Supporting Document (ce8fd807...)

[
Item 21
orrYCoyNpii
REPORT
mm
Meeting Date:
General Plan Element: 
General Plan Goal:
May 19.2026 
ADA Transition Plan
Enhance Visitor and Resident Mobility, Accessibility, and Wayfinding
ACTION
Adopt Resolution No. 13628 adopting the city's updated ADA Transition Plan.
1. The ADA Transition Plan is required to meet the city's federal requirements under Title II of the 
Americans with Disability Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Funding to 
update the city's ADA Transition Plan was approved by council on March 4,2025.
BACKGROUND
This proposed plan is a comprehensive review of the city's infrastructure, services and programs and identifies 
structural issues, procedures and policies which need to be corrected so that people with disabilities are not 
faced with barriers to participation.
The city's original plan was created over 20 years ago, and subsequent updates have been made in alignment 
with requirements under the ADA. City Council approved the project to update 5cottsdale's ADA Transition 
Plan on March 4,2025. The plan reflects 5cottsdale's continued growth and ensures accessibility 
improvements keep pace with expanding infrastructure. In 2025 alone, the city added over 365 ADA- 
compliant ramps, bringing the five-year total to 3,814 ramps citywide, including 45 new ramps in Old Town 
that enhanced mobility for residents and visitors.
Building on 5cottsdale's significant accessibility accomplishments, this plan provides a flexible forward-looking 
framework to continue removing barriers, identifies a timeframe and prioritize of needed modifications in a 
strategic and cost-effective manner, including integrating accessibility into the Capital Improvement Plan. 
Most importantly this accessibility plan reflects 5cottsdale's commitment to excellent customer service by 
ensuring everyone can experience our amazing community.
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IMPACT ANALYSIS
To begin the Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan update the city hired Matrix Design Group, a qualified 
consulting firm with expertise needed to assess current conditions, identify barriers, and propose feasible 
solutions through the completion of the federally required Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan.
The Transition Plan was updated in two phases: Phase 1 included initiation of data collection and public 
outreach along with field assessment reports. That work continued into Phase 2 to create the final updated 
plan, collect public feedback and a progress monitoring GIS dashboard.
Throughout the Transition Plan update, including during the Self-Evaluation process, an active city-wide public 
involvement campaign was executed to provide opportunities to interested persons, including individuals with 
disabilities or organizations representing individuals with disabilities, to participate in the Transition Plan 
update process by submitting comments regarding accessibility within the city. City public involvement 
activities included the following:
• 
Information booth at the Abilities Expo at WestWorld (September 5-7,2025)
• 
Four public meetings
• 
QR code accessibility public engagernent campaign
• 
Interactive online mapping tool hosted on the city's webpage that allowed for real-time public 
feedback
• 
Partnerships with disability advocacy groups to add to outreach efforts
• 
Employee and public questionnaires to solicit input on accessibility within city facilities 
Key features of the plan:
• 
Identification of physical barriers at city facilities and in the public right-of-way through the Self- 
Evaluation process
• 
Identification of federal, state and local accessibility standards
• 
Prioritization schedule for barrier removal 
Estimated costs for accessibility improvements 
Integration of public input to inform barrier priorities
Once the ADA Transition Plan is adopted, the ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator will work with city 
departments to monitor the progress of the plan and ensure it continues to align with city priorities. 
There is no funding associated with this Council's action to adopt the plan.
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OPTIONS & STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. 13628:
l.Adoption of the City's proposed updated ADA Transition Pian to meet the city's federai 
requirements under Titie II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the 
Rehabiiitation Act of1973.
RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT(S)
ADA/Tftle VI Compliance Coordinator within the City Manager's Office.
STAFF CONTACTS (S)
Felicia Beltran, ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator, FBeitran@ScottsdaleAZ.gov
APPROVED BV
5/4/26
Will Brooks, /Assistant to the City Manager 
480-312-7826, WBrooks@Scottsdaleaz.gov
Date
S/4/26
Kira Peters, Deputy City Manager 
480-312-7288, KiPeters@Scottsdaleaz.gOv
Date
5/4/26
Greg Caton, City Manager 
480-312-7759,6Caton@Scottsdaleaz.gbv
Date
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution No. 13628
2. Draft ADA Transition Plan
Action TBtwn.
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RESOLUTION NO. 13628
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCOTTSDALE,
MARICOPA COUNTY, ARIZONA, ADOPTING THE CITY’S 2026 UPDATED ADA
TRANSITION PLAN.
WHEREAS, a transition plan under the Amerieans with Disability Act (“ADA”) is required 
to meet the City’s federal requirements under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 
of 1973; and
WHEREAS, the updates to the City’s ADA Transition Plan are required to keep pace with 
the City’s growth and continue to ensure accessibility to City facilities, programs, services and 
activities for individuals with disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Scottsdale, 
Maricopa County, Arizona, as follows;
Section 1. The City Council hereby adopts the City’s 2026 updated ADA Transition Plan.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Council of the City of Scottsdale, Maricopa County, Arizona 
this_____day of_________________ , 2026.
ATTEST:
CITY OF SCOTTSDALE, an Arizona 
municipal corporation
Ben Lane, City Clerk
Lisa Borowsky, Mayor
APPROVED AS TO^^ORM:
Luis E. Santaella, City Attorney 
By: William Hylen 
Deputy City Attorney
19160024
PageTofI '
ATTACHMENT 1

#
SDAL
CITY OF'
SCOnSDALE
^ Accessible
^ Scottsdale
2026 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Update
City of Scottsdale, Arizona
Prepared: 13 March, 2026 
Fiscal Years: 2026-2046
Executive Summary
The City of Scottsdale is committed to ensuring equal access to all its municipal facilities, 
programs, services, and activities for individuals with disabilities. This comprehensive ADA 
Transition Plan (Plan) establishes a systematic framework for identifying and removing barriers 
to accessibility in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 
the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), and Section 504 of the 
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Plan emphasizes Scottsdale’s commitment to excellent 
customer service by making sure everyone has access to its amazing community.
Scottsdale last updated its ADA Transition Plan in 2022. Since that time, the City has completed 
numerous accessibility improvements and remediated many locations evaluated across 
buildings, parks, and the public right-of-way. From 2022 through 2026, Scottsdale’s ADA 
Transition Plan has evolved from a compliance framework into a targeted capital and policy 
program that is measurably reshaping how people with disabilities move through and use the 
City. The 2022 planning effort set out clear expectations under Title II of the ADA and Section 
504, then used them to drive a citywide evaluation covering buildings, parks, public right-of-way, 
transit, programs, and digital services. By 2026, this self-evaluation produced a detailed barrier 
inventory and prioritization framework, enabling the City to move away from ad hoc fixes toward 
a structured, data-driven improvement program spanning the public right-of-way, transit, 
programs, and digital services.
Public right-of-way (ROW) upgrades are among the most visible outcomes of this transition 
work. Between 2020 and 2025, Scottsdale installed more than 3,814 ADA-compliant curb 
ramps, including 365 added in 2025 alone, which were coordinated with paving projects to 
stretch limited funding. Building on this momentum, the Transition Plan targets hundreds of 
additional ramps, sidewalk reconstructions, and accessible pedestrian signal upgrades in the 
first years after 2025, with early emphasis on Old Town, the downtown Civic Center, major 
transit corridors, areas near schools, medical facilities, and senior housing. The Plan also calls 
for systematic improvements to crosswalk markings, detectable warnings, and median refuge
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
1
ATTACHMENT 2

islands so that continuous accessible routes provide connectivity and mobility for residents, 
visitors, employers, and employees.
Within facilities and parks, the 2022-2026 period has focused on diagnosing and beginning to 
correct long-standing physical barriers while incorporating accessibility as one of the key 
priorities in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Detailed surveys have documented issues 
such as insufficient accessible parking, heavy or narrow entry doors, noncompliant restrooms, 
inaccessible service counters, and gaps in accessible routes within high-use buildings, libraries, 
community centers, and recreation sites. In response, the Transition Plan schedules phased 
upgrades, starting with City Hall, central libraries, major community centers, and high-demand 
parks, to add compliant parking, automatic doors, reconfigured restrooms, accessible seating 
and viewing areas, and improved wayfinding and signage, timed to coincide with planned 
building and park renovations.
The 2022 plan also recognized that accessibility extends beyond the built environment. By 
2026, Scottsdale has begun addressing programmatic and digital barriers identified through the 
self-evaluation by establishing a formal ADA grievance procedure, designating an ADA/Title VI 
Coordinator and departmental liaisons, and implementing staff training on disability awareness, 
accommodations, and emergency planning. In parallel, the City is advancing its website, mobile 
applications, and online services toward WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance, including remediating 
PDFs, captioning videos, and improving accessible virtual meeting options to ensure persons 
with disabilities can fully engage with City programs and services.
Financially, the Transition Plan aids the City in developing and delivering a consistent 20-year 
investment strategy that not only fixes more issues but does so more efficiently. Earlier efforts 
secured approximately $700,000 over two years for accessibility. At the same time, the updated 
framework maintains the City's active pursuit of grants, integration with street and facility 
projects, and bundling of ADA work to reduce unit costs. Accessibility will continue to be woven 
into CIP project scoping, design standards, and review processes so that new construction and 
major renovations are “built once the right way” rather than requiring later retrofits. Through the 
combined improvements that have taken place since 2022, robust self-evaluation, aggressive 
curb ramp and ROW upgrades, facility and park retrofits, digital access work, and governance 
and funding, Scottsdale is positioning itself to deliver steadily expanding citywide access for 
people with disabilities over the life of the Transition Plan.
Building on Scottsdale's significant accomplishments, including the reconstruction of 8,400 curb 
ramps over the past 10 years and 365 additional ramps in 2025, this Plan provides a strategic 
and flexible roadmap for the next 20 years. With financial allocations for accessibility 
renovations and accommodations across facilities, public rights-of-way, parks, and programs (as 
they arise), Scottsdale will systematically address barriers while integrating accessibility into all 
capital improvement planning.
The Transition Plan organizes improvements into priority tiers, focusing first on critical 
government facilities. Old Town Scottsdale, downtown civic areas, major transit corridors, and 
high-use parks and community centers. It defines methods for barrier removal in the public right- 
of-way (including sidewalks, curb ramps, pedestrian signals, crosswalks, and median refuge
2

islands), within facilities and parks, and through programmatic changes and digital accessibility 
upgrades so that program access can be achieved through both structural modifications and 
alternative service delivery where needed.
Implementation is structured as a 20-year program that coordinates ADA work with Scottsdale’s 
established capital planning and budgeting processes, including the City’s annual Capital 
Improvement Plan. The City remains dedicated to accessibility renovations and 
accommodations and will phase curb ramp and sidewalk improvements, signal and crosswalk 
upgrades, facility and park retrofits, and digital accessibility work while leveraging other funding 
sources such as general capital funds and applicable grants.
Public engagement is integrated throughout the Transition Plan development process through 
accessible public meetings, in-person questionnaires, and online input opportunities. All 
engagement materials and events include information on how to request reasonable 
modifications or accommodations to participate. Ongoing collaboration with the community 
helps Scottsdale preserve the unique character and local identity that make the City special, 
while ensuring that accessibility improvements respond to community needs and support a high 
quality of life.
Through this Transition Plan, Scottsdale reaffirms accessibility as a foundational element of the 
City’s physical environment; one that strengthens connections among community members, 
supports a high quality of life, and enhances the City’s appeal to visitors from around the world. 
The Plan will be reviewed and updated regularly through an interdepartmental process led by 
the ADA/Title VI Coordinator to track completed work, respond to evolving standards, 
incorporate community input, and address emerging priorities. This approach ensures a 
balanced and coordinated strategy across departments and services. City buildings and 
facilities, and the pedestrian public right-of-way.
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
3

Table of Contents
Executive Summary..............................................................................................................................1
1. Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 6
1.1 Purpose and Scope.....................................................................................................................6
1.2 Legal Framework......................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Scottsdale’s Commitment to Accessibility...............................................................................11
2. Self-Evaluation Process and Findings...........................................................................................11
2.1 Geographic Information Systems.............................................................................................11
2.2 Self-Evaluation Methodology....................................................................................................19
2.3 Key Assessment Areas............................................................................................................. 20
2.4 Major Findings........................................................................................................................... 21
3. Designation of Responsible Officials............................................................................................. 22
3.1 ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator.....................................................................................22
3.2 Departmental ADA/Title VI Liaisons........................................................................................23
3.3 Interdisciplinary Department Coordination with the ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator
.23
4. Barrier Removal Priorities and Methods.......................................................................................24
4.1 Prioritization Framework........................................................................................................... 24
4.2 Geographic Priority Areas........................................................................................................25
4.3 Structural Modification Methods.............................................................................................. 25
4.4 Program Access and Non-Structural Modifications............................................................... 26
4.5 Policy and Practice Improvements..........................................................................................26
4.6 Digital Accessibility....................................................................................................................26
5. 
Self-Evaluation Summary of Findings.......................................................................................29
5.1 Parks Findings........................................................................................................................... 29
5.2 Pedestrian Right-of-Way Findings........................................................................................... 32
5.3 Facility Findings.........................................................................................................................48
6. Implementation Schedule.............................................................................................................. 63
6.1 Overview....................................................................................................................................63
6.2 Ongoing Annual Activities (All 20 Years)................................................................................ 65
6.3 Continued Integration with Capital Improvement Program................................................... 66
7. Funding Sources............................................................................................................................. 66
7.1 Funding Sources and Strategies............................................................................................. 66
4

8. Public Engagement and Grievance Procedures......................................................................... 68
8.1 Public Notice of ADA Rights....................................................................................................68
8.2 ADA Grievance Procedure.......................................................................................................68
8.3 Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation.........................................................................................69
8.4 Ongoing Public Participation Mechanisms............................................................................. 69
9. Accountability and Monitoring........................................................................................................70
9.1 Progress Monitoring..................................................................................................................70
9.2 Key Performance Indicators (Estimates)................................................................................ 70
9.3 Plan Updates and Adjustments............................................................................................... 70
10. Recommendations........................................................................................................................71
10.1 Governance and Accountability............................................................................................. 71
10.2 Capital Planning and Asset Management........................................................................... 71
10.3 Program Access and Effective Communication................................................................... 71
10.4 Digital Accessibility (2026-2026 Deadline and Beyond).................................................... 71
10.5 Public Right-Of-Way and Transportation............................................................................... 72
10.6 Facilities, Parks, and Emergency Management.................................................................. 72
11. Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................73
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
5

