Accessible routes for pedestrians are an ongoing debate for commercial and office retail spaces,  although the requirement for a property owner to have accessible routes from the public walking path to connecting all buildings on the site is part of the 2013 California Building Code. The question arises when a site only has a vehicular access point from the building entrance to the facility, and whether or not there should be pedestrian access.

Most property owners believe that if a concrete or asphalt path is the access point between buildings in a facility, they are not responsible for providing a pedestrian route of travel. These property owners come to the conclusion that they do not have to provide pedestrian accessibility because the property was originally built without such connections, exempting them from providing access – don’t believe this myth because these property owners are wrong. The law¹ {1991 ADA standards sections 4.1.2(1) & (2)} states that if it can be anticipated that the route between access points will be used by pedestrians, property owners must provide an accessible route.

In some situations, the investment of installing connections to public sidewalks can be done without destroying the property, reducing landscape areas or creating financial burdens on ownership². Depending on the city/county, building codes require certain amount of landscape to be maintained which makes it harder to create these access points for pedestrians. CAM Services has ADA + CASp experts and can manage all types of different situations regarding access points on a property. Call CAM at 800-576-3050 for an inspection today!

The drought has hit the state of California hard. In March, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the first three months of 2022 were the driest ever recorded in the state’s history. On top of this, in 2021, all 58 California counties were under a drought emergency proclamation.

It’s clear that we all need to do our part to help reduce water usage and get California back on track. As individuals, the state of California recommends water usage tips such as turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth and taking five-minute showers, but what can companies do to conserve water usage and avoid overuse fees?

CAM Property Services, your commercial property management expert, recommends the following best practices:

1. Install Smart Irrigation Systems
A large amount of our water is used outdoors for landscaping, but according to the state of California, much of it can be lost through evaporation, wind, and runoff. More efficient irrigation systems can prevent this, resulting in reduced water usage and preventing overuse fees. Our CAM Property Services experts can help not only pinpoint water loss but also install smart irrigation systems to prevent it.

2. Install Drought Tolerant Landscaping
Another way to reduce the amount of water used outside is to install drought-tolerant landscaping. According to Save Our Water, the use of drought-resistant plants and trees can save you 30-60 gallons per 1000 sq. ft. each time you water them. CAM can help in this process by removing your current landscaping and installing more water-conservative fauna that is indigent to the area.

3. Set Your Mower Blades to 3 Inches
If you’ve grown attached to your lawn, don’t fret! Another easy-to-implement tip to save water is to set your mower blade to three inches. According to the state of California, such a simple trick can allow your grass to grow deeper roots, saving up to 50 gallons of water per day. Our experts at CAM Property Services can easily implement this tip, saving you water without sacrificing the landscaping you’ve grown to love.

4. Fix Leaks On Your Property
This may come as no surprise, but fixing any leaks both outside and inside your building is one of the most effective ways to save water. According to the state of California, a leaky faucet that lets out one drip-per-second can lose you over 3,200 gallons of water per year! Luckily for you, the experts at CAM Property Services are trained not only in fixing leaks inside and outside the building but in identifying them as well. You’ll have peace of mind in knowing that we identify and eliminate all leaks, reduce the amount of water your building uses, and help avoid costly fees.

There are many ways to reduce water usage for your building. Let CAM Property Services help get the job done.

Call (800) 576-3050 to find out the many ways we can help you be water-wise and do your part during the drought.

When it comes to taking a stance on issues customers care about, companies can no longer afford to stay on the sidelines. According to Envirotech, 65 percent of sales measured globally were generated by companies that conveyed a commitment to social and environmental value.

The takeaway is clear — to stay competitive, you must use your voice.

When considering how your company approaches this challenge, it helps to break it down into three categories: environmental, societal, and governance, otherwise known as ESG.

Environmental issues include reducing your carbon footprint and overall impact on the environment. Societal issues include promoting volunteerism to increase employee well-being. Finally, governance involves demonstrating an adherence to following government guidelines.

Fortunately, you don’t have to tackle ESG alone, CAM Property Services is here to help you practice what you preach.

ENVIRONMENTAL

The environmental aspect of ESG most typically involves the implementation of green energy to reduce your carbon footprint. That can mean moving to solar energy or driving electric vehicles. Another way companies are being environmentally mindful is by implementing more water-wise strategies and consumption practices.

