The Role of a Certified Access Specialist
A CASp is an expert in state and federal building accessibility requirements. They will inspect your building and provide you with:
- A Disability Access Inspection Certificate which is a record of the inspection.
- A CASp Inspection Report that describes the space, any corrections needed, and a schedule to complete corrections.
Benefits of a CASp Inspection
In addition to increasing access to businesses in Long Beach, a CASp inspection and report offers several benefits to business owners:- Expert-level evaluationwith prioritized list of improvements.
- Legal benefits if any claims are filed after the owner receives their report, including:
- Request an early evaluation conference.
- Receive a 90-day stay of court proceedings.
- Reduce minimum statutory damages to $1,000 from $4,000, if you are found in violation of a construction-related accessibility requirement and correct the violation within 60 days.
- Eligibility for additional financing to support accessibility improvements. See the State CalCAP/ADA Program website for more information.
Eligibility
In order to be eligile for the City's Access Inspection Grant Program, you must:
- Attend a City of Long Beach Accessibility workshop.
- Use a CASp from the State’s approved list of inspectors.
- Be a small business or 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Long Beach with a physical, publicly accessible location. Home-based businesses do not qualify.
- Hold an active Long Beach business license.
- Be open and operating.
- Be independently owned (franchises allowed if locally owned).
- Earn under $5 million in annual gross revenue.
- Have “ACTIVE” status with the California Secretary of State (if LLC, corporation, or partnership).
What the Grant Covers
Eligible businesses can receive up to $1,500 to reimburse the cost of hiring a CASp inspector. You can receive reimbursement for:
- Initial CASp property inspection (i.e., property does not have an existing CASp inspection report).
- A follow-up inspection after significant construction to the property.
You may not receive funding for:
- Inspections conducted prior to September 2025
- A repeat inspectionwhen no improvements were made
- CASp review of construction plans
- Multiple CASp inspections (i.e., each applicant is eligible for a single grant disbursement)
How to Apply
To apply for the Access Inspection Grant Program, you must:- Attend a City accessibility workshop.
- Hire a CASp from the State’s certified list and receive your inspection report, schedule of improvements, and certificate.
- Applyand submit the required documents, including:
- Photo ID
- Business license number
- W9
- Certification number of your selected CASp
- Inspection report and receipt
- Proof of workshop attendance
- Permits and proof of improvements (If applying for re-inspection)
- City staff review and confirm eligibility.
- Receive approval and reimbursement once documents are verified.