CITYOF^afT"
SCOTTSDALE
Figure 1: City of Scottsdale Logo
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose and Scope
The purpose of the City of Scottsdale's ADA Transition Plan 
(Plan) is to provide a clear, actionable roadmap for achieving 
connectivity to all its municipal facilities, programs, services, and 
activities for individuals with disabilities. The Plan is intended to 
meet the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities 
Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by identifying 
barriers, prioritizing their removal, and establishing a realistic 
implementation schedule supported by identified funding 
opportunities and responsible staff. Through this Plan, Scottsdale 
reaffirms its ongoing commitment to ensuring every resident or visitor can move through, 
engage with, and enjoy the City without barriers.
The introduction to the Transition Plan explains the legal framework, local context, and strategic 
approach guiding Scottsdale’s accessibility efforts over the next several years. It describes how 
the City conducted a comprehensive self-evaluation of policies, facilities, public rights-of-way, 
parks, transit stops, and digital platforms to understand existing barriers and opportunities for 
improvement. The introduction also outlines Scottsdale’s commitment to ongoing public 
engagement, continued integration of accessibility into the Capital Improvement Plan and 
continuous monitoring and updating of the Plan so it remains aligned with evolving federal 
standards, community priorities and available resources.
This Transition Plan is specifically grounded in Title II of the ADA, which governs the services, 
programs, and activities of public entities and provides that no qualified individual with a 
disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in, denied the 
benefits of, or subjected to discrimination by any public entity. In accordance with 28 CFR 
35.105 and 35.150, Scottsdale has conducted a self-evaluation of its services, programs, 
activities, and facilities on public property and within the public right-of-way, and has prepared 
this Plan to describe the methods, schedules, and responsibilities that will be used to achieve 
and maintain ADA compliance.
The Plan is also informed by companion federal statutes and regulations, including the 
Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) of 1968 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 
which require accessibility in facilities designed, built, altered, or leased with federal funds and 
prohibit disability-based discrimination in programs receiving federal financial assistance. 
Together with Title II of the ADA, these laws establish Scottsdale’s obligations to remove 
architectural and programmatic barriers to ensure accessible connectivity to all City programs, 
services, and activities.
Under Title II, Scottsdale must operate its programs so that, when viewed in their entirety, they 
are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; may not refuse participation 
because a person has a disability: and must make reasonable modifications to policies, 
practices, and procedures when necessary to avoid discrimination, unless such modifications
6

would fundamentally alter the nature of the program. The City must also avoid unnecessary 
segregation, provide equally effective separate programs only when needed to ensure equal 
benefit, ensure that communications with people with disabilities are as effective as 
communications with others, designate at least one ADA Coordinator, provide ongoing public 
notice of ADA rights and the Coordinator’s contact information, and maintain a prompt and 
equitable grievance procedure for resolving ADA-related complaints.
By articulating these legal requirements within the purpose statement, the ADA Transition Plan 
establishes a strong civil rights foundation for Scottsdale’s 20-year accessibility strategy and 
clarifies the City’s commitment to proactively identifying barriers while prioritizing and 
implementing corrective actions to improve the livability of the community.
This ADA Transition Plan serves as Scottsdale’s comprehensive roadmap for achieving and 
maintaining ADA Title II compliance. The Plan fulfills legal requirements under 28 CFR Part 
35.150 and provides a strategic framework for the following:
1. Identifying physical and programmatic barriers to accessibility across all City 
departments and facilities
2. Establishing evidence-based priorities for barrier removal based on community needs 
and regulatory requirements
3. Implementing a responsive schedule aligned with the annual priority allocation
4. Ensuring ongoing compliance with current accessibility standards (2010 ADA Standards, 
PROWAG 2024, Arizona Revised Statutes Title 34, Scottsdale Design Standards & 
Policies Manual 2018)
5. Promoting meaningful participation and engagement with people with disabilities 
throughout implementation
6. Continuing to integrate accessibility into all capital improvement planning, program 
development, and service delivery as required
7. Monitoring, measuring, and reporting progress toward accessibility goals
1.2 Legal Framework
Federal Requirements
The City of Scottsdale’s ADA Transition Plan is guided by a framework of federal civil rights laws 
and implementing regulations that collectively prohibit discrimination based on disability and 
require accessible programs, services, and facilities. These federal requirements define the 
minimum standards the City must meet and provide the legal basis for the self-evaluation, 
barrier removal, and ongoing monitoring activities described in this Plan.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The Americans with Disabilities Act is a civil rights law enacted on July 26, 1990, and amended 
in 2008 by the ADA Amendments Act to broaden the definition and protections for individuals 
with disabilities. The ADA is organized into five titles that prohibit discrimination in employment 
(Title I), state and local government services (Title II), public accommodations (Title III), 
telecommunications (Title IV), and miscellaneous provisions (Title V).
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026 
7

Title II applies directly to Scottsdale as a local government and provides that no qualified 
individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in, 
denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any service, program, or activity of a 
public entity. The U.S. Department of Justice regulations at 28 CFR Part 35 require public 
entities to conduct a self-evaluation, prepare and implement a transition plan where structural 
changes are needed, ensure program access, provide effective communication, and make 
reasonable modifications to policies, practices, and procedures unless doing so would 
fundamentally alter the nature of the program or impose an undue burden.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a federal nondiscrimination law that prohibits disability- 
based discrimination in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. For 
Scottsdale, this means that departments and programs supported in whole or in part with 
federal funds must ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to the benefits and 
services of those federally assisted activities, including transportation, housing, recreation, and 
community development programs.
Americans with Disabilities Act Title II
Title II prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all programs, services, and 
activities provided by state and local governments. This includes ensuring programs, services, 
and activities offered online and through mobile apps meet the Web Content Accessibility 
Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2.1, Level AA technical standards. The law requires public entities 
to do the following:
■ Conduct comprehensive self-evaluations of facilities, policies, and practices to create 
an inventory of barriers and their locations.
■ Develop a Transition Plan; Inventory, Schedule and Methods to make facilities 
accessible.
■ Designate an ADA Coordinator responsible for compliance oversight.
■ Ensure public involvement-consideration in the decision-making process.
■ Develop a notice of an ADA Policy Statement.
■ Establish grievance procedures for accessibility complaints.
■ Provide program access through structural or nonstructural modifications.
Architectural Barriers Act of 1968
The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) requires that facilities designed, constructed, altered, or 
leased with certain federal funds be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities. 
Although the ABA applies directly to federally owned or funded facilities, it establishes an 
important baseline for accessible design and informs Scottsdale’s approach to ensuring that
8

City-owned buildings and sites provide accessible routes, entrances, restrooms, parking, and 
other key features.
At the local level, the City of Scottsdale’s 2018 Design Standards and Policies Manual (DSPM) 
further supports accessibility by outlining design guidelines, requirements, standards, policies, 
and procedures for development, including provisions related to ADA compliance in public 
facilities.
Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines
The Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), adopted as a federal accessibility 
standard in 2024, establish technical requirements for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of- 
way, including sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, pedestrian access routes, on-street parking, 
and accessible pedestrian signals. Scottsdale has adopted PROWAG to address accessibility in 
the public right-of-way to ensure that new construction and alterations, such as curb ramps, 
median refuge islands, sidewalks, and signalized crossings, provide safe, continuous, and 
usable pedestrian access for individuals with disabilities.
Core Operational Obligations Under Federal Law
Collectively, these federal requirements obligate Scottsdale to operate all programs and 
services so that, when viewed in their entirety, they are accessible to individuals with disabilities; 
to avoid denying participation solely because of disability; and to refrain from providing 
unnecessarily separate or unequal services except when required to achieve equal 
effectiveness. The City must also ensure effective communication, designate and publicize an 
ADA Coordinator, provide ongoing notice of ADA rights, and maintain a prompt and equitable 
grievance procedure to resolve complaints at the local level.
State and Local Requirements
In addition to federal civil rights laws, Scottsdale’s ADA Transition Plan is implemented within a 
framework of state statutes and local codes that reinforce and operationalize accessibility 
requirements. These provisions guide how the City designs, regulates, and manages public 
facilities, streets, parking, and land use to support accessibility for people with disabilities.
State Law-Arizona Revised Statutes
At the state level, the Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 41, Chapter 9, Article 8 (Public 
Accommodation and Services) prohibit discrimination in places of public accommodation and in 
the provision of services, including on the basis of disability. These statutes complement the 
ADA and Section 504 by requiring equal access and nondiscriminatory treatment in facilities and 
programs operating within Arizona, including municipal programs.
City of Scottsdale Codes and Ordinances
Scottsdales own code of ordinances incorporates ADA-related requirements that are directly 
relevant to implementation of this Transition Plan. Key provisions include the following:
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
9

■ Sec. 47, Interference with Service Animal, which protects the rights of individuals with 
disabilities who use service animals in public places and City programs
■ Sec. 17115, Parking Time Limits, and Sec. 17124, Reserved Parking Enforcement, 
which support effective management and enforcement of accessible parking spaces 
and time limited zones used by people with disabilities
■ Sec. 3131, Building Code Adoption, and Chapter 31, Sec. 3122 (IBC Chapter 11 
accessibility amendments), which adopt and locally amend building accessibility 
requirements for new construction and alterations
■ Appendix B - Basic Zoning Ordinance, including Sec. 9.105 Accessible Parking 
Space Requirements, which establishes minimum accessible parking ratios and 
design criteria for development throughout the City
■ Sec. 1519, Human Rights, Article II, which prohibits discrimination in employment and 
public accommodations, reinforcing ADA and state nondiscrimination standards at the 
local level
Together, these ordinances give Scottsdale enforcement tools and design expectations that 
align land use, building, and transportation decisions with ADA objectives.
Scottsdale ADA and Design Standards
Scottsdale also relies on a suite of technical and 
planning standards in its Scottsdale Design 
Standards & Policies Manual 2018 that embeds 
accessibility into day-to-day capital and development 
work. These include the following:
^ Accessibe
^ Scottsda e
Figure 2: Accessible Scottsdale Logo
Standards for Construction governing materials, dimensions, and details for 
accessible site and building elements
Arterial and Collector Street Plans and the Design Standards & Guidelines for 
Scottsdale Streets, which define cross sections, sidewalks, curb ramps, crossings, 
and median treatments that support accessible pedestrian routes, sections, 
sidewalks, crossings, and median treatments that support accessible pedestrian 
routes
Facility Standards and Parks and Recreation standards, which address accessible 
routes, entrances, restrooms, seating, site furnishings, recreation features, and 
wayfinding across civic buildings and park sites
Other applicable City standards and manuals, which are updated as federal and state 
accessibility requirements evolve and are applied to all new construction and 
substantial alterations
10

By integrating these state statutes, local ordinances, and technical standards into the ADA 
Transition Plan, Scottsdale ensures that accessibility is consistently addressed in planning, 
design, permitting, construction, and operations and that local regulatory tools actively support 
the Plan’s goals.
Arizona Accessibility Standards
Arizona Revised Statutes, Title 34, Chapter 4 establishes state-level accessibility requirements 
for public facilities and accommodations.
1.3 Scottsdale’s Commitment to Accessibility
The City of Scottsdale values public participation and equal access for all residents and visitors. 
Scottsdale is recognized as a wheelchair-accessible destination with barrier-free 
accommodations, including accessible paths (Jane Rau Interpretive Trail, Chaparral Lake Loop) 
and the accessible Old Town district. This Transition Plan builds upon these strengths while 
systematically addressing remaining barriers across all City operations.
2. Self-Evaluation Process and Findings
2.1 Geographic Information Systems
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) plays a central role in how Scottsdale plans, prioritizes, 
and delivers accessibility improvements over the 20-year ADA Transition Plan period. By 
integrating location-based data on facilities, public rights-of-way, parks, and program assets,
GIS enables the City to visualize barrier clusters, identify which populations are most affected, 
improve the public grievance process, track progress, coordinate accessibility investments with 
other capital projects, and make data-driven decisions for each program year.
GIS layers can include barrier inventories, prioritization tiers, capital project locations, and 
community-requested improvements, enabling data-driven decision making for each program 
year. Mapping helps confirm that improvements support Tier 1 and Tier 2 priorities (critical 
facilities, key pedestrian corridors, and high-use parks) and that investments are geographically 
distributed.
Supporting Key Functions of the Plan
GIS directly supports several core functions of the 20-year accessibility plan. It links asset data 
with performance, schedule, and budget information so that staff can manage ADA work 
programmatically rather than as isolated projects.
For public rights-of-way, GIS links each curb ramp, sidewalk segment, and crossing to condition, 
compliance status, and planned year of remediation, which improves coordination with street 
resurfacing and transportation projects.
For facilities and parks, GIS connects building and site survey results to specific parcels and 
campuses, helping departments phase upgrades and bundle work efficiently for construction 
contracts.
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
11

Improved Results and Performance Tracking
By requiring the usage of the GIS tracking system by all departments making ADA-related 
improvements to any City asset, the GIS system \A/ill be the central tracking platform to measure 
progress toward ADA goals in ways that are transparent and understandable to both staff and 
the public.
Staff can generate maps, reports, and dashboards showing the current state of barriers, number 
of barriers removed, grievances received, curb ramps installed, signals upgraded, and facilities 
improved each year, as well as how those achievements relate to the overall inventory.
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Better Asset Delivery and Coordination
Integrating GIS with the City’s capital improvement and asset management systems ensures 
that ADA improvements are delivered efficiently and coordinated with other infrastructure work.
GIS supports bundling of ADA work by geography (e.g., corridor or neighborhood packages), 
reducing mobilization costs and construction impacts and informing funding development.
Because CIP projects are already planned and tracked spatially, adding ADA layers into the 
same GIS environment ensures that new or renovated assets meet or exceed current 
accessibility standards and that remediation is incorporated whenever streets, facilities, or parks 
are upgraded.
Transparency and Public Engagement
Scottsdale will explore using the GIS maps and web-based viewers to communicate progress 
and plans to the public and track grievances, supporting the Plan’s commitment to ongoing 
engagement. Public-facing maps can show completed, in-progress, and planned improvements,
12

helping residents and visitors understand timelines and submit targeted feedback or requests 
for specific accessibility improvements needed. GIS output can also be used during program 
update meetings to ground discussions in objective data, validate priorities, and identify 
emerging needs over the 20-year period.
The City of Scottsdale has made substantial progress improving accessibility within the public 
right-of-way, park system, transit network, and municipal facilities, and will continue this work 
through its ADA implementation program.
2022 Transition Plan Updates
The 2022 Transition Plan establishes the baseline against which the 2026 update demonstrates 
measurable progress. The 2026 Plan reflects a fully current reporting cycle, consistently 
referencing the 2026 Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan Update, documenting work completed 
between 2020 and 2025, and outlining planned actions for 2026-2029. While the 2022 Plan 
includes contact information and organizational charts reflective of staffing and structure at that 
time, the 2026 update refreshes all key roles—including the ADA Coordinator, public works 
leadership, and emergency management—using current names, titles, and contact information, 
and revises Appendix B to align with Scottsdale’s present organizational structure. Demographic 
data previously based on earlier Census sources in the 2022 Plan are also updated in 2026 
using the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) estimates for total population, 
disability prevalence, and disability categories.
The 2022 Plan explains the ADA self-evaluation requirement and summarizes prior assessment 
cycles but does not capture the most recent period of review. The 2026 Plan strengthens this 
foundation by adding a dedicated subsection addressing the 2023-2026 self-evaluation cycle. 
This section clearly identifies the evaluation period, the departments reviewed, and key policy 
updates, including revised service animal practices, expanded communication access, and 
more formalized inclusive recreation policies. The Plan also documents non-structural 
improvements to forms, staff training, and internal procedures. Where the 2022 discussion of 
Undue Burden and Program Access remained largely conceptual, the 2026 Plan improves 
clarity by incorporating anonymized, real-world examples demonstrating how Scottsdale applies 
these standards in practice—such as delivering services at alternate locations or through 
modified methods when necessary to ensure access.
In the facilities and capital projects sections, the 2022 Transition Plan describes Archibus as a 
system still being implemented and relies on a limited set of example projects—such as City 
Hall signage upgrades and the Chaparral accessible playground—to illustrate progress. By 
contrast, the 2026 Plan presents Archibus as fully operational, with relevant accessibility data 
consistently recorded in the live system. The 2026 Plan further explains how staff use this 
information to prioritize barrier removal, track implementation, and generate reports to support 
ongoing decision-making.
The capital budget discussion, which in 2022 focused on distinct appropriations, now shows 
cumulative ADA investments over 20 years and clarifies how accessibility improvements are 
embedded in capital improvement projects, departmental improvements, safety and entrances;
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
13

restrooms and changing facilities; communication features such as assistive listening and 
signage; and program spaces, including courts, council chambers, pools, senior centers, and 
library branches.
For rights-of-way and transportation, the 2022 plan presents curb ramp installation tables that 
extend through proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2023/24 and do not clearly differentiate between 
upgraded versus newly added ramps. The 2026 version extends these tables through at least 
FY 2028/29 and distinguishes between ramps brought into full ADA/PROWAG compliance and 
those installed where none existed before. The six priority areas in Appendix C — Civic Center, 
Fashion Square, Saguaro High School, Scottsdale Healthcare Shea, Thompson Peak, and 
Coronado High School — are initially described in 2022 mainly in terms of inventory and 
baseline deficiencies. In the 2026 Plan, each area includes a brief status summary that reports 
the percentage of ramps now compliant, highlights remaining issues such as missing crossings
or narrow clearances, and notes relevant
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citywide policy changes such as 
standardized detectable warning colors 
or a more straightforward approach to 
midblock crossings. The 2026 Plan also 
explicitly states that Scottsdale has 
moved from sample-based assessments 
toward a comprehensive GIS-based 
sidewalk and curb ramp inventory and 
describes how that dataset now 
integrates with the City’s asset 
management systems.
Figure 4: Scottsdale Civic Center
Digital accessibility is another area where
the 2026 Plan significantly advances beyond the 2022 version. The 2022 Plan notes that the 
City was “assessing its digital accessibility needs,” but provides limited detail on standards, 
scope, or implementation. In contrast, the 2026 Plan includes a comprehensive digital 
accessibility section that identifies the City’s adopted web standard (WCAG 2.1 Level AA), 
clearly defines the types of content covered—including webpages, documents, videos, and 
kiosks—and documents progress made to inventory and remediate PDFs and forms, such as 
ADA accommodation request forms and Scottsdale EZ workflows.
The 2026 Plan also describes established practices for captioning and the use of American Sign 
Language (ASL) and voice-to-text services for Council and board meetings, and it sets clear 
accessibility expectations for third-party digital platforms used by the City. In addition, the 
Effective Communication section, largely general in the 2022 Plan, is expanded in 2026 to detail 
auxiliary aids and services now in routine use, including CART for live streams, video remote 
interpreting at public counters, and accessible virtual meeting practices, along with clear, 
step-by-step guidance for the public on how to request these supports.
14

