotation tools to mark cracks, slope failures, or surface defects.
• Record audio notes or short videos for complex situations.

1. Trigger Actions for Non-Compliance

• Use the Actions feature in eAuditor to:
  • Assign repairs or maintenance to the appropriate department.
  • Set timelines, priorities, and follow-up reminders.
  • Track resolution status through dashboards.

4. Post-Inspection Activities
5. Generate and Distribute Reports

• Automatically generate a structured inspection report with:
  • All measured data and checklists
  • Embedded photos, notes, and compliance status
  • Summary of total compliant vs. non-compliant segments
  • Action item status
• Share the report in PDF or web format with public works teams, contractors, or regulatory agencies.

1. Analyze Trends and Prioritize Improvements

• Use eAuditor’s Analytics to:
  • Track recurring accessibility issues
  • Map hotspots of non-compliance using location data
  • Review action completion rates and outstanding defects

III. Maintain a Central Record of Sidewalk Compliance

• Store all inspection data in eAuditor’s cloud archive.
• Easily retrieve reports for ADA audits, public records, or funding applications.
• Support long-term asset planning and maintenance budgeting with historical records.

Summary

Conducting ADA Sidewalk Compliance Inspections with eAuditor offers a reliable, efficient way to ensure that sidewalks are safe and accessible for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. By digitizing inspection processes, teams can quickly identify issues like narrow paths, excessive slopes, broken surfaces, or missing curb ramps. The platform enables real-time documentation, corrective action tracking, and trend analysis, allowing cities and property owners to maintain ADA-compliant walkways while reducing risk and enhancing public infrastructure inclusivity.

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