For an Apricot Lane franchise, who is responsible for securing the final working drawings for the Premises?
Apricot_Lane Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
FRANCHISEE is responsible for securing final working drawings from a licensed architect or designer (see Section 5.B) for all such work for the Premises. All final plans and specifications must be submitted to and approved by FRANCHISOR prior to FRANCHISEE causing any work to commence. FRANCHISOR will review such plans and specifications promptly, and where appropriate, provide comments. Such review and approval by FRANCHISOR will be limited to items and issues relating to the System and is not intended to represent an approval of items such as the building structure, mechanical, electrical or plumbing systems, or accuracy of the documents.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 51–222)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Apricot Lane FDD, the franchisee is responsible for securing the final working drawings for the premises. The franchisee must obtain these drawings from a licensed architect or designer.
Before any work begins on the premises, the franchisee must submit these final plans and specifications to Apricot Lane for approval. Apricot Lane will review the plans to ensure they align with the brand's system standards. However, Apricot Lane's approval is limited to items related to the Apricot Lane system and does not extend to aspects like the building structure, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems.
It is the franchisee's responsibility to ensure that the construction plans comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), local ordinances, building codes, permit requirements, and lease restrictions. The franchisee is also responsible for any costs associated with correcting noncompliance issues. Apricot Lane may offer a list of approved architects and general contractors, but the franchisee is ultimately responsible for their selection and performance.