The approach to grievance procedures, public engagement, and governance similarly becomes 
more concrete in the 2026 Plan. While the 2022 document describes the grievance process and 
provides contact routes, it does not offer trend data or examples of outcomes. The Public 
Involvement Plan, which in the 2022 plan focuses on intended approaches, is updated in the 
2026 Plan with specific outreach activities, such as public meetings, public and employee 
questionnaires, recruitment of ADA advocates, targeted collaboration with disability 
organizations, and attendance at local Scottsdale events. The description of the ADA 
Coordination Team, which was relatively high-level in 2022, is expanded to clarify meeting 
frequency, reporting pathways to the Executive Team or City Council, and the team’s use of 
dashboards and reports generated from tools such as Archibus and the pavement and asset 
systems.
Emergency management and planning for access and functional needs are likewise 
modernized. The 2022 plan commits to following ADA and Section 504 in disaster operations 
and references ESF annexes and coordination with partners, but it reflects the situation and 
lessons available at that time. The 2026 Plan confirms current ESF annex references, lists up- 
to-date regional and state partners, and summarizes after-action findings from more recent 
incidents involving shelter accessibility, emergency communications, or transportation for 
people with disabilities. It also explains how Scottsdale now ensures that remote alerts, such as 
text messages, push notifications, and social media posts, are accessible, complementing 
in-person meetings with ASL and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) rather 
than relying on them alone.
Structurally, the 2026 Plan retains the framework of the 2022 document’s Executive Summary, 
legislative overview, requirements, sector-specific chapters, and sections on inclusion and 
public involvement, followed by appendices, while clarifying the ongoing nature of specific 
components. Appendix C, which in the 2022 plan reads more like a one-time priority area study, 
is renamed to emphasize its role as a Priority Areas and Systemwide Inventory and includes a 
brief update on methods, such as the use of mobile data-collection tools and quality assurance 
processes. For each central system — facilities, streets, transit, and digital services — the 
appendices now outline clear priorities for the next three years, translating the narrative into 
actionable near-term goals. The glossary is also updated to reflect any changes in relevant 
standards since the 2022 plan, including references to current building and existing building 
codes and, where applicable, any finalized PROWAG provisions for 2026.
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
15

Public Right-Of-Way
Scottsdale has systematically upgraded sidewalks, 
curb ramps, crosswalks, and pedestrian push buttons 
as part of its paving and transportation capital 
programs, installing more than 8,400 ADA-compliant 
curb ramps over the past 10 years, including 365 
ramps in 2025 alone. These improvements are 
focused on Old Town, major transit corridors, civic 
areas, and other Tier 1 and Tier 2 priority locations 
identified in the self-evaluation.
Over the next 20 years, the City will continue to 
retrofit and construct curb ramps, sidewalk 
segments, crosswalks, and pedestrian push buttons 
to meet the 2010 ADA Standards and 2024 
PROWAG requirements. Planned work includes the 
following:
4
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lift
Figure 5: View of Scottsdale at Sunset
■ Replacing or installing hundreds of curb 
ramps with compliant slopes, landings, and 
detectable warnings; repairing sidewalk
segments with excessive cross-slope, heaving, or obstructions; and improving median 
refuge islands to provide level landings and detectable edges at multilane crossings.
■ Upgrading pedestrian signals with accessible push buttons, audible and vibrotactile 
indicators, appropriate reach ranges, and improved signal timing to support safe 
crossings for people with disabilities.
Parks and Recreation Assets
Accessibility upgrades in Scottsdale’s parks include improved accessible parking and routes, 
new curb ramps and sidewalks into park interiors, and targeted improvements to benches, grills, 
picnic areas, restrooms, and play areas. Recent and planned parks capital projects — such as 
improvements at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park and renovations at aquatic and 
neighborhood park facilities — explicitly incorporate ADA routes, accessible seating, and 
compliant site furnishings.
Over the 20-year period, the Transition Plan calls for continued retrofitting of site amenities so 
that a representative share of benches, grills, picnic tables, viewing areas, and play components 
are connected by accessible routes and meet current accessibility standards. Scottsdale will 
prioritize high-use parks and recreation complexes, ensuring accessible connections from 
parking to restrooms, courts and fields, ramadas, splash pads, and playgrounds.
Collaborations with other Jurisdictions
16

Effective improvement of accessibility within Scottsdale’s public right-of-way depends on close 
coordination with neighboring jurisdictions and partner entities, particularly along corridors and 
facilities that cross City boundaries or rely on shared funding, ownership, or operations. Many of 
the locations prioritized in this Transition Plan—such as regional transit routes, arterial streets, 
and trail connections—serve residents, visitors, and employees traveling between Scottsdale 
and surrounding communities. In these contexts, curb ramps, sidewalks, crossings, and transit 
facilities must function as a continuous, connected system rather than as isolated, City-only 
improvements.
To support this continuity, Scottsdale coordinates its ADA efforts in the public right-of-way with 
regional transportation agencies, adjacent municipalities, school districts, and state and federal 
partners that influence design standards, funding, and construction sequencing. On major 
streets and transit corridors, the City works closely with entities such as the regional transit 
provider and neighboring cities to ensure that pedestrian routes, bus stops, and street crossings 
are accessible on both sides of jurisdictional boundaries. When designing or retrofitting curb 
ramps, sidewalks, or accessible pedestrian signals at shared intersections and along regional 
routes. City staff review applicable regional plans and intergovernmental agreements to align 
signal timing, crosswalk placement, and landing areas with adjoining facilities and enable 
seamless travel for pedestrians using mobility devices or other aids.
Coordination also extends to construction sequencing and capital planning. For example, 
accessible bus stop upgrades and boarding and landing areas identified in the Transition Plan 
are coordinated with regional transit stop improvement programs and roadway resurfacing 
schedules. This approach minimizes construction disruption and helps ensure that boarding 
areas, shelters, and pedestrian access routes meet consistent accessibility expectations across 
agency boundaries.
Scottsdale further collaborates with regional planning organizations and state transportation 
agencies to pursue shared funding and grants for drainage, traffic safety, and multimodal 
projects that include significant accessibility components. When regional or state-led projects— 
such as corridor safety upgrades or intersection reconstructions—occur within Scottsdale’s 
boundaries, the ADA Transition Plan provides barrier inventory and prioritization data that the 
City uses to advocate for the inclusion of ADA-compliant sidewalks, curb ramps, refuge islands, 
crosswalk enhancements, and accessible pedestrian signals that address documented local 
needs.
In school and medical areas, Scottsdale coordinates with school districts, healthcare institutions, 
and, when appropriate, county agencies to address accessibility challenges that span the public 
right-of-way and adjacent private property. The Transition Plan identifies areas within one-half 
mile of schools, medical facilities, and senior centers as geographic priorities. Using this 
framework, the City initiates joint problem-solving around missing sidewalks, noncompliant 
driveway crossings, and curb ramp gaps that affect students, patients, and older adults. These 
efforts may include partnerships on Safe Routes to School initiatives, data sharing related to 
pedestrian travel patterns and crash history, and coordinated improvements that align public 
right-of-way upgrades with on-site accessibility enhancements to create truly continuous routes.
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
17

Finally, Scottsdale’s interjurisdictional coordination is reinforced through its internal capital 
improvement planning and ADA governance structure, which promotes early and consistent 
collaboration rather than reactive coordination. The Capital Improvement Plan review process 
brings together cross-departmental teams to consider legal requirements, regional context, and 
funding opportunities for each project. At the same time, the ADA/Title VI Compliance 
Coordinator and departmental liaisons maintain ongoing communication with external partners 
regarding right-of-way accessibility priorities. By integrating ADA objectives into 
intergovernmental agreements, regional planning forums, and grant applications, Scottsdale 
helps ensure that improvements made by City, county, state, or transit partners collectively 
advance a safe, accessible, and connected pedestrian network for all users.
Transit Stops and Pedestrian Access
Scottsdale has begun integrating ADA improvements at bus stops and other transit access 
points, adding landing pads, accessible paths from sidewalks, and compatible curb ramps at 
high-ridership locations. These improvements are coordinated with broader transportation and 
street capital projects identified in the City's Capital Improvement Plan.
The City will expand these efforts by upgrading additional transit stops with firm, stable boarding 
areas, clear floor space, accessible routes to adjacent sidewalks and crossings, and, where 
feasible, accessible shelters and seating. Priority will be given to stops serving employment 
centers, medical facilities, senior housing, schools, and major transfer points so that riders with 
disabilities can complete trips using continuous accessible paths.
Municipal Facilities and Surrounding Access
Facility-focused ADA work to date includes upgrading accessible parking, entrances, and 
interior routes at key municipal buildings, and coordinating these improvements with ongoing 
building renovation projects. The self-evaluation has documented barriers in parking, entries, 
restrooms, service counters, signage, and interior circulation at City Flail, libraries, community 
centers, public safety buildings, and other public facilities.
Over the next 20 years, Scottsdale will continue to address these barriers with phased 
coordination with the CIP, ensuring that accessible routes tie building entries to adjacent 
sidewalks, crossings, and transit stops. Facility projects will focus first on critical government 
and community-serving buildings, bringing parking, entrances, interior routes, and key program 
spaces into compliance while integrating wayfinding and signage that support independent 
navigation for people with disabilities.
The City of Scottsdale is committed to providing access to all municipal facilities, programs, 
services, and activities for people with disabilities. Scottsdale’s ADA Transition Plan establishes 
a coordinated, multi-year roadmap to identify and remove barriers across the public right-of-way, 
the parks and recreation system, the transit network, digital services, and municipal facilities 
consistent with Title II ofthe Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation 
Act, and the 2024 Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines.
18

Building on substantial recent progress, including installation of more than 3,814 ADA-compliant 
curb ramps in the last five years and continued integration of accessibility into the City's Capital 
Improvement Plan, the 2026 plan consolidates the findings of a citywide self-evaluation and 
aligns them with clear priorities, timelines, and responsibilities. The self-evaluation examines 
policies and programs, public buildings, parks and paths, sidewalks and street crossings, transit 
facilities, and digital communications to document existing barriers and compliance gaps.
The Transition Plan organizes improvements into priority tiers:
■ Critical government facilities
■ Old Town and downtown civic areas
■ Major transit corridors
■ High-use parks
■ Community centers
It defines methods for barrier removal in the public right-of-way (including sidewalks, curb 
ramps, pedestrian signals, crosswalks, and median refuge islands) and within facilities and 
parks, through programmatic changes and digital accessibility upgrades, so that program 
access can be achieved both through structural modifications and alternative service delivery 
where needed.
Implementation is structured as a 20-year program that aligns ADA improvements with 
Scottsdale’s established capital planning processes, including the City’s annual and five-year 
Capital Improvement Plan. The City will phase curb ramp and sidewalk improvements, signal 
and crosswalk upgrades, facility and park retrofits, and digital accessibility initiatives, while 
leveraging a range of funding sources. These include transportation sales tax revenues, the 
Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF), the General Fund, the voter-approved 0.2% 
transportation sales tax, other departmental budgets, and available state, regional, and federal 
grant programs.
Governance and accountability are ensured through designation of an ADA/Title VI Compliance 
Coordinator, departmental ADA/Title VI liaisons, and interdepartmental coordination to oversee 
Plan execution, track progress, and report to City leadership. Public engagement is embedded 
throughout the process via accessible public meetings, online input opportunities, an ADA public 
notice and grievance procedure.
2.2 Self-Evaluation Methodology
The City of Scottsdale conducted a comprehensive ADA self-evaluation in 2025-2026 to assess 
current compliance across facilities, programs, services, and activities. The self-evaluation 
process included three phases:
Phase 1: Policy and Practice Review (2025)
■ Review of municipal policies, procedures, and practices
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
19

■ Assessment of program access and service delivery methods
■ Evaluation of effective communication practices
■ Review of employment practices and reasonable accommodation procedures
■ Assessment of emergency management protocols for individuals with disabilities 
Phase 2; Facility and Program Surveys (2025-2026)
■ Physical assessments of City-owned buildings and facilities
■ Evaluations of parks, paths, and recreational areas
■ Public right-of-way assessments (sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, pedestrian 
signals)
■ Transit facility evaluations 
Phase 3: Public Involvement (2025-2026)
■ Multiple accessible public meetings
■ Active web presence on the City’s ADA website 
(https://speakupscottsdale.civilspace.io/en/projects/ada-transition-plan)
■ Digital comment periods through the Speak Up Scottsdale platform
■ Continued outreach to disability advocacy organizations
■ Social media
■ Accessibility questionnaires distributed to residents and visitors
■ QR code campaign to solicit public feedback posted at transit stops. City buildings, 
and parks
■ Notification on public-facing materials on how to request accessible formats, if needed
■ CIS interactive maps to identify areas of concerns
2.3 Key Assessment Areas
Category
Public Buildings
Assessment Focus
City Hall, libraries, community centers, police, and fire stations, 
maintenance facilities
Parks & Recreation Playgrounds, paths, sports fields, picnic areas, restrooms, parking, 
access routes
Public Right-Of-Way Sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, transit stops, 
on-street parking
Transportation
Bus stops, transit facilities, paratransit services
Programs & 
Services
Public meetings, permit processes, emergency services, recreation 
programs, cultural events 
20

Communications
Websites, mobile apps, public notices, signage, auxiliary aids, 
document accessibility
Employment
Reasonable accommodations, workplace accessibility
Table 1: Key Assessment Areas
Public Right-of-Way Barriers
Barrier Type Estimated 
Count
Curb Ramps 14,089
Common Issues
Missing ramps, noncompliant slopes, inadequate 
detectable warnings, poor drainage
Sidewalks 
1,245 miles Width less than 48", cross-slope exceeds 2%, surface
defects, obstructions
Pedestrian
Signals
1,978
Missing accessible pedestrian signals (APSs), push 
buttons out of reach, inadequate audible features
Crosswalks
1,934
Inadequate markings, excessive cross-slopes, lack of 
detectable warnings
Transit Stops 518
Missing landing pads, inadequate clear space, lack of 
shelters with accessible features
Table 2: Public Right-of-Way Barriers
2.4 Major Findings 
Municipal Building Barriers
■ Insufficient accessible parking spaces and lack of van-accessible spaces
■ Noncompliant building entrance ramps and automatic door opener deficiencies
■ Interior corridors with inadequate turning space and protruding objects
■ Restroom facilities with compliance deficiencies (grab bars, fixture placement, clear 
floor space)
■ Meeting rooms without wheelchair spaces or accessible seating
■ Service counters with heights exceeding accessibility standards
■ Missing tactile/Braille signage and inadequate wayfinding 
Parks and Recreation Barriers
■ Accessible parking not connected to accessible routes
■ Paths lacking firm, stable surfaces or exceeding slope requirements
■ Playgrounds without accessible components or transfer systems
■ Picnic areas with inaccessible tables and grills
■ Sports facilities lacking accessible seating and viewing areas
■ Restroom facilities with compliance deficiencies
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026 
21

