Is the Developer responsible for ensuring compliance with the ADA for a Buff City Soap location?
Buff_City_Soap Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
(1) Franchisee is responsible for obtaining all zoning and regulatory approvals which may be required by Applicable Law or which may be necessary as a result of any restrictive covenants related to the Premises. Prior to beginning the finish-out or renovation of the Premises, Franchisee will obtain all permits, licenses and certifications required for the lawful construction or remodeling and operation of the Makery and submit to Franchisor a certificate of insurance evidencing that the coverage specified in Section 15 is in full force and effect and that all required approvals, clearances, permits and certifications have been obtained. Upon Franchisor's request, Franchisee will provide to Franchisor additional copies of Franchisee's insurance policies and certificates of insurance and copies of all such approvals, clearances, permits and certifications.
- (2) Franchisor will furnish to Franchisee prototypical plans and specifications for a Buff City Soap makery, including requirements for dimensions, design, image, interior layout, décor, fixtures, equipment, signs, furnishings, storefront and color scheme. It will be Franchisee's responsibility to have prepared all required architectural, engineering and design plans to suit the shape and dimensions of the Premises, and Franchisee must ensure that these plans and specifications comply with applicable ordinances, building codes and permit requirements, and with Lease requirements and restrictions.
- (3) Franchisee will obtain services as needed only from registered architects, registered engineers, and professional and licensed contractors that meet the Standards for the development, construction and equipping of the Makery. To the extent Franchisee desires to obtain services from an architect, engineer or contractor not already approved by Franchisor, Franchisee will submit to Franchisor the information and documentation set forth in the Manuals regarding the training, experience and financial responsibility of the registered architects, registered engineers and professional and licensed contractors whom Franchisee desires to retain to prepare the plans and construct the Makery, along with copies of all proposed contracts with such architects, engineers and contractors, and any other information requested by Franchisor. In connection with Franchisor's review of any such architect, engineer or contractor, Franchisee will pay Franchisor's costs and expenses in connection with the same. Franchisee will not commence construction of the Makery until Franchisor has consented to Franchisee's use of the registered architects, registered engineers and professional and licensed contractors who will prepare the plans and construct the Makery.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 69–186)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Buff City Soap's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is responsible for ensuring their Makery complies with all applicable laws. This includes obtaining all necessary zoning and regulatory approvals, permits, licenses, and certifications required for the lawful construction, remodeling, and operation of the Makery.
Prior to starting any construction or renovation, the franchisee must provide Buff City Soap with a certificate of insurance and evidence that all required approvals, clearances, permits, and certifications have been obtained. The franchisee is also responsible for preparing all required architectural, engineering, and design plans to suit the premises, ensuring these plans comply with applicable ordinances, building codes, permit requirements, and lease restrictions.
To aid the franchisee, Buff City Soap will provide prototypical plans and specifications for a Makery, including requirements for dimensions, design, image, interior layout, décor, fixtures, equipment, signs, furnishings, storefront, and color scheme. The franchisee must use registered architects, registered engineers, and professional and licensed contractors that meet Buff City Soap's standards for the development, construction, and equipping of the Makery. If the franchisee wants to use an architect, engineer, or contractor not already approved, they must submit detailed information about the firm's training, experience, and financial responsibility to Buff City Soap for approval, and cover Buff City Soap's costs associated with this review. Construction cannot begin until Buff City Soap approves the chosen professionals.