What certification regarding legal compliance is required before Carvel approves the Architectural Plans?
Carvel Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You must, before we approve the Architectural Plans, have your architect or you certify to us that the Architectural Plans comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the "ADA"), the architectural guidelines under the ADA, and all other federal, state, and local statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, and codes (collectively, "Laws") that apply to the Franchised Business.
Our review of the Architectural Plans is limited to ensuring your compliance with our Standards and is not designed to assess structural integrity or compliance with applicable Laws.
Source: Item 23 — Receipts (FDD pages 100–353)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Carvel's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, before Carvel approves the Architectural Plans for a franchise location, the franchisee must obtain certification that the plans comply with specific legal requirements. This certification must come from either the franchisee's architect or from the franchisee themselves.
The certification must confirm that the Architectural Plans adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the architectural guidelines under the ADA, and all other applicable federal, state, and local statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, and codes, collectively referred to as "Laws". This requirement ensures that the Carvel franchise location is designed to be accessible and compliant with all relevant legal standards before construction begins.
This compliance review by Carvel is limited to ensuring adherence to their standards and does not assess structural integrity or legal compliance. The franchisee bears the responsibility for ensuring the location meets all legal and safety requirements. Failing to obtain the necessary certification and approvals can delay the project and prevent the franchisee from opening their Carvel location.