■ Gaps in accessible routes to park amenities 
Programmatic and Communication Barriers
■ Inconsistent provision of auxiliary aids and services (interpreters, real-time captioning)
■ Inadequate advance notice requirements for accommodation requests
■ Limited availability of documents in accessible formats
■ Insufficient disability awareness and accommodation training for staff
■ Emergency evacuation plans lacking provisions for individuals with disabilities
■ Website components not fully compliant with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards
■ PDF documents lacking proper tagging and structure
■ Video content without accurate captions or audio descriptions 
Public Right-Of-Way Barriers
■ 97% of sidewalks met accessibility criteria
■ 38% of curb ramps met accessibility criteria
■ 9% of intersections did not have any curb ramps
■ 80% of intersections have curb ramps that do not meet current ADA criteria
■ 2.7% of traffic control signals had push buttons that are accessible, or had the 
pedestrian indications on recall
■ 35.5% of bus stops (and/or other transit facilities) met accessibility criteria
3. Designation of Responsibie Officials
3.1 ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator 
Primary Contact:
Felicia Beltran, ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator 
City of Scottsdale
Primary Responsibilities:
1. Oversee implementation of ADA Transition Plan and monitor progress.
2. Coordinate self-evaluation activities across all City departments.
3. Monitor compliance with ADA requirements throughout the organization.
4. Receive, investigate, and resolve ADA complaints through formal grievance procedures.
22

5. Provide technical assistance and guidance to City departments on accessibility 
requirements.
6. Coordinate reasonable accommodation requests and ensure timely processing.
7. Maintain comprehensive ADA compliance documentation and records.
8. Submit annual required ADA updates to federal agencies.
9. Facilitate public engagement and community participation throughout implementation.
10. Update Transition Plan at least every three years or as needed.
11. Ensure newly hired staff receive ADA training.
3.2 Departmental ADA/Title VI Liaisons
Each City department designates ADA/Title VI Liaisons responsible for the following:
1. Identifying and reporting barriers within operational areas
2. Ensuring awareness of the priorities stated within the Transition Plan
3. Providing ADA program updates to the ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator to meet 
federal reporting requirements
4. Ensuring accessibility compliance within their program areas
5. Coordinating with the ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator on accessibility initiatives
6. Facilitating disability awareness training for department staff
7. Reporting potential accessibility conflicts for new programs, policies, and facilities before 
launch to the ADATTitle VI Compliance Coordinator
8. Coordinating with the ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator to address accessibility 
complaints and community requests
3.3 Interdisciplinary Department Coordination with the ADA/Title VI Compliance 
Coordinator
In addition to the ADA/Title VI Department Liaisons, the ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator 
will coordinate with the following areas in the monitoring of the ADA Transition Plan:
■ City Manager’s Office
■ Transportation & Infrastructure
■ Facilities Management
■ Planning and Development
■ Parks and Recreation
■ Information Technology
■ Communications
Representatives will meet when needed to review progress, address implementation 
challenges, prioritize projects, discuss federal reporting needs, and ensure alignment with
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
23

priorities as stated in the Plan. It will be required of those who make ADA-related improvements 
to utilize the GIS system developed in this update to help prioritize future projects/investments 
and keep an accurate inventory of the City’s compliant assets and barriers. Proposed projects 
should be geographically mapped against the existing inventory and reviewed for necessary 
remediation compliance. This process will ensure that the proper assets requiring improvements 
are incorporated into projects.
GIS updates will include the following;
■ Date the asset was remediated
■ Date the asset is scheduled to be remediated and the method (e.g., name of the CIP 
project)
■ Upload of any new inventory/assets and ADA status (e.g., compliant/noncompliant) 
Notations of locations for grievances
4. Barrier Removal Priorities and Methods
4.1 Prioritization Framework
The City prioritizes barrier removal based on a comprehensive framework considering 
community impact, legal requirements, cost-effectiveness, and strategic integration with capital 
improvements.
Tier 1 — Highest Priority (Years 1-5)
1. Curb ramps at walkways
2. Facilities serving critical government functions (City Hall, public safety, courts)
3. Public rights-of-way serving essential services and employment centers
4. Barriers identified through community requests or complaints and identified through 
published planning documents
5. Barriers posing safety hazards to pedestrians
6. High-traffic pedestrian corridors and primary transit routes
7. Programs or services with no accessible alternative
8. Public input gathered through outreach and community engagement activities, including 
comments submitted on the draft Transition Plan
Tier 2 — High Priority (Years 5-10)
1. Community centers, libraries, and recreational facilities with high usage
2. Main pedestrian routes in commercial districts (Old Town Scottsdale)
3. Transit stops and connections
4. Public meeting venues and gathering spaces
24

5. Critical digital accessibility barriers affecting service access
6. Facilities supporting vulnerable populations (senior centers, health clinics)
Tier 3 — Moderate Priority (Years 10-15)
1. Secondary public facilities with moderate usage
2. Neighborhood parks and local trail systems
3. Local street pedestrian infrastructure
4. Administrative office spaces
5. Website and communication enhancements beyond critical functions
Tier 4 — Lower Priority (Years 15-20)
1. Maintenance and storage facilities with limited public access
2. Facilities where accessible alternatives already exist
3. Infrastructure scheduled for replacement within 2-3 years
4.2 Geographic Priority Areas
Priority geographic areas for accessibility improvements include the following:
1. Old Town Scottsdale — Commercial and cultural district serving visitors and residents
2. Downtown Scottsdale Civic Center — Government services and gathering space
3. Major Transit Corridors and Bus Routes — Connected pedestrian access
4. Areas within 1/2 mile of Schools, Medical Facilities, and Senior Centers —
Essential community destinations
5. Walkways Serving Employment Centers and Government Facilities — Workforce 
accessibility
6. Recreational Areas Identified in Community Surveys — Parks and paths with highest 
demand
4.3 Structural Modification Methods 
Public Right-Of-Way Improvements
Method
Curb Ramp 
Installation
Implementation Details
Install detectable warning surfaces (truncated domes) per PROWAG; 
ensure proper slopes (1:12 max running, 2% max cross); provide 
48"x48" minimum landing areas; align with crosswalks; address 
drainage concerns
Sidewalk 
Achieve 48" continuous clear width; maintain running slope consistent
Reconstruction with street grade; correct cross-slopes exceeding 2%; repair surface 
defects; remove obstructions; provide detectable edge protection
Pedestrian Signal Install accessible pedestrian signals with audible/vibrotactile indicators; 
Upgrades 
position push buttons within reach (15'M8" in height, 10' of crosswalk);
provide speech walk messages; ensure adequate sound level
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
25

Crosswalk 
Install high-visibility markings; provide detectable warnings; minimize
Enhancement cross-slopes; improve lighting; consider refuge islands for wide 
crossings
Table 3: Public Right-of-Way Improvement Methods
Facility Modifications
■ Building Access: Install accessible parking spaces with proper signage; provide 
accessible routes from parking to entrances; install automatic door openers; remove 
threshold barriers.
■ Interior Access: Widen doorways and corridors; install accessible hardware (lever 
handles); renovate restrooms for full accessibility; lower service counters or provide 
accessible transaction surfaces; install tactile/Braille signage; upgrade elevators.
■ Parks and Recreation: Construct accessible routes connecting parking to amenities; 
install accessible playground surfacing and equipment; provide accessible picnic 
tables and site amenities; upgrade path surfaces; enhance accessible fishing piers 
and viewing areas.
4.4 Program Access and Non-Structural Modifications
When structural changes are not immediately feasible, Scottsdale will ensure program access 
through the following:
1. Relocating programs to accessible facilities
2. Providing services at alternate accessible sites
3. Offering remote service delivery and virtual options
4. Providing auxiliary aids and services (interpreters, captions, materials in alternative 
formats)
5. Modifying policies to ensure equal participation
6. Assigning trained assistants or aides when appropriate
4.5 Policy and Practice Improvements
1. Establish standardized procedures for public modification requests with clear timelines 
for responding to requests.
2. Review policies to ensure equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities.
3. Develop emergency evacuation assistance protocols.
4. Create accessibility review requirements for new programs and services.
4.6 Digital Accessibility
Scope of the Project
Scottsdale is committed to ensuring that all residents, visitors, and employees, regardless of 
ability, have equitable access to digital information and services. The City has been actively
26

working toward full compliance with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA, 
in accordance with the updated Title II regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Justice in 
April 2024.
The City’s efforts in digital accessibility will be formally reviewed as an integral component of 
this ADA Transition Plan, on par with facilities, parks, and public right-of-way. The review will 
cover all major digital platforms the public uses to interact with Scottsdale, including the primary 
City website, department and project microsites, online permitting and payment portals, email 
and text notification systems, mobile applications, and the tools used to host virtual and hybrid 
public meetings. Each of these systems will be evaluated against WCAG 2.1 Level AA and 
applicable federal guidance, with particular attention to keyboard operation, screen reader 
compatibility, logical heading structure, alternative text for images, color contrast, error 
messages and form labels, and the accessibility of maps, dashboards, and other interactive 
content.
As part of this effort, the City will conduct a structured inventory of digital content types — such 
as PDFs, agenda packets, reports, brochures, and legacy documents — and categorize them 
based on public use and legal significance. High-priority content (for example, agendas, 
minutes, permit forms, emergency information, billing portals, and service applications) will be 
scheduled for remediation first, including proper tagging of PDFs, use of accessible templates, 
and provision of HTML or other accessible alternatives where appropriate. Video and audio 
materials hosted on City platforms or third-party services will be reviewed to ensure accurate 
captions, transcripts, and, when necessary, audio description, so that persons with hearing or 
vision disabilities can fully engage with public information.
The Transition Plan will also evaluate and revise the City’s internal processes for creating, 
reviewing, and publishing digital content to ensure accessibility is built in from the start. This 
includes adopting standard accessible templates for documents and web pages, integrating 
accessibility checks into content management workflows, and clarifying roles and 
responsibilities among Information Technology, Communications, and individual departments. 
Training modules will be developed for staff who create or upload content, covering topics such 
as writing meaningful link text, structuring headings, using accessible tables, and avoiding 
image-only text. Feedback mechanisms such as an accessible Report a Web Accessibility Issue 
form and clear contact information on each page will be established to enable users to report 
problems and request accommodations quickly.
Findings from the digital accessibility review will be entered into the overall ADA barrier 
inventory and tracked with the same level of specificity as physical barriers, including a 
description of the issue, affected applications or URLs, responsible department, and target year 
for remediation. The implementation schedule will continue to allocate staff time and funding to 
digital accessibility, alongside curb ramp, sidewalk, and facility improvements. Progress will be 
monitored through periodic automated scans, manual usability testing with assistive 
technologies, and user feedback, with results summarized in the City’s annual ADA progress 
reports. Through this combination of technical assessment, policy change, staff training, and 
ongoing monitoring, the Transition Plan will ensure that Scottsdale’s digital environment
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
27

increasingly provides consistent, reliable access to information and services for people with 
disabilities.
Self-Evaluation/Implementation/Timelines
Scottsdale has initiated a citywide effort to evaluate and improve the accessibility of its digital 
platforms. In their current states, none of the sites can be deemed “substantially compliant.” 
Implementation has included the following:
■ Initiation of a self-evaluation of existing websites, applications, and digital documents 
for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.
■ Identification of barriers to access, particularly in legacy systems and third-party 
platforms.
■ Development of a phased implementation plan to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards by 
the federal deadline of April 24, 2026. Prioritization given to high-traffic and public­
facing content, with a plan for remediating older or archived materials.
Findings
Based on the self-evaluation of the current state of the City’s digital accessibility, the City has 
identified the highest-activity websites for priority action. Additionally, this process gave insights 
into the following programmatic needs, which could have far-reaching implications:
■ Training; Provide training for all web content editors and relevant staff on accessible 
content creation and document formatting.
■ Procurement; Require all new digital products and vendor contracts to include 
accessibility compliance elements.
■ Monitoring: Implement regular audits and monitoring of digital content using 
automated tools and manual testing using current WCAG accessibility standards.
■ Ensuring Accessibility; Maintain an Accessibility Policy link in the footer of every page 
on Scottsdaleaz.gov
■ Reporting; Establish a clear process for users to report accessibility issues and 
request modification.
28

5. Seif-Evaluation Summaty of Findings
This section provides a comprehensive summary of ail field-collected accessibility findings and 
is intended to present the results in a clear, consolidated format that supports systemwide 
analysis. By synthesizing a large volume of detailed data, this summary highlights overall 
patterns, recurring barriers, and priority areas that may not be evident when reviewing individual 
site records.
The Summary of Findings is organized into three primary assessment categories: Parks 
Findings, Facility Findings, and Public Right-of-way (PROW) Findings. Within each category, 
findings are further grouped by asset type and observation category to identify common 
barriers, notable conditions, and emerging trends across the system.
This structured approach directly informs development of the ADA Transition Plan by identifying 
where barriers are most prevalent, which asset types are most affected, and which issues 
warrant the highest priority for corrective action. The summarized results provide the analytical 
foundation for establishing priorities, estimating improvement needs, and developing a phased 
implementation strategy that aligns accessibility investments with identified needs.
5.1 Parks Findings
The Parks Findings summarized below are based on approximately 80% of the total park data 
collected. Barrier findings are organized by asset type and observation category and are ranked 
by the number of observations within each priority level. Within the High priority category, the 
most frequently identified barrier types were Signage, Pathways, and Parking. Across all priority 
levels combined, the three most common barrier categories were Signage, Pathways, and 
Restrooms. Signage-related barriers were the most prevalent overall, consistently appearing as 
the dominant issue across each priority group as well as in the cumulative results.
Category
Priority Ranking
High Important Moderate Low
Total % of all barriers
Aquatic 
2
Bench 
2
Clear Space 
2
Cooking Grill
Door/Gate 
5
Drinking Fountain 
1
Multimodal
Parking 
28
Pathway 
35
Picnic Table
Playground 
9
Ramada 
2
9
58
34
10
72
7
81
100
201
39
55
80
4
63
27 
7
14
33
61
12
117
21
28 
21
1
1
1
1
1
6
1
15
123
64
18
91 
42
143
141
359
60
92 
104
1%
6%
3%
1%
4%
2%
7%
6%
16%
3%
4%
5%
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
29

1
12%
Restroom
16
194
44
255
526
24%
Signage
35
334
153
4
Sports
7
95
63
2
167
8%
144
1369
668
19
2200
100%
Total
Table 4: Park Barrier Types and Counts
Park Name
Agua Linda Park 
Apache Park 
Ashler Hills Park 
Cactus Park
Camelback Park and Walk
Chestnut Hill Park
Cholla Park
Comache Park
Cooper Ridge Park
DC Ranch Neighborhood Park
Doc Cavaliere Park
Florence Ely Nelson Park
Grayhawk Park
Ironwood Park
Lafayette Park
Lost Dog Wash Trail
McKellips Park
Mescal Park
Mountain View Park
Nature Area
Northsight Park
Osborne Park
Papago Park
Pima Park
Pinnacle Peak Park
Pride Park
Reata Ranch Sports Complex 
Rio Montana Park 
Rotary Park
Scottsdale Civic Center Park 
Scottsdale Ranch Park 
Shoshone Park 
Sonoran Hills Park 
Stonegate Equestrian Park 
Thompson Peak Park 
Thunderbird Park 
Vista Del Camino Park
High Important Moderate Total % of All
Observations
3
1
2
12
2
8
8
6
3
1
1
3 
1
10
7
8 
8
4 
2 
6 
1 
4 
9 
1
1
3
2
1
2
7
11
25 
22
26 
63
8
24
39
31 
44
15 
41
34 
49
32
4 
32 
96
8
96
14
37
9
12
41
8
5 
31
40
16 
40
124
12
49
23
35
25 
112
4 
9
27
23
10
5 
21
8
13 
9
26
27
23 
10
9
15 
33
7
22
7
24
6 
12 
27
14 
5
14
25 
20 
12 
41
13
14
16 
30
7
58
29
35
53 
88 
20 
42 
62 
47
65
30 
70 
62
73
47 
16
48 
130
25 
125
31 
70 
19
26
74 
25 
14
54
66
36 
53
168
27
66
41
65
39
184
1%
2%
2%
4%
1%
2%
3%
2%
3%
1%
3%
3%
3%
2%
1%
2%
6%
1%
6%
1%
3%
1%
1%
3%
1%
1%
2%
3%
2%
2%
8%
1%
3%
2%
3%
2%
8%
30