CAM Property Services can be of assistance in this undertaking. Our experts can ensure that your business’ solar panels are well maintained and that the energy being collected is being put to good use. We can also assist in the installation of EV charging stations and secure rebates to reduce the cost. CAM can help ensure that water isn’t being wasted from leaks while transitioning your business to more water-friendly landscaping to reduce overall use.

From solar to water, CAM is your go-to expert in being a more environmentally mindful business.

SOCIAL

The social aspect of ESG is commonly associated with maintaining the emotional well-being of your employees. People take note of companies that treat their employees well and studies show that mental well-being can lead to an increase in productivity. It may seem like a daunting task, but there are several ways one can improve the mental wellness of their employees.

One major way is to improve and maintain the workspace. CAM Property Services’ consultants are specially trained to evaluate the workplace, ensuring everything is optimally designed, safe and up to code. By keeping the workplace in order, employees feel safe and are often more productive.

GOVERNMENT

The final aspect of ESG concerns following government ordinances. In California, there are plenty of restrictions and regulations that can cost you a pretty penny if left ignored. Fortunately, CAM’s experts can help you navigate this minefield. From following the Clean Water Act to making sure your building is ADA compliant, CAM is the team you can trust.

Whether your company needs assistance with the environmental, societal, or governmental aspects of ESG, CAM Property Services is your go-to helping hand. Learn more by clicking HERE.

From drone inspections to pressure washing and landscaping, our Property Pros can get the job done

With temperatures seemingly reaching all-time highs on a daily basis, this summer is proving to be a real scorcher — and the heatwave across Southern California shows no sign of letting up any time soon. With record temps in the forecast and the dog days of summer looming, it’s a critical time for property owners and managers to ensure that their buildings are running as efficiently as possible.

Enter CAM Property Services, well equipped with the tools and highly trained experts to help your building keep its cool, no matter how hot it gets. From drone inspections to pressure washing, landscaping and irrigation, our Property Pros can help:

Aerial drone inspection

Instead of climbing on top of a hot roof or walking a scorching asphalt parking lot, have CAM inspect your property using aerial drone video and photography. Our drone experts are FAA certified — not just glorified hobbyists — and can get you the data you need using GIS mapping. That information is then stored safely in the cloud, so it can be accessed at any point to create a detailed forecast of preventative maintenance and capital expenditures. Trust CAM to be your certified eye in the sky and collect high-value information.

Landscape and irrigation

Our team can handle the most valuable seasonal work on your property, such as sustainable irrigation and landscaping upgrades. To boot, we can help you take advantage of rebate programs for plant material and irrigation components that conserve water, saving you some green while making your property look ‘best on block’.

Pressure washing

Summer is a good time for pressure washing your property. With warmer weather and longer daylight hours, the conditions are ideal for effectively cleaning the exterior of your building. By removing dirt, grime, mold, and mildew that may have accumulated during the winter and spring, pressure washing not only enhances the appearance of your property but also prevents potential damage. It can also prevent paint from showing its age, postponing the need for a repaint down the line.

Parking lot services

Speaking of services that are ideal for summer, parking lot maintenance is a must. With longer days, projects can be performed in fewer moves, reducing the inconvenience for tenants. From applying parking lot seal, re-striping, and performing curb line painting and re-stenciling, there are many ways to refresh your parking lot and give it a new shine.

Take advantage of the summer season and partner with CAM Property Services to ensure your building is running as efficiently as possible. Call us today at (800) 576-3050 or visit www.camservices.com to get started.

Code enforcement against businesses violating The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) continue to rise, while civil lawsuits set record levels year over year. California is particularly active in penalizing ADA code violations. In the first half of 2019, the state represented a staggering 43% of the country’s ADA lawsuits according to Seyfarth Shaw LLP. ADA compliance is an important aspect of facility management.

Courts continue to rule against businesses violating the ADA for failing to meet legal regulations with curb cuts, parking, signage, wheelchair ramps, countertops, and restroom facilities. Quite often, business owners have no idea of the violations prior to the lawsuit.

In addition to statutory citations, California courts are fraught with cases brought about by plaintiffs and law firms targeting small businesses for ADA violations. While Federal law offers a $1,000 minimum for violations, California awards a $4,000 minimum per violation plus plaintiff attorney fees, making the state a hotbed for lawyers seeking quick, out-of-court settlements.

Some of these cases are brought about by vexatious litigants seeking to shakedown business owners for unjust profit. One study showed 46% of the ADA lawsuits in California were filed by just 14 plaintiffs.

