Civil Case Over ADA Compliance Could Impact Home Building Websites

Legal
Published

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).

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Economics

Sep 05, 2025

Mortgage Rates Hit 10-Month Low in August

Average mortgage rates in August continued their steady decline and are now at their lowest rate since last November. But rates are still higher year over year.

Economics | Land Development

Sep 04, 2025

Home Building Lot Shortage Continues

Although lot shortages are not quite as widespread as they were in 2021, obtaining lots remains a challenge for many home builders, according to recent results from the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Sep 05, 2025

Job Growth Slowed in August

Job growth slowed sharply in August, and the unemployment rate rose to its highest level in nearly four years.

Economics

Sep 04, 2025

Lots Still in Relatively Short Supply

Although shortages are not quite as widespread as they were in 2021, obtaining lots remains a challenge for many builders, according to recent results from the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) survey.

Economics

Sep 04, 2025

HVAC in New Construction in 2024

Almost all of new single-family homes started in 2024 used either an air/ground source heat pump or a forced air system for the primary heating equipment (97%), according to the Census’s Survey of Construction. Additionally, 20% percent of homes also used a secondary type of heating equipment.