Yavapai Ballfields 
Zuni Park 
Grand Total
1
5
144
30
20
1372
19
6
671
50
31
2206
2%
1%
100%
Table 5: Park Barrier Counts by Park
The parks accessibility assessment identified a consistent 
set of recurring barriers across the parks system, affecting 
pedestrian circulation, access to amenities, and usability 
of recreational features. While conditions vary by park 
size, age, and level of recent investment, several issue 
types were observed repeatedly across many of the parks 
that were evaluated.
One of the most frequently identified issues involves 
accessible routes and pathways. A substantial portion of 
documented findings relate to pathways that are 
discontinuous, noncompliant in slope, or interrupted by 
surface changes. Commonly observed conditions include 
excessive cross-slopes, uneven pavement, abrupt level
changes at transitions, and paths that do not provide a continuous accessible connection 
between parking areas, restrooms, ramadas, playgrounds, and courts. Based on the compiled
dataset, pathway-related
Figure 6. Uneven Path Surface
'. t" •
issues represent one of the 
largest categories of 
findings, appearing in well 
over half of the assessed 
parks and often occurring 
multiple times within a 
single park.
Parking and arrival 
conditions also represent a 
significant share of 
identified barriers. Common 
parking-related issues 
include missing or faded 
accessible striping, lack of 
van-accessible spaces, 
improperly sized access 
aisles, and accessible
parking spaces that are not connected to an accessible route into the park. In several parks, 
accessible parking is technically present but functionally limited due to slope, surface condition, 
or missing curb ramps. Parking-related findings were documented at many parks, particularly 
those with older lots or informal parking areas, indicating a systemwide need for upgrades 
rather than isolated corrections.
Figure 7. Fading Accessible Parking Spot Paint
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
31

Another prevalent issue category involves amenity access and clear space, particularly at 
ramadas, picnic areas, seating, and viewing locations. Many ramadas and picnic areas include 
fixed tables or attached bench seating that limits wheelchair maneuverability or does not provide 
required knee and toe clearance. Benches frequently lack adjacent clear ground space for 
companion seating or are installed on uneven surfaces that create tripping hazards. Across the 
dataset, seating and clear space issues appeared consistently, especially in parks with older 
infrastructure or high-use recreational areas.
Surface condition- and maintenance-related barriers are also widespread. Cracked concrete, 
spalling pavement, root uplift, gravel encroachment, and deteriorated walking surfaces were 
noted throughout the parks system. While these issues often develop over time, they pose 
meaningful barriers for people using mobility devices, as well as for individuals with low vision or 
balance impairments. Surface condition issues were commonly observed along primary 
circulation routes, indicating that maintenance and rehabilitation efforts could yield significant 
accessibility improvements without full reconstruction.
Wayfinding and multimodal access 
limitations emerged as another recurring 
theme. Many parks rely heavily on visual 
signage without tactile, auditory, or digital 
alternatives. Identified issues include 
missing or inconsistent wayfinding signage, 
lack of tactile maps, and absence of QR 
codes or alternative formats for park rules, 
maps, and amenity information. Multimodal 
issues are particularly prevalent in larger 
parks and parks with multiple entrances, 
where visitors may struggle to independently 
locate amenities or accessible routes.
Figure 8: Inaccessible Wayfinding
Overall, the findings show that while many
parks include accessible elements, accessibility is often partial or fragmented rather than 
comprehensive. The most common barriers — noncompliant pathways, incomplete parking 
access, limited amenity clearances, and surface deterioration — tend to occur repeatedly 
across parks, suggesting opportunities for standardized design solutions and programmatic 
improvements. Addressing these recurring issue types through targeted capital projects, routine 
maintenance, and consistent design standards will significantly improve equitable access across 
the entire parks system.
5.2 Pedestrian Right-of-Way Findings
The extensive public right-of-way assessment consisted of sidewalks, crosswalks, transit stops, 
curb ramps, median refuge islands, and pedestrian crossing push buttons throughout the City of 
Scottsdale. A total of 14,089 curb ramps, 214 median refuge islands, 1,978 push buttons, 518 
transit stops, and approximately 1,245 miles of sidewalk were evaluated. The following tables 
represent a summary of observations regarding the information gathered.
32
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3
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5.2.1 Curb Ramps
A total of 14,044 curb ramps were assessed on foot by our data-collection team. About 9% of 
signalized intersections are not serviced by curb ramps; 30 in total. A complete intersection GIS 
dataset does not exist and locational approximations had be leveraged. Approximations could 
degrade the accuracy of the results and should be field verified. About 80% of signalized 
intersections are serviced by curb ramps that do not meet full ADA compliance; 268 in total. A 
complete intersection GIS dataset does not exist and locational approximations had be 
leveraged. Approximations could degrade the accuracy of the results and should be field 
verified. Observations indicated that many of the curb ramps assessed are not compliant with 
the accessibility standards and guidelines described in the ADA and PROWAG.
Under PROWAG, a blended transition is defined as a connection between the sidewalk and the 
street with a grade of 5% or less. In other words, it is considered part of the pedestrian access 
route, not a true ramp. PROWAG explicitly describes blended transitions as connections “that 
have a grade of 5 percent or less.” Perpendicular, parallel, and diagonal curb ramps are 
explicitly regulated as ramps. As ramps, they are allowed to be steeper, up to 8.3% (1:12), 
which is the maximum slope permitted for ADA ramps. PROWAG allows curb ramp running 
slopes between 5% minimum and 8.3% maximum for these ramp types.
Curb Ramp by Type
Count
Percentage
Blended Transition
41
0.3%
Perpendicular/Directional
3,247
23.1%
Parallel
1,299
9.3%
Diagonal
9,457
67.3%
Total Assessed
14,044
100%
Table 6: Curb Ramp by Type
Curb Ramp Overall Compliance
Count
Percentage
Compliant
5,359
38%
Noncompliant
8,730
62%
Total Assessed
14,044
100%
Table 7; Curb Ramp Overall Compliance
Running Slope
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
33

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Figure 9: Running Slope Diagram on a Curb Ramp 
noted.
Running slope describes the 
slope of the curb ramp in the 
direction of travel while 
entering/exiting a PROW, 
i Running slopes are 
noncompliant if they are 
greater than 5% for blended 
transition curb types and 
greater than 8.3% for all 
other curb types.
In cases where a curb ramp 
may have two approaches, 
as shown here, the “worse,” 
or higher, running slope was
Curb Ramp Running Slope (non-Blended Transition)
Degree of Running Slope
Count
Percentage
<8.33% (compliant)
11,411
81.5%
8.34-10%
1,523
10.8%
10-12.5%
754
5.5%
12.6%+
315
2.2%
Total Collected
14,003
100%
Table 8: Curb Ramp Running Slope
y.
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er
%
msm
Figure 10: Perpendicular/Directional Curb Ramp with 17.5% 
Running Slope
34
Shown is a perpendicular/directional 
curb ramp with a 17.5% running 
slope.

Curb Ramp Running Slope (Blended Transition)
Degree of Running Slope
Count
Percentage
<5% (compliant)
23
56.1%
5-7%
9
22%
7.1-10%
8
19.5%
10.1%+
1
2.4%
Total Collected
41
100%
Table 9: Curb Ramp Running Slope (Blended Transition Type)
Type
Curb Ramp Running Slope Compliance
Count
Percentage
Compliant Blended Transition
23
0.17%
Compliant Diagonal
9,302
67.6%
Compliant Parallel
1,277
9.3%
Compliant Perpendicular/Directional
3,165
23%
Total Compliant Running Slope
13,767
100%
Table 10: Curb Ramp Running Slope Compliance
Comments on Curb Ramp Running Slope:
■ Table does not include curb ramps found to be missing in the field.
■ 81.5% of all curb ramps (non-blended transition type) were found to have compliant 
running slopes.
Cross-Slope
Cross-slope describes the 
slope of the curb ramp 
perpendicular to the 
direction of travel while 
entering or exiting the 
public right-of-way. Cross­
slopes are considered 
noncompliant if they 
exceed 2.1%, regardless 
of curb ramp type. The 
photo here shows the 
typical cross-slope 
orientation on a 
perpendicular/directional 
curb ramp.
Figure 11: Diagram of Cross Slope on a Curb Ramp
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Curb Ramp Cross-Slope
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
35

Degree of Running Slope
Count
Percentage
<2.1% (compliant)
9,871
70.3%
2.11-3%
2,675
19%
3.1^%
860
6.1%
4.1-7%
524
3.7%
7.1%+
114
0.81%
Total Collected
14,044
100%
Table 11: Curb Ramp Cross Slope
Comments on Curb Ramp Cross-Slope:
• Table does not include curb ramps found to be missing in the field.
70.3% of all curb ramps (non-blended transition type) were found to have compliant 
running slopes.
5.2.2 Detectable Warning Surface
Detectable warning surfaces (DWSs) are raised, textured surfaces on pathways intended to 
provide tactile cues to pedestrians with visual impairments. Curb ramp DWSs are noncompliant 
if there is no DWS, if there are no domes on the DWS, if the length of the DWS is less than two 
feet, and if the color of the DWS does not differ from its background color.
Curb Ramp DWS Compliance
Count Percentage
Compliant DWS
11,895
84.7%
Noncompliant DWS
2,149
15.3%
Total Collected
14,044
100%
Table 12: Curb Ramp DWS Compliance
Reason for Curb Ramp Noncompliance
Count
Missing DWS
1,473
Missing Domes
633
Length < 2 feet
15
Color Too Similar to Background
692
Table 13: Reason for Curb Ramp Noncompllance
A diagonal curb ramp with a domed DWS is shown below.
36

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Figure 12: Diagonal Curb Ramp with Domed DWS
A diagonal curb ramp with a textured concrete DWS is shown below. This similarity of the color 
of the DWS and the color of the curb ramp itself denotes this curb ramp’s DWS as 
noncompliant.
Figure 13: Diagonal Curb Ramp with Textured DWS
A diagonal curb ramp with no DWS is shown below.
m s-
Figure 14: Diagonal Curb Ramp with Missing DWS
Comments on Curb Ramp DWS:
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
37

■ Table does not include curb ramps determined to be missing in the field.
■ Noncompliant curb ramps are mostly due to the DWS being completely missing, 
followed by the DWS being too similar in color to the background material of the curb 
ramp.
5.2.3 Median Refuge Islands
A median refuge island is a protected area in the middle of a road between two directions of 
traffic, where pedestrians can safely stop and wait to cross one direction of traffic at a time. 
Median refuge islands are noncompliant if they are less than five feet wide, if there is no DWS, if 
there are no domes on the DWS, or if the length of the DWS is less than two feet. A total of 214 
median refuge islands were assessed on foot.
Median Refuge Islands Overall Compliance
Count 
Percentage
Compliant
118
55%
Noncompliant
96
45%
Total Assessed
214
100%
Table 14: Median Refuge Island Compliance
Median Refuge Island Clear Width Compliance
Count Percentage
Compliant Clear Width
200
93.5%
Noncompliant Clear Width
14
6.5%
Total Assessed
214
100%
Table 15: Median Refuge Island Clear Width Compliance
Median Refuge Island DWS Compliance
Count 
Percentage
Compliant DWS
156
73%
Noncompliant DWS
58
27%
Missing DWS
24
Total Assessed
214
100%
Table 16: Median Refuge Island DWS Compliance
Shown below is a median refuge island with a DWS and sufficient width. This median refuge 
island is 100% compliant.
38

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Figure 15: Fully Compliant Median Refuge Island
Shown below is a median refuge island with no DWS.
u
I
Figure 16: Median Refuge Island with Missing DWS
Comments on Median Refuge Islands:
■ Overall compliance is mixed, with 55% (118) compliant and 45% (96) noncompliant. 
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026 
39

■ Clear width requirements are largely met, with 93.5% (200) of islands providing at 
least five feet of clear width.
■ Detectable warning surface compliance is a common issue: only 73% (156) are 
compliant, while 27% (58) are noncompliant, including 24 locations where the DWS is 
missing entirely.
■ The most frequent compliance deficiencies are related to DWS presence, dome 
requirements, and minimum DWS length, rather than clear width.
5.2.4 Pedestrian Signal Push Button
Pedestrian push buttons are located at intersections and crosswalks and allow pedestrians to 
activate walk signals to safely cross at stopped traffic. A total of 1,978 push buttons were 
assessed in Scottsdale.
Push Button Overall Compliance
Count Percentage
Compliant
53
2.7%
Noncompliant
1,925
97.3%
Total Assessed
1,978
100%
Table 17: Pushbutton Overall Compliance
Push Button operational compliance is considered compliant if the push button is operational — 
if the button can be pressed and the press initiates a pedestrian walking signal and countdown.
Push Button Operational Compliance
Count Percentage
Compliant
1,957
99%
Noncompliant
21
1%
Total Assessed
1,978
100%
Table 18: Pushbutton Operational Compliance
40

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Push button compliance is driven by the height of the 
push button from the ground, the distance from the start 
of the pavement being between 1.5 and 10 feet, the 
horizontal reach being less than 10 feet, the push button 
having a vibrotactile component, and, if there are two 
push buttons on one side of the crossing, they must be 
within 10 feet of each other.
Figure 17: Push Button with no 
pedestrian access
Reason for Push Button Noncompliance
Count
Push Button Height >48" or <15"
26
Distance from Pavement <1.5' or >10'
1,146
Horizontal Reach >10'
457
Vibrotactile Component Missing
1,699
If 2 push buttons, are they >10 feet apart?
334
Table 19: Reason for Push Button Noncompliance
A total of 1,978 pedestrian push buttons were inventoried as part of the assessment. Of these, it 
was determined that 1,411 push buttons are equipped with an audible tone, 279 include a tactile 
component, and 183 provide a verbal speech message. Only 154 push buttons include all three 
features — an audible tone, tactile component, and verbal speech message — meeting the 
definition of an Accessible Pedestrian Signal. These findings indicate that while individual 
accessibility features are relatively common, full APS installations are limited and represent a
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
41

key opportunity for improving access to signalized crossings for pedestrians with vision
_____ impairments.
—
Most of the push buttons’ noncompliance 
stems from a lack of vibrotactile components. 
Some 86% of all push buttons are missing a 
vibrotactile component. A vibrotactile 
component is a feature of a push button that 
allows the push button to vibrate during the 
“Walk” signal to indicate when it is safe to 
cross. This allows pedestrians with visual or 
hearing disabilities to have tactile contact with 
the button and a safe crossing experience.
Additionally, 58% of push buttons are not 
within the required distance range from the 
edge of the pavement where vehicles are 
driving. The push buttons should be within 1.5 
to 10 feet from the edge of the pavement. 
Push buttons found closer than 1.5 feet or 
farther than 10 feet from the edge of the 
pavement were marked as noncompliant.
Figure 18: Push Button
5.2.5 Transit Stops
Transit stops are critical access points within the public 
right-of-way and must provide safe, accessible 
connections between transit services and surrounding 
pedestrian facilities. As part of this evaluation, 496 transit 
stops were assessed for compliance with ADA 
accessibility requirements, including the presence, 
condition, and slopes of boarding and alighting areas, 
connections to existing pedestrian networks, and 
presence of shelters and benches.
Transit stops are identified as noncompliant when 
running slopes exceed 5% and cross-slopes exceed 2%, 
like sidewalk slope compliance.
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Transit Stop
42

Transit Stop Boarding/Alighting Area Running Slope 
Degree of Running Slope 
Count 
Percentage
<5% (compliant)
489
98.6%
5-6%
1
0.2%
6.1-7%
5
1%
7%+
1
0.2%
Total Collected
496
100%
Table 20: Transit Stop Boarding/Alighting Area Running Slope
Most boarding and alighting areas meet cross-slope requirements, with 92.1% measuring 2% or 
less. Approximately 7.9% exceed the allowable cross-slope, though only a small number have 
cross-slopes greater than 4%.
Transit Stop Boarding/Alighting Area Cross-Slope 
Degree of Running Slope 
Count 
Percentage
<2% (compliant)
457
92.1%
2.1-3%
29
5.9%
3.1^%
8
1.6%
4%+
2
0.4%
Total Collected
496
100%
Table 21: Transit Stop Boarding/Alighting Area Cross Slope
Shelters are present at fewer than one-third of evaluated transit stops, with 30.6% providing 
shelter and 69.4% lacking this amenity.
Shelter Present
Transit Stop Shelters 
Count
152
Percentage
30.6%
No Shelter Present
344
69.4%
Total Collected
496
100%
Table 22: Transit Stop Shelter Presence
Similar to shelters, benches are present at only 30.4% of transit stops, while nearly 70% do not 
include seating.
Bench Present
Transit Stop Benches 
Count
151
Percentage
30.4%
No Bench Present
345
69.6%
Total Collected
496
100%
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
43