In recent years federal and state lawmakers have attempted to reform the rules around filing ADA cases. Some require giving a business time to make repairs prior to the filing of a lawsuit. However, plaintiffs have been quick to adjust, often moving lawsuits from one jurisdiction to another to circumvent such requirements. ADA lawsuits can typically be filed in state or federal court.

Most cases do not proceed through to a full court trial as businesses tend to settle these grievances out of court. The legal fees and penalties can be substantial, so businesses often begrudgingly settle with plaintiff attorneys for less than the estimated cost of a legal defense. This is especially true when a business is likely to be found in violation, whether they knew about the regulation or not.

It is clear that avoiding these types of complaints and lawsuits is most advantageous. The best way is to hire a company for an ADA inspection. If violations are found, repairs should be immediate. Most property managers find it advisable to hire one company that does both the ADA inspection and the ADA remediation, leaving no room for dispute.

In addition to code enforcement, California regulators also certify professionals specifically trained in ADA remediation. A Certified Access Specialist for Property Inspection (CASp) is educated and licensed through the Division of the State Architect (DSA) to inspect buildings and properties for compliance with state and federal accessibility standards. These certified CASp experts are best qualified to lead ADA compliance efforts.

As facility professionals in California since 1987, CAM Property Services is well equipped to handle any ADA concerns you might have. CAM offers ADA inspections, repairs, and remediation, for existing and new construction. CAM facility experts have extensive experience with buildings, access points, parking lots, and other common areas. Their certified CASp experts are available to assess and manage your ADA concerns.

Problematic ADA lawsuits can arrive without warning. Fortunately, property managers in California can call 800-576-3050 now for a consultation about ADA compliance before it becomes an even bigger issue.

We have entered an era where viral outbreaks have become so common that the general public is now familiar with terms such as Ebola, Zika, Norovirus, and Coronavirus. Big or small, these pandemics have created heightened fear and concern about health and safety in public places. One of the solutions that facility managers are using to address this concern is electrostatic fogging with virucide.

The latest coronavirus outbreak has risen the stakes considerably. Beyond confirmed human-to-human contact and airborne transmission, the virus has been proven to be resilient. Disinfecting with anti-virus fog delivers a wide dispersal of cleaning agents to sanitize rooms from top to bottom. This cleaning technique, previously limited to hospitals, food processing facilities, and sterile environments has now entered the mainstream.

In addition to public safety, the focus on the health of employees is also rising. Federal regulatory agencies and local health boards are addressing working conditions more stringently, as employee infection rates rise. Industries have been crippled from the quarantine of entire work crews. Businesses are becoming more proactive to reduce the spread of viruses at the workplace before problems rise to these levels. Virucide fogging has been a great way to protect workspaces such as retail shopping, offices, government agencies, and industrial warehouses.

Effectiveness and ease of use are the top reasons why fog-based virucidal disinfectants have caught on. Through electrostatic fogging, the anti-virus becomes negatively charged micro particles, which repel each other, thus creating a wide dispersal pattern. The virucide fog, more accurately described as smoke or vapor, is light and airy. The negative ionic charge also creates an attraction to the positive charge of common surfaces, allowing a uniform coating of even the most difficult to reach touch points.

The spread of viruses from around the world has led to the development of products to combat these strong biological infectants. Concentrates are available that combine strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents with regular cleaning solutions, yet are non-hazardous, clear, odorless, environmentally friendly, and rinse-free. Mixed at a highly dilutable rate of 1 part concentrate to 64 parts water, this product is safe for human contact soon after use.

Chances are that workplaces have already taken the basic precautions of issuing personal protective gear and new guidelines as part of the new normal. The question becomes what else have you done? Employee and customer well-being have focused attention on how the workplace is serviced, including cleaning standards, indoor air quality, and hygiene. Managing these risks is increasingly falling on facility managers.

Beyond the risk of infection, an outbreak can cause irreparable damage to the reputation of a business, brand, facility, or even managers, especially if a response is slow or ineffective. Tests have shown that chemical agents used in anti-virus fogging can continue to act toward preventing future outbreaks, with residual efficacy possibly extending into months. A regular virucidal schedule can provide building tenants and customers with a level of comfort for their safety and health that will protect lives, as well as business operations and reputations.

Weighing the benefits against the risk of not acting, it becomes clear that virucide electrostatic fogging is a strong and effective tool for today’s property manager.

In California, CAM Property Services provides cleaning and disinfecting services to more than 1,300 properties. Please contact us today at 800-576-3050 to order the best professional facility services for your business.

