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Local business owner says city denied final approval over ADA access, leaving building unused
Summary
A business owner told commissioners that the city first advised proceeding without front ADA access but later denied final approval; the owner said the building now requires an impractical ramp and has $15,000 in costs tied up, and commissioners agreed to coordinate follow-up with the building commissioner and engineers.
A local business owner told the commission the owner was advised by city staff to proceed with construction but later received a denial of final approval because the building lacks compliant ADA access, leaving the property unusable.
The owner said earlier consultations with the city allowed plans to move forward without providing front-door ADA access, but the building was ultimately denied final approval for "no ADA access." The owner described the back entrance as requiring a 24‑foot ramp with switchbacks and said the only way to reach that door would be across an adjacent property. "I'm $15,000 in the hole because the city told me to move forward and now I can't do anything with the building," the owner said.
Commissioners discussed possible approaches, including contacting the building commissioner and city engineers to explore whether a one‑inch sidewalk adjustment or other design options could address threshold issues. Staff offered to set up a meeting with the county engineer and city staff; commissioners also discussed portable ramps and temporary access solutions while noting code constraints.
Context and next steps: Commissioners agreed staff would help establish engineering and building‑department contact to review possible remedies. No formal action was taken at the meeting; the exchange was an informational request for staff follow‑up.