Table 23: Transit Stop Benches
More than half of the evaluated transit stops (54.2%) do not have a designated boarding and 
alighting area. Of the remaining stops, 35.5% are compliant, while 10.3% were identified as 
having noncompliant boarding and alighting areas.
Transit Stop Boarding/Alighting Area Compliance
Count 
Percentage
No Boarding/Alighting Area
269
54.2%
Compliant Boarding/Alighting Area
176
35.5%
Noncompliant Boarding/Alighting Area
51
10.3%
Total Collected
496
100%
Table 24: Transit Stop Boarding/Alighting Area Compliance
5.2.6 Sidewalks
;* » -
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I
Sidewalk data were collected using 
the ATV profiler to evaluate 
longitudinal and cross-slope 
conditions, as well as vertical 
discontinuities that may impact 
pedestrian accessibility. In total, 1,245 
miles of sidewalk were assessed as 
part of this effort, providing a 
comprehensive overview of sidewalk 
conditions across the network.
The sidewalk analysis focused on 
three primary factors that affect 
accessibility and usability: running 
slope, cross-slope, and vertical 
discontinuities. Together, these metrics 
help identify locations where sidewalk 
conditions may present barriers to people with disabilities, older adults, and others with mobility 
challenges.
Sidewalk running slope measurements indicate a generally accessible sidewalk network. Nearly 
97% of the sidewalk system was found to be compliant with PROWAG standards, with running 
slopes at or below 5%. These results suggest that the majority of sidewalks provide comfortable 
and manageable grades for pedestrians, including those using wheelchairs or other mobility 
devices.
A small percentage of sidewalks exhibit running slopes above the recommended maximum. 
While these segments represent a relatively minor portion of the overall network, elevated 
running slopes can increase physical effort and reduce usability, particularly over longer 
distances or in combination with other accessibility barriers.
Figure 20: Matrix Data Collector Operating ATV Profiler
44

Sidewalk Running Slope
Percentage
0-5% compliant
96.9%
5-8.3%
2.7%
8.4-10%
0.2%
10.1-12.5%
0.2%
12.6+%
0.1%
Table 25: Sidewalk Running Slope
Sidewalk cross-slope compliance is more variable across the network. Approximately 59.5% of 
sidewalks meet the PROWAG standard of 2% or less. However, when considering tolerances, 
86% of all sidewalks are within 1% of compliance, indicating that most sidewalks are only 
slightly above the maximum allowable cross-slope.
These findings suggest that while full compliance is not universal, the sidewalk network 
generally performs well from an accessibility standpoint. Slightly elevated cross-slopes may still 
be noticeable for some users, particularly individuals using wheelchairs or walkers, but 
widespread severe cross-slope issues were not observed. Targeted corrections in areas with 
higher cross-slope values could further improve overall accessibility.
Sidewalk Cross-Slope
Percentage
<2% (compliant)
59.5%
2.1-3%
26.2%
3.1^%
8.6%
4.1-7%
3.7%
7+%
2.0%
Table 26: Sidewalk Cross Slope
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
45

I
«»
j* j
-—mi- 
.
-M ^ ■ 
‘■V.,
..V.
V
5'* 
»
W y0-
K
N\
I
Figure 21: Matrix Data Collector Measuring a Vertical Discontinuity
Vertical discontinuities were 
evaluated to identify abrupt 
changes in surface elevation 
that may pose tripping 
hazards or impede mobility 
device travel. The majority of 
measured discontinuities are 
less than one inch in height. 
Discontinuities measuring one 
inch or greater account for 
less than 9% of all recorded 
vertical changes.
Although these larger 
discontinuities represent a 
relatively small share of the 
total sidewalk network, they 
can significantly impact 
accessibility at individual
locations. Addressing vertical discontinuities of one inch or greater can help reduce tripping 
hazards and improve continuity of travel for pedestrians with mobility or vision impairments.
Sidewalk Vertical Discontinuity
Count 
Percentage
Discontinuity Height <1"
32,394
91.7%
Discontinuity Height 21"
2,932
8.3%
Total Collected
35,326
100%
Table 27: Sidewalk Vertical Discontinuity
46

5.2.7 Crosswalks
. ' ." ■**
0— ~ _ h. r
■%- r.
J 
. 
-
f' . .:•m
fT
F-er
aSfilS
:f--
v!i
r
Figure 22: Crosswalk
crossings within the public right-of-way.
Crosswalks were 
evaluated using the ATV 
profiler to assess key 
geometric and 
accessibility-related 
characteristics that affect 
pedestrian comfort and 
safety. A total of 1,934 
crosswalks were 
assessed as part of this 
effort. The evaluation 
focused on overall 
condition, crossing length 
and width, and crosswalk 
running and cross-slopes, 
all of which play an 
important role in 
supporting safe and 
accessible pedestrian
The overall condition assessment reflects whether crosswalks meet basic dimensional and 
design expectations intended to support predictable and accessible crossings. While many 
crosswalks meet minimum standards, a portion exhibit characteristics that may increase 
exposure to traffic or reduce comfort for pedestrians, particularly for individuals with mobility 
limitations or vision impairments or for those requiring additional time to cross.
Good
Crosswalk Overall Condition 
Count
1,330
Percentage
69%
Fair
378
20%
Poor
164
9%
Critical
46
2%
Uncollected
16
<1%
Total Collected
1,934
100%
Table 28: Crosswalk Overall Condition
Crosswalk length was assessed to identify crossings that exceed 48 feet without the presence 
of a median refuge island. Crosswalks that span more than 48 feet without a refuge area require 
pedestrians to remain within active travel lanes for longer durations, increasing exposure to 
moving vehicles and potential conflicts. These longer crossings can be especially challenging
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
47

for people with disabilities, older adults, and others who may require additional time to complete 
a crossing.
Crosswalk Length Compliance
Crossing Length > 48 feet
Count
1,269
Percentage
66%
Crossing Length <48 feet
649
34%
Total Collected
1,934
100%
Table 29: Crosswalk Length Compliance
The presence of a median refuge island can significantly reduce crossing risk by allowing 
pedestrians to cross one direction of traffic at a time. Crosswalks exceeding 48 feet without 
such a feature represent an opportunity for improvement through geometric redesign, traffic 
calming measures, or the addition of refuge islands where feasible.
Crosswalk Width Compliance 
Count
Crossing Width >6 feet
1,903
Percentage
99%
Crossing Width <6 feet
13
<1%
Total Collected
1,934
100%
Table 30: Crosswalk Width Compliance
Crosswalk width was evaluated against the minimum recommended width of six feet. Marked 
crosswalks should be at least six feet wide to allow for two-way pedestrian travel and to 
accommodate a range of users, including individuals using wheelchairs, mobility devices, 
strollers, or walking side-by-side. Wider crosswalks can further enhance pedestrian comfort and 
visibility, particularly in higher-volume or complex intersections.
Crosswalks that do not meet the minimum width requirement may constrain pedestrian 
movement and reduce the level of comfort and accessibility, especially during peak-use periods. 
Addressing substandard crosswalk widths can improve usability and help create a more 
inclusive pedestrian environment.
5.3 Facility Findings 
Executive Overview
The City of Scottsdale has completed a comprehensive, citywide ADA Facilities Self-Evaluation 
examining more than 100 municipal sites across the full spectrum of public-facing and 
operational facilities. This landmark assessment identified 5,824 individual accessibility 
findings across civic buildings, libraries, community centers, fire stations, police facilities, public 
restrooms, parking garages, parks, trailheads, and publicly accessible areas of the airport.
This detailed summary provides an in-depth analysis of the evaluation findings, prioritization 
framework, implementation strategies, cost projections and anticipated community impact.
48

On-Site Inspection Protocol
The evaluation employed trained accessibility consultants who conducted comprehensive on­
site assessments at each City facility, walking the complete "curb-to-counter" route that visitors 
or employees with disabilities would experience. This methodology ensures barriers are 
identified in the sequence people encounter them, not as isolated code checks.
Technology-Enhanced Documentation
Auditors utilized iPads loaded with BlueDAG, a specialized ADA auditing platform that enabled:
■ Precise measurement recording with photographic documentation
■ Real-time annotation of findings with applicable federal and state accessibility 
standards citations
■ On-the-spot entry of recommended corrective actions
■ Consistent, comparable data formatting across all facilities
■ Creation of a uniform, citable dataset supporting future budgeting and project bundling
Comprehensive Scope of Review
While each facility type presented unique characteristics, auditors consistently evaluated core 
accessibility components including the following:
■ Site Arrival & Exterior Routes: Accessible parking layout, striping, passenger 
loading zones, curb ramps, slopes, cross-slopes, and detectable warnings
■ Entrances & Doors: Threshold heights, maneuvering clearances, hardware types, 
door opening force measurements, and automatic door operator feasibility
■ Interior Circulation: Corridor widths, turning spaces, ramp and elevator access, 
reach ranges, protruding objects, and accessible route continuity
■ Wayfinding & Signage: Directional and room identification signage, tactile/Braille 
placement at proper heights, and contrast and visibility standards
■ Restrooms & Showers: Grab bar placement, fixture heights, knee clearance, turning 
space, door hardware, and shower usability elements
■ Lighting & Egress: Adequate illumination, emergency exit signage visibility, and 
accessibility of exit routes
■ Assistive Listening Systems: Functionality verification and calibration tool testing 
where applicable
Findings Overview: Quantitative Analysis
Total Accessibility Barriers Identified
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The citywide evaluation documented 5,824 individual findings representing the full spectrum 
of physical accessibility conditions — from routine maintenance issues to significant barriers 
affecting daily usability for people with disabilities.
Priority Distribution Analysis
Each finding received a priority classification to support phased implementation:
Priority Level
High Priority
Percentage Impact Description
4.3% Issues with greatest potential impact on safety, 
independence, or basic access
High + Important 
Combined
22.6% Barriers meaningfully affecting how residents or visitors 
navigate, access, and use City facilities
Other Findings
77.4% Routine, lower-impact, or long-term improvements for 
later phases or capital project bundling
Table 31: Priority Distribution Analysis
Financial Context
The evaluation provides an initial cost envelope for addressing the complete facility portfolio;
■ Low Estimate; $7.44 million
■ High Estimate; $40.45 million
■ Average Cost Per Finding: $1,277 to $6,945
These preliminary figures will be refined through design development, project bundling, and 
integration with existing capital improvement workflows. The City anticipates that bundling- 
related improvements will reduce per-unit costs, shorten project timelines, and minimize 
disruption to the public.
Geographic Distribution of Findings
Spatial Concentration Analysis
A spatial analysis of the 5,824 findings reveals clear geographic patterns that directly inform the 
tiered phasing strategy:
Geographic Area
Recreation Areas (Parks & 
Trails)
Share Characteristics
33% Large network of outdoor assets that drives volume of 
findings
Citywide/Other
33% Distributed facilities and support buildings
Employment & Government 
Corridors
23% Fire stations, police facilities, and airport areas with 
concentrated theme-based corrections
Downtown Civic Center
9% High-density, high-visibility civic zone with intensive 
daily use
Within % Mile of 
Medical/Senior Centers
1.5% Smaller share but important public interface zones
Table 32: Spatial Concentration of Analysis
50

This geographic distribution ensures improvements align with where people live, work, recreate, 
and access essential services.
Seven Citywide Accessibility Themes
The findings analysis identified seven major accessibility themes that appear consistently 
across Scottsdale’s facility portfolio. These patterns highlight both the most frequent issues and 
the greatest opportunities for bundled high-impact corrective actions.
Theme 1: Signage, Braille & Wayfinding (40.1% of Findings)
Citywide Pattern Observed:
Signage represents the single largest theme in the dataset. Common deficiencies include signs 
mounted too high or directly on doors, missing tactile/Braille components, low-contrast text or 
backgrounds, and inconsistent directional signage — particularly in high-traffic iocations such as 
libraries. Civic Center buildings, parking garages, fire stations, airport public areas, and park/trail 
systems.
Cost Range: $2.83 million to $14.61 million 
Recommended Corrective Actions:
■ Reinstall room and area identification signs on the latch-side wall approximately 48 
inches above the floor.
■ Add tactile/Braille characters with large-print, high-contrast legends.
■ Simplify and standardize directional signage for clarity and consistency across 
facilities.
Theme 2: Doors & Independent Entry (8.7% of Findings)
Citywide Pattern Observed:
Doors frequently exceed the ADA five-pound opening-force requirement. Many priority 
entrances lack automatic door operators, and older facilities contain tight-grasping or twisting 
hardware in restrooms, meeting rooms, and fire station areas. These barriers directly affect 
independence and usability.
Cost Range: $0.60 million to $3.30 million
Recommended Corrective Actions:
■ Adjust door closers, hinges, and seals to achieve compliant opening forces.
■ Install automatic door operators at high-traffic and essential public entrances.
■ Replace noncompliant hardware with lever or other operable, no-tight-grasping 
options.
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51

Theme 3: Restrooms & Showers (12.6% of Findings)
Citywide Pattern Observed;
Restrooms present significant accessibility gaps across the Civic Center, Old Town 5th Avenue, 
fire stations, libraries, and airport facilities. Issues include incorrect or missing grab bars, 
insufficient knee clearance at sinks, accessories mounted too high, elevated shower thresholds 
creating step-hazards, and limited shower seating or handheld wands.
Cost Range; $0.94 million to $4.88 million
Recommended Corrective Actions:
■ Correct grab bar locations to meet ADA specifications.
■ Provide knee clearance under sinks and relocate accessories within usable reach 
range (15-48 inches).
■ Add shower caddies, handheld spray units, and vertical entry bars.
■ Install baby-changing stations in at least one public restroom per site where 
appropriate.
Theme 4: Reach Range & Storage (19.4% of Findings)
Citywide Pattern Observed:
Frequently used storage elements, shelves, cabinets, lockers, and hooks are often positioned 
above the accessible 15-48-inch reach range. These issues are especially common in staff 
areas, kitchens, airport support spaces, and fire station dormitories.
Cost Range; $1.34 million to $7.17 million
Recommended Corrective Actions:
■ Relocate or lower high-frequency storage elements.
■ Standardize accessible shelf and locker heights across facilities.
Theme 5: Lighting, Exit Signs & Visibility (11.7% of Findings)
Citywide Pattern Observed:
Dim corridors, stairwells, restrooms, and garages affect comfort, clarity, and safety — 
particularly for individuals with low vision. Exit signs are often dull or inconsistently placed, 
reducing egress confidence.
Cost Range: $0.87 million to $4.59 million
Recommended Corrective Actions:
■ Install upgraded, evenly distributed lighting systems.
52

■ Retrofit or replace exit signs with brighter, illuminated versions.
■ Add occupancy sensors where appropriate to improve efficiency and reliability.
Theme 6: Contrasting, Striping & Detectabie Warnings (17.3% of findings)
Citywide Pattern Observed:
Across garages, parks, trails, and the Civic Center, common issues include missing or faded 
contrasting paint at steps, edges, and thresholds; missing or misaligned truncated domes at 
curb ramps; and uneven transitions between surfaces.
Cost Range: $1.07 million to $5.58 million
Recommended Corrective Actions:
■ Apply high-contrast color strips at step edges.
■ Install or realign truncated domes at curb ramp entries and exits.
■ Smooth transitions with bevels or mini-ramps where needed.
Theme 7: Assistive Listening & Communication (3.9% of Findings)
Citywide Pattern Observed:
Assistive Listening Systems (ALS) are often absent, outdated, or unmarked in meeting rooms, 
committee chambers, public counters, library spaces, and fire station training areas. This affects 
users with hearing loss and limits civic participation.
Cost Range: $0.40 million to $1.75 million
Recommended Corrective Actions:
■ Install portable or integrated ALS technologies (hearing loop or FM systems).
■ Add clear signage to indicate ALS availability.
■ Verify system performance using calibration/testing tools during commissioning.
Thematic Cost Analysis Summary
Category
Signage & BrailleA/Vayfinding
Share of Findings Cost Range (Millions)
Storage & Reach Range
Contrasting/StripingAA/arnings
Sinks & Knee/Toe Clearance
Showers/Grab Bars/Caddies
Lighting & Motion Sensors
Parking & Curb Ramps
Door Pressure/Auto Openers
40.1%
$2.83-$14.61
19.4%
$1.34-$7.17
17.3%
$1.07-$5.58
15.4%
$1.16-$6.33
12.6%
$0.94-$4.88
11.7%
$0.87-$4.59
11.3%
$0.86-$4.28
8.7%
$0.60-$3.30
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
53

