Code Compliance & Accessibility

Clarity Upfront and Fewer Problems Downstream.

Code compliance and accessibility are often treated as boxes to check late in the process. In reality, they are foundational to how a site functions, performs, and ultimately gets approved.

At T.H. Norton Landscape Architecture, we integrate compliance early, aligning site design with ADA requirements, California regulations, and local agency expectations to avoid costly redesigns, delays, and field conflicts.

ADA Accessibility (Site + Landscape)

Accessibility is not just about slopes and dimensions, it’s about how people actually move through and experience a space.

We focus on practical, buildable solutions that meet ADA requirements while maintaining design intent.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Accessible routes, slopes, and cross slopes

• Site arrival sequences (parking, drop-off, transitions)

• Ramps, handrails, and landings

• Detectable warnings and surface treatments

• Accessible outdoor amenities (seating, gathering spaces, recreation)

• Integration with building thresholds and finished floor elevations

Why it matters:
Accessibility issues are one of the most common causes of plan check comments, field corrections, and failed inspections. Addressing these early avoids rework and liability exposure.

California Code Compliance

California projects come with layered regulatory requirements that impact site design, documentation, and approvals.

We work within these frameworks from the start—not as an afterthought.

Relevant Codes & Standards Include:

• California Building Code (CBC) – Site accessibility

• CALGreen requirements

• Local municipal codes and ordinances

• Agency-specific requirements (DSA, Planning, Building, Public Works, etc.)

Our Approach:

• Coordinate early

• Align grading, drainage, and access with compliance requirements

• Provide clear, coordinated for plan check

MWELO Compliance

(California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance)

California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance compliance is often underestimated, and frequently becomes a bottleneck at plan check or final inspection.

We integrate MWELO requirements into the design process from day one to avoid delays and resubmittals.

Scope of Services:

• Landscape documentation packages

• Water budget calculations (MAWA / ETAF)

• Hydrozoning strategies

• Irrigation system design and efficiency planning

• Soil management reports coordination

• Certificate of completion support

Common Pitfalls We Help Avoid:

• Incomplete or inconsistent water budget calculations

• Misalignment between planting and irrigation design

• Missing documentation at final inspection

• Late-stage revisions to meet compliance thresholds

The Downstream Problem (and How We Solve It)

Too often, landscape and irrigation compliance are addressed late, after grading, architecture, and utilities are already fixed.

That’s when problems show up:

• ADA conflicts with finished grades

• Irrigation layouts clashing with utilities

• MWELO calculations not aligning with actual design

• Delays at plan check or final sign-off

Our role is to resolve these issues before they happen.

By integrating compliance early, we help:

• Reduce change orders

• Streamline approvals

• Improve constructability

• Keep projects moving toward occupancy

Where This Applies

Our compliance and accessibility work supports a range of project types, including:

• Healthcare and assisted living facilities

• Educational and public agency projects

• Cemetery and memorial developments

• Hospitality and commercial sites

• Civic and community spaces

Let’s Get It Right Early

If you're navigating code requirements, accessibility challenges, or MWELO compliance, we can help bring clarity to the process and reduce risk moving forward.