TDLR PROJECT REGISTRATION GUIDE

UNDERSTANDING THE TDLR REGISTRATION PROCESS

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) administers the Texas Architectural Barriers program, which helps ensure that certain construction projects comply with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS). TAS establishes the accessibility requirements for buildings and facilities throughout Texas and is based on the accessibility guidelines developed by the U.S. Access Board and the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Most construction projects with an estimated construction cost of $50,000 or more are required to be registered with TDLR before construction begins.

The TDLR process generally consists of three steps:

  1. Project Registration – The project is registered with TDLR, required ownership documentation is submitted, and a project number is assigned.

  2. Plan Review – A Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS) reviews the construction documents for compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards and issues a written report identifying any deficiencies.

  3. Inspection – After construction is complete, a RAS performs an on-site inspection to verify that the project was constructed in accordance with the approved plans and TAS requirements.

The purpose of this guide is to help you gather the information required to complete the Project Registration. Whether you register the project yourself or have us complete the registration on your behalf, the same ownership and project information is required by TDLR.

If you would like us to register the project for you, the following documents represent the minimum information we will need. If you are going to register it yourself, then start here, https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/TABS/

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Project Registration Form. 

This form must be completed in full.  The required sections are:

  1. Project Information

  2. Building or Facility Owner

The following sections are only required when applicable:

  1. Designated Agent

  2. Designer Information

  3. Tenant Information

County Appraisal District (CAD). 

TDLR requires the CAD number for the Building/Facility Owner on the Project Registration Form and a PDF of the CAD record.  You can find this on the County Appraisal District website using the Property Search or Interactive Map.  This record shows the Building/Facility Owner.  The name and address must be entered on the Project Registration Form and anywhere else they appear, exactly as they appear on the CAD record.  If you need help locating this information, let us know. 

Here is a link to a TDLR video explaining how to find it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2RNElBN0EU.

Designated Agent Form. 

If the Building/Facility Owner wants a third party to act on their behalf, this form must be completed and signed by the Owner, otherwise this form is not required.  The Designated Agent will receive all reports and sign the required TDLR forms.

Proof of Submission Form. 

If a licensed design professional is involved, this form is recommended.  TDLR sends it to the design professional’s licensing board to document compliance.  This form is optional.

IF THE BUILDING/FACILITY OWNER IS A LIMITED ENTITY

Limited Liability Ownership Form. 

This form must be completed in full.   Section 2 must match the CAD information exactly.  Section 3 must list the Parent Entity or Partnership Information.  Section 4 must be signed where required.  The owner representative contact must match the managing member shown in the Articles of Formation or TX SOS record discussed below.

Articles of Formation or TX SOS record. 

TDLR requires either the Articles of Formation or the Texas Secretary of State (SOS) record for the Building/Facility Owner.  This documentation must show the relationship between the Building/Facility Owner and the Parent Entity or Partnership Information listed on the Limited Liability Ownership Form. 

Also, it must list the contact’s name of the managing partner.  TDLR uses this to verify ownership and ensure the correct parties are identified.  See the attached example provided to us by TDLR.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does the Building/Facility Owner have to be the property owner, or can it be the tenant?

TDLR requires the building/facility owner or landlord listed on the CAD record.  This is usually the landlord and not the tenant.

Do we have to provide the Designated Agent Form?

Only if the owner wants someone else to act on their behalf.  The Designated Agent Form must be signed by the Owner to authorize another party.  Without this signed form, a Designated Agent is not valid.

Is there a minimum construction cost for registering a project?

Yes.  TDLR requires that projects with an estimated construction cost of $50,000 or more must be registered.

How do we calculate the construction cost?

Estimated Construction Cost:  Includes all costs for construction of a project except site acquisition, architectural, engineering and consulting fees, furniture, and equipment unless the equipment is part of the mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems.

What about construction cost for street projects, how is that calculated?

For purposes of registration, the estimated cost of construction for the project shall be based on the pedestrian elements only. Construction documents submitted for review are only required to include pedestrian elements being constructed, renovated, modified, or altered as part of the project scope.

Are residential projects required to be registered with TDLR?

TDLR exempts public or privately funded apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and single-family dwellings used exclusively by residents and their guests.  However, this does not exclude sales offices or pedestrian elements in the Public Right of Way.