Stairs/Handrails/Traction
7.6%
$0.57-$3.11
Assistive Listening/Hearing Loop
3.9%
$0.40-$1.75
Table 33: Thematic Cost Analysis Summary
Table 4: Top Recurring Barrier Categories by Share and Cost 
Prioritization Framework: Four-Tier Implementation Strategy
The City’s ADA Transition Plan employs a tiered, geography-aligned prioritization framework 
that sequences improvements based on use intensity, safety relevance, operational importance, 
and public visibility.
Tier 1 (Years 1-5): High-Impact Civic, Cultural & Public Safety Hubs 
Target Facilities:
■ Civic Center; City Hall, Civic Center Library, public parking garages
■ Old Town: 5th Avenue restrooms
■ Public Safety; Fire stations and select police facilities 
Rationale:
These locations serve thousands of daily users, support essential services, and contain many of 
the highest-priority findings. Improvements here deliver immediate community benefit and 
demonstrate early progress.
Example Finding Concentrations:
■ Civic Center Parking Garages: 147 findings (door/egress clarity, signage, edge 
contrast, striping, elevator cues)
■ Civic Center Library: 141 findings (door forces, wayfinding, assistive listening, exterior 
approach)
■ City Hall/Civic Center AV Compound: 116 findings (signage, lighting, directional 
clarity, interior circulation)
■ Old Town 5th Avenue Restrooms: 15 findings (high visibility, compact scope with door 
operators, lighting, grab bars)
Tier 2 (Years 5-10): Libraries & High-Use Community Assets 
Target Facilities:
■ Appaloosa Library
■ Arabian Library
■ Civic Center Library (interior components)
Focus Areas:
54

■ Assistive listening systems installation and upgrades
■ Adjustable and inclusive seating/furnishings
■ Shelf access and reach-range adjustments
■ Exterior approach improvements (walkways, crossings, entries)
Rationale:
These spaces play major roles in lifelong learning, civic participation, and public events, making 
user experience enhancements especially impactful.
Tier 3 (Years 10-15): Neighborhood Parks & Trailheads 
Implementation Approach:
District-level bundles of parks and trailheads to reduce mobilization costs and ensure 
consistency across multiple community spaces.
Common Upgrades:
■ Path-of-travel continuity and surface improvements
■ High-contrast edging and truncated domes
■ Restroom refreshes and fixture updates
■ Updated wayfinding and information signage
■ Inclusive seating nodes with companion space 
Rationale:
This sector supports active recreation, tourism, and families citywide. Bundling work by district 
increases equity and optimizes resource deployment.
Tier 4 (Years 15-20): Lower-Use, Back-of-House, or Replacement-Aligned Sites 
Target Facilities:
Storage yards, maintenance depots, and low-use facilities with accessible alternatives nearby.
Implementation Strategy:
Corrections timed to align with upcoming replacements, capital reinvestment cycles, or 
operational windows when disruptions are minimal.
Rationale:
This approach ensures responsible resource use while meeting long-term ADA compliance 
obligations without unnecessary rework.
Facility Spotlight Examples
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026 
55

Civic Center Parking Garages 
Findings: 147 accessibility barriers identified 
Key Themes:
■ High-contrast markings on steps, curb ramps, and pedestrian edges
■ Post-mounted accessible parking signs for improved visibility and compliance
■ Brighter, clearer exit signage for enhanced safety
■ Reduced stairwell door forces for independent access
■ Enhanced elevator audio/visual cues for orientation and emergency communication
Implementation Priority: Early (Tier 1) — These garages support thousands of daily trips and 
Civic Center events. Improvements are highly visible to residents and visitors and can be 
implemented as a straightforward, bundled scope yielding immediate safety and wayfinding 
gains.
Fire Stations Network (FS611, FS604, FS605, FS606, FS608, FS610)
Key Themes:
■ Door forces exceeding ADA requirements
■ Improved shower access (threshold ramps, corrected grab bars, handheld wands, 
updated seating)
■ Visual alarm systems in living and training spaces
■ Corrected accessory heights in restrooms and kitchens
■ Assistive listening systems in training/community rooms
Implementation Priority: Early (Tier 1) — Fire stations support critical operational readiness. 
Improvements directly benefit first responders and support safety. The recurring nature of issues 
across stations makes these projects ideal for efficient bundling and accelerated delivery.
Scottsdale Airport (Operations & Hangars)
Findings: 120 accessibility barriers identified
Key Themes:
■ Edge contrasting and safety line improvements along walkways and work areas
■ Expanded visual alarm coverage
■ Corrections to door hardware, signage height, and circulation pathways
■ Restroom improvements including threshold ramps and grab bars
■ Assistive listening at public counters and reception areas 
56

Implementation Priority; Early/Mid Tier — The airport experiences predictable, recurring 
accessibility themes. Bundling corrections minimizes disruption to aviation operations and 
ensures consistent compliance across hangars, support areas, and public spaces.
Early Actions: Visible Improvements in Years 1-5
In the first tv/o years of implementation, Scottsdale will deliver highly visible, high-impact 
improvements across the Civic Center, Old Town, public safety facilities, and major libraries.
Doors & Independent Entry
Improvements Residents or Visitors Will Experience:
■ Doors that open easily and predictably at high-traffic entrances
■ Adjusted door opening forces meeting ADA requirements
■ New automatic door operators at priority public entries
■ Upgraded hardware eliminating tight grasping, pinching, or twisting
Impact; Direct improvements to independence for mobility device users, older adults, and 
anyone carrying bags or pushing strollers.
Signage & Wayfinding
Improvements Residents or Visitors Will Experience:
■ Tactile and Braille room-identification signs consistently installed at 48 inches on the 
strike side of doors
■ Directional signs with higher contrast and better legibility
■ Simpler, more consistent navigation paths within large facilities
Impact; Enhanced navigation for people with vision impairments, new visitors, and anyone 
unfamiliar with facilities.
Lighting & Exit Visibility
Improvements Residents or Visitors Will Experience:
■ Modernized lighting that improves brightness and uniformity
■ Retrofitted exit signs with improved clarity and distance visibility
■ Better-illuminated corridors, stairwells, and garage pathways
Impact; Enhanced safety, visibility, and user comfort — especially for low-vision users.
Restrooms & Showers
Improvements Residents or Visitors Will Experience:
■ Correct grab bar placement
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026 
57

■ Improved knee clearance at sinks
■ Dispensers, dryers, and hooks in 15-48-inch reach range
■ Shower caddies, handheld wands, and appropriate seating
■ Shower and restroom thresholds that reduce tripping or roll-over barriers 
Impact: Direct support for dignity, privacy, and personal safety.
Contrasting, Striping & Detectable Warnings 
Improvements Residents or Visitors Will Experience:
■ High-contrast paint added to steps, landings, and threshold edges
■ New or realigned truncated domes at curb ramp interfaces
■ Smoother transitions between walking surfaces
Impact: Benefits for people with low vision, improved trip-hazard awareness, and safer 
pedestrian environments.
Assistive Listening & Communication Access 
Improvements Residents or Visitors Will Experience:
■ Installation of assistive listening systems (loop or FM technologies)
■ Clear signage indicating availability
■ Performance testing ensuring reliability
Impact: Enhanced accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, improved 
participation in public meetings and civic processes.
Budget Context and Financial Strategy
Planning-Level Cost Envelope
The ADA Facilities Self-Evaluation provides guidance for early budgeting and sequencing. While 
final costs will be refined through design, bundling, and integration with capital improvement 
projects, the dataset indicates:
■ Estimated Portfolio Range: $7.44 million to $40.45 million (reflects full span from 
low-complexity items to higher-effort construction work)
■ Average Cost Per Finding: $1,277 to $6,945 (drawing from line-item ranges across 
all facility types)
Strategic Bundling for Cost Efficiency
58

A major efficiency opportunity exists in the repetition of common accessibility themes across 
dozens of facilities. Bundling these themes into coordinated work packages allows Scottsdale to 
accomplish the following:
1. Reduce procurement time by contracting single vendors or teams for citywide 
improvements.
2. Leverage economies of scale (bulk ordering of tactile signage, truncated domes, auto­
operators).
3. Standardize installation quality across facilities, improving consistency for residents or 
visitors.
4. Compress project schedules by deploying improvements in waves rather than project- 
by-project.
Minimize disruption to public-facing buildings and operational facilities.
High-Frequency Themes Ideal for Bundling:
■ Door force adjustments and automatic door operator installation
■ Signage, tactile/Braille, and wayfinding upgrades
■ Contrasting paint, striping, and truncated domes
■ Restroom and shower refresh elements (grab bars, accessories, fixtures)
■ Assistive listening systems for meeting rooms and service counters
Phasing Timeline and Budget Allocation
Phase Timeline Focus Areas
Tier 1 Years 1-5 Civic Center, Old Town 5th Avenue restrooms, public safety facilities (fire 
and select police). High-visibility, high-use environments with largest 
share of High + Important findings.
Tier 2 Years 5- Libraries and major community hubs. Focus on assistive listening,
10 
wayfinding, shelf access, and exterior approaches. Key spaces for
__________________ public meetings, education, and community programs.____________
Tier 3 Years 10- Neighborhood parks and trailheads (district bundles). District-based 
15 
delivery increases equity and reduces cost. Route continuity,
contrasting, domes, restrooms, and inclusive seating.
Tier 4 Years 10- Lower-use facilities and those aligned with future replacement cycles.
20 
Includes storage, maintenance, and back-of-house facilities coordinated
with long-term capital planning.
Table 34: Phasing Timeline and Budget Allocation
Delivery Model and Quality Assurance 
Core Delivery Principles
Scottsdale’s delivery model maximizes efficiency, minimizes disruption, and ensures 
improvements make measurable differences in facility experiences.
1. Bundle Common Scopes to Reduce Unit Costs
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026
59

Repetitive accessibility themes across facilities enable bundling that achieves the follov/ing:
■ Single procurement for materials and services rather than facility-by-facility 
contracting
■ Volume pricing advantages
■ Standardized installation practices across the portfolio
■ Accelerated delivery through coordinated deployment waves
2. Sequence Work to Minimize Service Disruption
Improvements are scheduled around operational needs, public programming, and seasonal 
usage:
■ Library work is timed to avoid major community events.
■ Fire stations receive phased, zone-based improvements maintaining operational 
readiness.
■ Park and trail bundles avoid peak recreation seasons when possible.
3. Coordinate with Capitai Improvements
Where facilities have scheduled renovation or capital renewal, ADA scopes are integrated to 
prevent rework and reduce costs.
4. Validate Usability — Not Just Compliance — at Turnover
Each improvement is evaluated from a usability perspective, ensuring upgrades enhance 
independence, clarity, and comfort — rather than simply meet code text.
Quality Assurance Framework 
GIS Tracking & Photo Documentation
All findings and corrective actions are tracked within a GIS system to include the following:
■ "Before" photos from the self-evaluation
■ "After" photos once corrections are complete
■ Status updates tied to specific line-item requirements
■ Auditable history for every improvement 
Door Force Verification with Calibrated Gauges
Technicians confirm door forces meet ADA requirements using caiibrated pull-force meters, 
ensuring accurate, repeatable measurement.
Assistive Listening System Testing 
60

New or upgraded hearing loop/FM systems that are:
■ Tested using manufacturer-approved calibration tools;
■ Verified for clarity, range, and signal strength; and
■ Labeled with signage indicating availability.
Signage & Braille Field Checks
Spot checks confirm:
■ Proper mounting heights (typically 48 inches);
■ Correct tactile/Braille alignment;
■ Adequate contrast for visual clarity; and
■ Logical directional pathways.
This ensures consistent wayfinding across all public-facing facilities.
Community Impact
Risk-Smart and People-First Implementation
Scottsdale’s tiered implementation model is intentionally designed to be risk-smart, people- 
centered, and aligned with how residents and visitors actually use City facilities.
Safety & Essential Services First
Facilities supporting emergency response, governance, and civic operations — fire stations, 
police facilities, and Civic Center buildings — receive top priority because accessibility barriers 
in these locations can affect the following:
■ Emergency response readiness
■ Daily access to government functions
■ Safety and clarity for high-volume public use
Addressing door forces, signage clarity, and lighting/egress in these spaces immediately 
reduces risk for both the public and the City workforce.
High-Traffic, High-Visibility Areas Deliver Immediate Public Benefit
Improvements in parking garages, Old Town restrooms, Civic Center pathways, and other highly 
frequented spaces provide the following:
■ Instant community visibility
■ Safer and clearer movement for residents and visitors
■ Strong momentum at Transition Plan launch
Scottsdale ADA Transition Plan 2026 
61

Early upgrades — lighter doors, clearer signage, improved lighting, contrasting paint, detectable 
warnings — are immediately noticeable and appreciated.
Access to Information & Participation Strengthens Inclusive Civic Life
Libraries, meeting rooms, council chambers, and community hubs represent the heart of public 
engagement. Making these spaces fully accessible ensures:
■ Equal access to books, programs, and resources;
■ Clear navigation and consistent signage;
■ Participation for people using assistive listening systems; and
■ Accessibility for multigenerational and multilingual communities.
These improvements uphold Scottsdale’s commitment to an inclusive civic environment.
Addressing Often-Overlooked Barriers 
Tactile/Braille Signage & Assistive Listening
These features support people who are blind, low-vision, deaf, or hard of hearing — groups 
whose needs are frequently invisible — with the following:
■ Consistent tactile/Braille signs at 48 inches
■ Clear directional cues
■ Reliable hearing loops and FM systems
These interventions open doors to independence and civic participation.
Door, Threshold & Contrasting Improvements Reduce Fall Risk 
Simple changes reduce common accessibility risks:
■ High door forces
■ Sudden level changes at thresholds
■ Poor lighting
■ Low-contrast steps
For older adults, people with low vision, mobility device users, and parents with strollers, these 
improvements translate to safer, more predictable movement.
Reach Range Fixes Support Daily Independence
Lowering hooks, shelves, dispensers, and controls removes persistent barriers to everyday 
tasks like washing hands, accessing storage, or using public technology. These refinements 
help people maintain autonomy across City facilities.
62