CAM Property Services is giving away a pair of passes to The American Express golf tournament, featuring the game’s top pros competing at the PGA West Stadium Course and live performances by Gwen Stefani and Darius Rucker, January 19-22 in La Quinta, CA.

You and a guest will be treated to a VIP experience that includes:

• Complimentary parking pass
• Hosted food and beverage
• Access to the CAM Property Services Executive Suite at the island green on #17
• Attending Gwen Stefani OR Darius Rucker concert with VIP access

This exciting giveaway runs January 5-13 with the winner randomly selected using a third-party application and notified via Instagram DM. The winner will have until January 16 to accept the prize and will be featured in a subsequent Instagram post.

To enter you must:

• Be 21 or older and a legal California resident
• Follow @campropertyservices on Instagram
• Like the Instagram post announcing the giveaway
• Tag who you would bring with you to the event
• Comment who you would like to see: Gwen or Darius

Passes are electronic and will be transferred to the winner prior to the event. Passes cannot be re-sold or transferred without CAM Property Services’ consent or exchanged for cash value. As guests of CAM Property Services, you agree to abide by the rules of the PGA Tour and The American Express Tournament.

This giveaway is not officially associated with, sponsored, or endorsed by, Instagram, the PGA Tour, or The American Express Golf Tournament.

Summer is coming to an end, and with it all the vacations, barbecues and outdoor adventures that make the season so memorable. However, wise property owners and managers know this is the time to look ahead and begin preparations for the inevitable transition to fall.

At CAM Property Services, we understand the importance of early planning and prudent budgeting to ensure a seamless shift from the warmth of summer to the crisp embrace of autumn. Here are three key areas CAM recommends you put on your fall checklist now:

LANDSCAPING

When the vibrant hues of summer fade into the coziness of fall, you might assume that the responsibilities of landscaping wane with the temperature. However, fall is a critical season for nurturing and maintaining your outdoor property. And the care you invest during these months sets the stage for a lush and vibrant landscape come spring.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, fall landscaping plays a pivotal role in preserving the health of your plants, trees, and shrubs, ensuring they endure the harsh winter months and emerge revitalized when warmer days return. Enter the Landscaping Pros at CAM Property Services, who are equipped to handle all your greenery needs from winterizing your lawn to properly trimming your trees during the dormant months of fall/winter. No matter what your outdoor areas need, CAM can get the job done.

ROOF INSPECTION

The coming of fall brings many things, including cooler temperatures, the changing of leaves, and some rain. That’s why having your property’s roof inspected before fall showers can save costly damage to your building. This preventative measure safeguards against potential hazards and ensures a seamless transition into the wetter months.

A comprehensive roof inspection from CAM identifies and addresses any existing or potential issues, such as loose shingles, deteriorated flashing, compromised seals, or clogged downspouts — before they escalate into more extensive and costly problems. The Property Pros at CAM can perform a comprehensive analysis of your roof using aerial drone technology or setting foot on top of your roof to identify current and future problems, and prepare you for the Fall and Winter days to come. So, enhance the structural integrity of your property and extend the lifespan of your roof today with CAM.

PARKING LOT SERVICES

On the topic of rain, it can not only affect your building but your parking lot as well. As we saw this past winter, excessive rainfall can erode your asphalt and create potholes, and gusty fall winds can fill your property with unsightly trash and debris.

Enter CAM’s Parking Lot Pros, who not only slurry seal asphalt, they repair potholes and restripe and restencil faded parking lot lines to give your property a clean and impressive first impression. Our lot sweeping and pressure washing teams maintain your site in first class condition at all times.

By taking proactive steps now to allocate resources, you can fortify your property and ensure that when fall arrives, you’re fully equipped to face whatever the season brings without any unforeseen financial hiccups. Call CAM Property Services today at (800) 576-3050 or visit https://www.camservices.com/ to receive a quote and budget for the future.

In recent years, the popularity of electric bikes and electric scooters has grown exponentially, with more and more people opting for these convenient and eco-friendly modes of transportation. And it’s easy to see why — they offer a range of benefits, from reduced emissions to decreased travel time and increased affordability. As a result, they’re quickly becoming the transportation mode of choice for city dwellers and urban commuters, cementing them as a staple of modern life.

There is a catch, however. As with many lithium-ion battery products, e-bikes run the risk of catching fire or even exploding. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of at least 208 micro-mobility fire or overheating incidents between January 2021 and November 2022.

