Civil Case Over ADA Compliance Could Impact Home Building Websites
A California federal district court ruled on June 23 that Domino’s Pizza violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by offering a website that was not fully accessible to a visually impaired individual. In doing so, the court reinforced Ninth Circuit precedent holding that company websites having a “nexus” to a physical (i.e., brick-and-mortar) place of public accommodation are subject to the ADA.
The court further ruled that Domino’s call-in phone line was not an acceptable web accessibility substitute because the plaintiff was unable to reach a live person for more than 45 minutes. Although the $4,000 in damages awarded to the plaintiff was not significant, the court further approved the recovery of attorney fees, which are likely reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The case could impact builders, multifamily developers, remodelers and other businesses that offer goods or services through a website, if the site is not accessible to persons with disabilities. For example, if a builder’s website allows a potential buyer to select finishes, carpet type/color and other home options without the need to visit a physical sales office, the website should be designed with accessibility features to enable all potential buyers this same opportunity.
If you have any questions about the implications of this case, you are advised to consult with your local attorney.
The case is Guillermo Robles.v. Domino’s Pizza LLC, United States District Court, Central District of California (Case No. CV 16-6599-JGB).
Latest from NAHBNow
Mar 11, 2026
Podcast: Massive Win in Battle Over Federal Energy Code MandatesOn the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez welcome VP of Legal Advocacy Tom Ward to discuss the impact of the recent court decision on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) final determination to impose the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the 2019 ASHRAE 90.1 standard on certain single-family and multifamily housing programs.
Mar 10, 2026
Supreme Court Ruling Raises New Concerns About Cluster MailboxesLate last month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that illustrates the potential risks associated with the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) push for centralized mail delivery. The ruling has important implications for home builders and developers who are increasingly pressured to install cluster mailboxes in new residential communities.
Latest Economic News
Mar 11, 2026
Single-Family Permits End 2025 on a Soft NoteSingle-family permitting softened over the course of 2025 and finished the year weaker than the prior year. After showing some resilience in 2024, permitting activity gradually lost momentum as elevated mortgage rates and ongoing affordability constraints weighed on buyer demand.
Mar 10, 2026
Existing Home Sales Rose in FebruaryFollowing the sharp decline last month, existing home sales bounced back in February as housing affordability improved. Lower mortgage rates and moderating home price growth helped pull buyers back to the market. However, tight inventory will likely continue to push home prices higher if demand outpaces supply growth.
Mar 10, 2026
AD&C Loan Volume Falls Despite Declining Financing CostsSingle-family construction lending fell in the fourth quarter, according to data released by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).