Restroom Refreshes Restore Dignity and Safety
Updating grab bars, sinks, turning spaces, shower fixtures, and accessories ensures restrooms 
are comfortable, usable, and safe. These improvements benefit the following groups:
■ People with mobility limitations
■ Older adults
■ Families with children
■ Visitors carrying bags or using temporary supports
Restroom accessibility is one of the most meaningful, immediate markers of an inclusive public 
space.
Equity Lens
Accessibility is fundamentally about equity — ensuring every person can move safely, 
participate fully, and use Scottsdale’s amazing services with dignity. The Transition Plan places 
particular emphasis on removing often overlooked or “hidden” barriers;
Incorporating these facility improvements through a tiered 20-year implementation framework 
will allow Scottsdale to systematically address the most critical locations while steadily 
expanding access across the City. As you prioritize and phase these investments, we 
encourage you to apply an equity lens, focusing on facilities most frequently used by community 
members and visitors with disabilities so that the benefits of this Plan are shared inclusively and 
reflect the City’s commitment to diversity, belonging, and long-term accessibility.
6. Implementation Schedule
6.1 Overview
All ADA remediation is subject to a budget approval process. Recognizing that Scottsdale has 
limits to annual funding, like all public agencies, the City cannot make all barriers identified 
accessible immediately. The ADA Transition Plan sets forth the priorities for upcoming years, 
with longer-term planning processes identified. Because agencies are not able to remediate 
everything at one time, a robust prioritization process is important. ADA-required improvements 
are embedded in all applicable projects listed in Scottsdale’s Capital Improvement Plan. ADA 
improvements baked into transportation projects must compete for funding, be programmed, 
and follow the planning rules even though ADA compliance is a priority.
Based on the accessibility obstacles/issues identified through the self-evaluation process and 
the need to implement improvements in order to comply with ADA accessibility standards, the 
City of Scottsdale has prepared the following priority schedule and budget estimates. Scottsdale 
reserves the right to modify barrier removal priorities to allow flexibility in accommodating 
community requests, petitions for reasonable modifications from persons with disabilities, 
changes in Scottsdale programs, ongoing evaluations, and funding constraints and 
opportunities.
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The City uses percentage allocations in the 20-year ADA Transition Plan table to show how 
work is phased over time, rather than to lock in specific dollar amounts that will almost certainly 
change with future budgets, project bundling, and construction costs. Percentages communicate 
the intended intensity of effort in each time band and can flex with annual CIP decisions, 
inflation, and new grant opportunities, while still keeping the overall strategy and priorities intact. 
They also make it easier to explain the Plan to decision-makers and the public by focusing on 
“how much of each category we aim to tackle when” instead of debating long-range cost 
estimates that will be refined repeatedly.
The percentages are intentionally higher in the first 10 years because the Plan prioritizes 
high-impact, legally critical work early in the program. The first decade focuses on core 
communications access, key municipal facilities, post-1991 pedestrian facilities, and priority 
pedestrian areas such as Old Town, the Civic Center, major transit corridors, and areas around 
schools, medical facilities, and senior housing. Concentrating a larger share of each category's 
investment in these early years accelerates risk reduction, addresses the most pressing barriers 
for people with disabilities, and produces visible community benefits sooner. After these 
higher-priority needs are substantially addressed, the percentages taper in the later years, 
reflecting a shift to more distributed, system-wide upgrades and maintenance, where the work is 
still important but no longer driven by the same level of immediate legal and programmatic 
urgency.
Accessibility
Category
Projected Percentages for Improvements/Projects
Estimated
Years 1- Years 4-7 Years 8- 
3 
11
Years 11- Years 16- 20-Year 
15 
20 
Total
Communications
60%
25%
5%
5%
5%
100%
Building Facilities 35%
35%'0
15%>
10%
5%
100%.
Pedestrian
Facilities
50%
30%
10%
5%
5%
100%
Pedestrian — 
5%.
Entire Jurisdiction
15%.
30%
25%
25%
100%
Pedestrian — 
Priority Areas
10%.
35%.
35%.
15%
5%.
100%
Table 35: Projected Percentages for Phased Improvements
Discussion & Improvement Project Information 
Scheduled Street and Utility Improvement Projects*
Project/Location
Civic Center Parking Garages — 
accessible parking, signage, and egress 
upgrades (striping, post-mounted signs, 
contrasting exit lighting)
Estimated Budget Schedule
$1 million (bundled with 
garage rehabilitation 
program)
Near-term Years 1-, 
coordinated with 
garage maintenance 
and lighting upgrades
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Old Town - 5th Avenue public restrooms — 
doors, grab bars, lighting, and wayfinding 
improvements 
$250,000 (small 
stand-alone or bundled 
restroom package)
Near-term Years 1-2 
to deliver early, highly 
visible improvements
Civic Center Library and Major Branch 
Libraries — doors, assistive listening, 
signage, shelf access, and approach
$3 million (library 
systems upgrade 
program)
Tier 2 Years 3-7, 
aligned with planned 
library renovations 
and technology 
upgrades
Fire Stations (FS611, FS604, FS605, 
FS606, FS608, FS610) — doors, showers, 
visual alarms, and interior circulation
$2 million (multi-station 
facility bundle)
Tier 1-5 Years 1-10, 
sequenced to 
maintain emergency 
readiness x
High-Use Parks and Trailheads — 
accessible routes, restrooms, seating, and 
truncated domes (district bundles)
$4 million (park and 
trail district packages)
Tier 3 Years 5-15, 
coordinated with park 
renovation projects
Citywide Curb Ramp and Sidewalk 
Program — ramps, cross-slope corrections, 
APS, and crosswalk enhancements
$1,500,000 per year 
(annual ADA PROW 
program within 
Transportation)
Ongoing annually, 
with near-term 
emphasis in Tier 1-2 
areas; ramps and 
sidewalks integrated 
into resurfacing 
projects 
Transit Stop Accessibility Upgrades — 
landing pads, routes to crossings, shelters, 
and seating
$5 million (combined 
with transit corridor 
projects)
Phased in Years 1- 
10 along major 
transit corridors, 
coordinated with 
regional partners
Table 36: Scheduled Street and Utility Improvement Projects
Cost Methodology:
All cost figures in this Plan are planning-level program estimates and provide a flexible 
framework to prioritize and plan for ADA improvements. They are sized to reflect reasonable 
order-of-magnitude budgets for incorporation of ADA work into projects (for example, 
multi-garage accessibility upgrades, a full ADA retrofit of a small public restroom, system-wide 
library access improvements, corridor-based transit stop upgrades, an annual curb ramp and 
sidewalk program, district park and trailhead packages, and targeted work at multiple fire 
stations) using mid-range assumptions about design, construction, and contingency. These 
amounts are intended to communicate the relative scale and priority of each CIP program line 
over the 20-year period; they will be refined during project scoping, design, quantity take-offs, 
and bidding, and periodically re-baselined to stay aligned with the City’s overall ADA investment 
targets, inflation, and evolving priorities.
6.2 Ongoing Annual Activities (All 20 Years)
Beyond specific prioritized projects, the following activities occur continuously throughout the 
implementation period:
1. Response to Community Requests: Address accessibility barrier reports and complaints 
through formal grievance procedures.
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2. GIS Maintenance: All departments are required to reference and update the GIS system 
when planning any ADA improvements.
3. Integration: Continue to integrate curb ramp and pedestrian infrastructure improvements 
into street paving and utility projects.
4. Review of New Projects: Ensure all new construction and alterations include accessibility 
compliance.
5. Staff Development: Continue ADA training for new employees and refresher training for 
existing staff.
6. Digital Updates: Continuously monitor and update website and app accessibility as 
technologies evolve.
7. Compliance Monitoring: Assess compliance across programs, services, and facilities.
8. Community Engagement: Maintain opportunities to solicit community feedback.
9. Reporting: Provide federal annual progress reports.
6.3 Continued Integration with Capital Improvement Program
All capital improvement projects are to incorporate accessibility requirements, when required:
1. New construction projects are designed to exceed minimum accessibility standards.
2. Street reconstruction projects include compliant curb ramps and pedestrian 
infrastructure.
3. Building renovation projects address identified accessibility barriers.
4. Park improvement projects include accessible routes and amenities.
5. Technology upgrade projects ensure digital accessibility.
7. Funding Sources
7.1 Funding Sources and Strategies 
City Fund Appropriations
1. Transportation sales tax
2. Highway User Revenue Fund funding
3. General fund
4. Transportation 0.2% sales tax
5. Integration within existing departmental operating budgets for ongoing compliance
6. Capital Improvement Program funding coordinated with infrastructure projects 
Grant Opportunities
1. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Surface Transportation Program funds
2. Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for pedestrian improvements
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3. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for facility accessibility
4. Arizona Department of Transportation grants for pedestrian safety
5. State accessibility improvement grants and programs
Cost Efficiency Strategies
1. Coordinate curb ramp installations with scheduled street paving projects (leverage 
existing mobilization costs).
2. Bundle accessibility projects for competitive bidding and volume discounts.
3. Utilize in-house City crews for routine installations when cost-effective.
4. Prioritize projects with highest benefit-to-cost ratios and greatest community impact.
5. Seek partnerships with private development projects for joint accessibility improvements.
6. Leverage technology improvements that provide multiple accessibility benefits.
7. Train City staff to perform certain accessibility modifications in-house.
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8. Public Engagement and Grievance Procedures
8.1 Public Notice of ADA Rights
The City of Scottsdale provides notice of ADA rights through multiple channels:
1. Posted notices at all City facilities with grievance procedure information
2. City website (www.scottsdaleaz.gov/accessibility) with comprehensive ADA resources
3. Inclusion in public meeting notices
4. Publication in community newsletters and communications
5. Mandatory new employee ADA/Title VI training
6. Mandatory all employee ADA/Title VI training required once every year
7. Social media and digital communication platforms
8.2 ADA Grievance Procedure 
Submitting an Accessibility Complaint
Complaints may be submitted:
In writing by mail or email to the ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator;
In person at City facilities;
• Online through ScottdaleEZ
(https://eservices.scottsdaleaz.Qov/e2/Reauest/Submit?qroup=MostCommon.qov)
By telephone with assistance from City staff; or 
In alternative formats upon request (Braille, large print, audio). 
Complaints should include the following:
1. Name, address, and contact information of complainant
2. Location and date of alleged accessibility barrier or discrimination
3. Detailed description of the issue or incident
4. Desired resolution or accommodation
5. Contact information for further communication 
Submit complaints to:
Felicia Beltran, ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator
City of Scottsdale
7447 E. Indian School Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: (480)312-2311
Email: ADA_TitleVI@scottsdaleaz.gov
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Timeline: Complaints should be submitted within 60 calendar days of the alleged violation, 
though complaints received after this timeframe will be considered.
Resolution Process
Stage 
Timeline Action
Initial Review 15 calendar ADA Coordinator acknowledges receipt and reviews 
days 
complaint.
Investigation 30 calendar Coordinator investigates issue, meets with complainant, 
days 
and gathers information.
Response
15 calendar Written response explaining findings and proposed 
days 
resolution is provided to complainant.
Appeal (if 
needed)
15 calendar Complainant may appeal to City Manager within 15 days 
days 
if unsatisfied.
Final 
15 calendar 
City Manager reviews appeal and provides final
Determination 
days 
resolution.
Table 37: Resolution Process
8.3 Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation
■ The City maintains the confidentiality of complaint information to the extent permitted 
by law.
■ The City prohibits retaliation against individuals who file ADA complaints or participate 
in investigations.
■ Complainants have a right to representation or assistance throughout the process.
8.4 Ongoing Public Participation Mechanisms
1. Transition Plan Review Meetings — Public meetings to discuss progress, priorities, 
and significant updates
2. Speak Up Scottsdale Online Platform — Comment periods on accessibility 
improvements
3. Community Questionnaires —Annual accessibility surveys to gather resident input
4. Targeted Outreach — Engagement with disability organizations and vulnerable 
populations
5. Public Records Access — Transition Plan updates available online
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9. Accountability and Monitoring
9.1 Progress Monitoring
The ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator will monitor implementation progress using the
following:
1. GIS ADA Program Tracking System — CIS database of all identified barriers and 
removal status. GIS system-generated reports will be shared annually or as needed with 
the Implementation Team and provided to leadership to monitor progress.
2. Community Feedback Collection — Ongoing. Targeted public engagement to occur 
when significant Plan updates occur.
3. Complaint Analysis — Tracking patterns for accessibility issues reported by the public.
9.2 Key Performance Indicators (Estimates)
Indicator
Curb Ramps Installed
Year 1-5
180-200
Year 5-15
500+
Year 15-20
900+
Pedestrian Signals 
Upgraded
25-30
70+
100+
Facility Accessibility 
Improvements
2-3
8-10
15+
Digital WCAG Compliance 50%
80%
100%
Community Requests 
Addressed
95% within 30 days
95% within 30 
days
95% within 30 
days
Staff Training Participation
100% of department 
heads
100% of relevant Annual 
staff 
refresher
Table 38: Key Performance Indicators (Estimate)
9.3 Plan Updates and Adjustments
1. Three-Year Review — Conduct a comprehensive review and update of priorities (2029).
2. Annual Adjustments — Modify timeline and budget based on actual experience and 
community needs.
3. Technology Updates — Incorporate new accessibility standards and best practices as 
they emerge.
4. Community Input — Adjust priorities based on feedback and requests.
5. Plan Renewal — Prepare comprehensive updated Plan for 2032-2038 by 2031.
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10. Recommendations
10.1 Accountability
■ Require annual ADA progress reports: Adopt a policy that mandates a public 
annual ADA report summarizing barriers removed, CIP coordination, digital 
accessibility progress, grievances, and next-year priorities.
■ Establish a standing policy to review and update the Transition Plan annually, tied to 
the self-evaluation cycle and new federal/state standards (e.g., PROWAG).
10.2 Capital Planning and Asset Management
■ Integrate ADA into CIP policy; Require every CIP project to include an ADA review at 
scoping and to document how the project either removes existing barriers or avoids 
creating new ones, consistent with “build it right once” language in the Plan.
■ Mandate ADA bundling strategies; Adopt a policy that common themes (signage, 
doors, restrooms, truncated domes, assistive listening) must be bundled into citywide 
or district-wide contracts wherever feasible to reduce cost and ensure consistency.
■ Require GIS-based tracking: Make it policy that all ADA-relevant capital work is 
entered into the shared GIS/asset systems with barrier status, remediation year, and 
project ID so progress can be mapped and reported transparently.
10.3 Program Access and Effective Communication
■ Standardize reasonable modification and auxiliary aids procedures; Adopt 
citywide procedures (not just departmental practices) for receiving, documenting, and 
responding to requests for modifications and auxiliary aids, with clear timelines and 
responsibilities.
■ Strengthen grievance policy: Update the grievance procedure to include trend 
analysis, anonymized examples, and required annual review of outcomes by the 
ADA/Title VI Compliance Coordinator, with summary findings reported publicly.
■ Formalize effective communication policy: Codify expectations for CART, 
ASLA/R-interpreting, assistive listening, captioning, and accessible virtual meetings 
for City Council, boards, and public events, building on the expanded effective 
communication section.
10.4 Digital Accessibility (2026-2026 Deadline and Beyond)
■ Adopt WCAG 2.1 AA by ordinance or administrative poiicy: It should be the City’s 
digital accessibility standard for all public-facing content and systems.
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■ Implement a digital accessibility life-cycle policy; Require accessibility checks and 
sign-off at procurement, configuration, content creation, and major updates for 
websites, apps, and third-party platforms.
■ Require ongoing digital audits: Establish a policy for periodic automated scans plus 
manual testing of key sites, with results integrated into the barrier inventory and 
remediation schedule.
■ Mandate staff training: Require all web editors and document creators to complete 
accessible content training that is refreshed on a regular cycle.
10.5 Public Right-of-Way and Transportation
■ Prioritize PROW via tiered and geographic policy: Codify the tier system (Tier 1—4) 
and priority areas (Civic Center, Old Town, major transit corridors, half-mile around 
schools/medical centers/senior centers, employment corridors) as the basis for 
PROW phasing decisions.
■ Establish a standing ADA PROW program: Create policy for a dedicated annual 
curb ramp/sidewalk/APS/crosswalk program line within Transportation, coordinated 
with resurfacing and safety projects.
■ Require inter-jurisdictional coordination; Adopt policy that Scottsdale will use its 
barrier inventory and priorities to advocate for accessibility whenever regional or state 
projects touch its boundaries.
10.6 Facilities, Parks, and Emergency Management
■ Create facility design and review standards: Require all new and substantially 
renovated facilities and parks to meet not only minimum ADA standards but also 
Scottsdale DSPM accessibility expectations, including wayfinding, assistive listening, 
and inclusive seating.
■ Use a tiered facility policy; Formalize the Tier 1-4 facilities phasing (Civic Center, 
Old Town, public safety; then libraries/community hubs; then parks/trailheads; then 
low-use/back-of-house) as the framework for scheduling facility ADA projects.
■ Adopt an emergency access and functional needs policy; Require the inclusion of 
people with disabilities in emergency plans, alerts, shelters, and after-action reviews, 
with explicit references to ADA/504 and accessible communications.
■ Continuous Improvement and Public Engagement
■ Apply a balance lens policy; Direct that ADA prioritization must consider disability 
prevalence, income, age, and access to transit when selecting locations within tiers so 
benefits are shared across communities.
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■ Institutionalize ongoing public involvement: Commit to regular accessible ADA 
engagement (meetings, online platforms, surveys, QR campaigns, disability 
organization partnerships) beyond the Plan adoption phase.
Make data-driven decision-making policy: Require that major ADA investment 
decisions use self-evaluation data (5,824 facility findings, 14,089 curb ramps, 1,245 
miles of sidewalk, etc.) and documented community requests, not anecdotes.
11. Conclusion
Building upon significant achievements, including thousands of ADA-compliant curb ramps and 
strong community partnerships, this Plan provides a clear, measurable roadmap for continued 
progress. Through systematic self-evaluation, meaningful public engagement, prioritized barrier 
removal, and ongoing accountability, Scottsdale will continue to strengthen accessibility across 
all City operations, programs, services, and activities.
Scottsdale’s ADA Transition Plan represents a comprehensive evidence-based commitment to 
accessibility as an essential public service. This commitment strengthens Scottsdale’s economy, 
enhances tourism, and reinforces Scottsdale’s identity as a forward-thinking, welcoming city for 
all. This Plan will be regularly monitored, updated, and improved to reflect community needs, 
evolving standards, and changing priorities.
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