So it’s clear that there’s some risk involved — a direct consequence of which is the recent rise in insurance costs for multifamily property owners. This has led to the outright ban of electronic bikes and scooters by many landlords, who would rather avoid the potential risk altogether.

But what if there’s a way to ensure your building can offer this vital amenity to would-be renters and residents for safely storing and charging their e-bikes without the worry of fires? Enter CAM Property Services. Our Property Pros can help protect your multifamily property and its residents from lithium-ion battery fires in one of two ways:

• We can retrofit your property to better defend against fires
• Or we can design a custom e-bike/e-scooter storage facility to house them safely

Let’s take a closer look at each service:

Retrofitting Your Property

Fire safety begins with ensuring that your building has the ability to prevent the spread of fires. This is where CAM’s construction company, Omnia Pacific, comes in. Retrofitting comes in two forms: encapsulating existing space and upgrading existing fire systems.

Omnia Pacific can encapsulate an existing bike storage area with cinder block, install e-charging hookups for e-bikes and e-scooters, and retrofit all fire suppression systems to ensure the building is fully compliant with all fire safety codes and regulations.

We offer a range of fire suppression systems, including fire sprinklers and fire alarms, which can be installed to ensure that your building is equipped to handle any potential fire outbreaks. This includes fire-resistant features such as doors, walls, and windows, which can significantly slow down the spread of fire. Our goal is to protect your property and residents while providing an important amenity in today’s modern world.

Building a Safe Storage Space

Omnia Pacific can create custom-built e-bike storage areas that prioritize safety and security. Our expert team utilizes fire-resistant materials such as concrete, steel, and brick, to ensure that your e-bike storage area is well-equipped to handle any potential fire outbreak. We also install top-of-the-line fire suppression systems, including fire sprinklers and smoke detectors, to provide an added layer of protection for your property.

In addition to using fire-resistant materials and fire suppression systems, our team pays close attention to ventilation and space when designing e-bike storage areas. Proper ventilation is critical in preventing the accumulation of combustible materials that can contribute to the spread of fire. Our team ensures that there is adequate space within the e-bike storage area to prevent clutter and maintain a safe environment. With CAM and Omnia Pacific, you can advertise and trust that your e-bike storage area is not only a secure and convenient amenity but also designed with safety as a top priority.

To learn more about how CAM can help, call (800) 576-3050 today.

Southern California’s unprecedented precipitation this past winter relieved the region’s years-long drought conditions and helped in creating rain-soaked, snow-covered scenery for millions of Instagram accounts. However, with the onset of spring comes both warmer temperatures and the potential for uncontrolled growth of weeds, grass, and other vegetation to wreak havoc.

While it may not seem like such a big deal now (give it time, it will be), this excess greenery can quickly become a fire hazard waiting to happen. With wildfire season practically year-round in California, property owners must stay diligent when it comes to maintaining safe conditions under state, city, and community regulations. Failure to do so can result in costly fines, potential property damage, and possibly even worse outcomes.

Fortunately, you don’t have to combat overgrown landscaping alone — CAM’s Property Pros are here to help you manage the situation before it becomes unmanageable.

Fire Hazard & Weed Abatement

One of the most common causes of wildfires is an abundance of dead vegetation. Overgrown trees, weeds, bushes, and excess grass and leaves can all become fuel for wildfires should they be left unattended. In this case, property owners can face heavy fines for their neglect.

Fortunately, CAM Property Services has you covered. From tree trimming to dead plant removal, our Landscaping Pros start by giving
you a detailed report on the issues at hand, followed by innovative solutions to get the job done.

Fire Hazard Prevention

CAM also provides expertise in the form of proactive measures such as preventing the accumulation of dead grass and drying soil. Curb appeal is our specialty — we trim, mow, rake, and clean your property to keep it looking attractive and safe.

We also provide discing and fuel modification services, improving your soil’s health to nurture a variety of plants while also ensuring that wildfires don’t have the fuel required to spread.

Aerial Drone Surveillance

Unsure of where to check for fire hazards on your property? Maybe it’s time for a new perspective. CAM provides state-of-the-art drone inspection for a fresh vantage of your property.

CAM conducts full perimeter scans of your property, giving you detailed information on your landscaping and potential hazards present. With this new outlook, you can make better-informed decisions, and we can provide more innovative solutions. And that’s a win-win, from any perspective.

Wildfire season is coming, whether you’re ready or not. Click HERE to find out more about how CAM Property Services can help you prepare.