The Guide to Code Compliance Signage

ACCESSIBILITY STARTS WITH CLEAR COMMUNICATION

70 Million people in the US have disabilities .

• Improves accessibility for individuals with disabilities • Supports safe navigation throughout a building • Helps meet ADA and local building code requirements • Creates a more inclusive environment for all visitors • Reduces liability by improving code compliance

Not all signs are required to be ADA compliant. ADA signage applies to permanent rooms, exits, and accessible features, and must include tactile text, Grade 2 Braille, proper contrast, and correct mounting.

Visual-only signs, such as directional signs and directories, follow separate requirements.

Key Elements • Raised Characters: Tactile characters must be raised 1/32” (0.8mm) min • Grade 2 Braille: Braille is positioned directly below the corresponding text • High Contrast: Characters must contrast with background (70% min LRV) • Non-Glare Finish: Matte or low-sheen finishes reduce glare and reflections • Sans Serif Font: Simple fonts improve legibility and accessibility

Proper Installation

WOMEN

60” MAX 48” MIN

MOUNT ON LATCH SIDE OF DOOR

Mounting Height 48”-60”AFF

ADA (2010 Standards)

VS

• National Standard • Federal Law • Minimum accessibility requirements • Applies across the United States

California (CBC Title 24) • More stringent requirements • Additional restroom symbols • Additional accessibility provisions • Local AHJ may have additional requirements.

Always follow the most code or standard that provides the greatest level of accessibility.

Restroom Symbols

Accessible Parking

California requires geometric symbols (triangle and circle) in addition to pictograms.

California has specific requirements for accessible parking signage, including EV charging spaces.

Mounting Requirements California may have more specific mounting location requirements in certain applications.

Local AHJ Review Local building departments have additional signage requirements that must be met.

Means of Egress

Parking

Entrances

Elevators

Toilet and Bathing Rooms

TTYs

Check-Out Aisles

Assistive Listening Systems

Stairwell signs provide critical life-safety information during emergencies by identifying floor levels, stair designation, roof access, and exit levels.

Requirements • Stair Number • Current Floor • Exit Floor

• Roof Access • Building Address • Fire Safety Information

STAIR 2

STAIR 2

STAIR 2

STAIR 2

STAIR 2

ROOF ACCESS

ROOF ACCESS

ROOF ACCESS

ROOF ACCESS

ROOF ACCESS

FLOORS 1-8

FLOORS 1-8

FLOORS 1-8

FLOORS 1-8

FLOORS 1-8

EXIT FLOOR 1

EXIT FLOOR 1

EXIT FLOOR 1

EXIT FLOOR 1

EXIT FLOOR 1

1

2

3

4

5

STAIRWELL 1

STAIRS

STAIRWELL 2

EXIT

EXIT

EXIT STAIR EXIT STAIR DOWN DOWN

Exit signs guide occupants toward safe egress during emergencies while identifying required exit doors and evacuation routes.

Common Types • Exit • Exit Route • Exit Stair Down

• Exit Stair Up • Exit Ramp Down • To Exit

Elevator signs help occupants identify elevator locations and navigate between floors with confidence.

Commonly installed adjacent to elevator call stations and entrances, these signs provide essential accessibility information through tactile characters, Grade 2 Braille, and directional indicators when required.

Mounted perpendicular to a wall or corridor, blade signs provide high visibility and easy wayfinding from multiple directions. Commonly used to identify rooms, departments, restrooms, exits, and other key destinations, they help occupants navigate spaces efficiently while maintaining a clean, professional appearance.

ADA Requirement: Visual requirements only. Tactile lettering and Braille are generally not required.

Used to display a building or floor map that helps occupants understand their current location and navigate to key destinations. The "You Are Here" (YAH) marker identifies the viewer's exact position on the map, making it easier to orient themselves and find the most efficient route. Commonly found in lobbies, corridors, and multi-level facilities to improve wayfinding and reduce confusion.

PLASTIC FACE

FIRE EXTINGUISHER flap will be bent INWARD

FDC

SPRINKLER RISER ROOM

FIRE SPRINKLER RISER ROOM

FACP

FIRE EXTINGUISHER flap will be bent INWARD

Emergency signs identify life-safety equipment throughout a building.

Common Signs: • Fire Extinguisher • AED • Fire Alarm Control Panel

• Sprinkler Riser • Fire Department Connection • Fire Hose Cabinet

Evacuation maps provide emergency exit routes, emergency equipment locations, and emergency instructions to occupants.

Includes: •You Are Here Marker •Fire Extinguishers •Exit Paths •Alarm pulls •Stairwells •Assembly Areas

PUSH FOR HELP LOCATION

AREA OF REFUGE

EXTERIOR AREA FOR ASSISTED RESCUE

FLOOR

Persons able to use the exit stairway do so as soon as possible, unless they are assisting others.

After activating the two-way emergency communication system, wait here for assistance.

Area of Refuge signs identify protected locations where individuals unable to use stairs can safely wait for emergency assistance.

Typically Located: • Stair Enclosures • Exit Passageways • High-rise Buildings

Used to identify accessible spaces, features, and routes within a building for individuals with disabilities.

Commonly used for accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and pathways, these signs help improve navigation, promote inclusivity, and support ADA compliance.

ACCESSIBLE EXIT

ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE

ACCESSIBLE

PARKING FOR EV CHARGING ONLY

USE LAST THIS SPACE ALSO DESIGNED FOR DISABLED ACCESS

MOTORCYCLE PARKING ONLY

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING ONLY

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE

GREEN VEHICLE PARKING ONLY FOR A DESCRIPTION SEE: GO/GREENVEHICLES

PARKING ONLY

CARPOOL PERMIT REQUIRED UNTIL 11AM GO/CARPOOL

Accessible parking signs designate reserved parking spaces for individuals with disabilities while meeting ADA and local code requirements.

Types: • Accessible Parking • Van Accessible • EV Accessible Charging • Loading Zones

Used to identify areas equipped with assistive listening systems for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Commonly installed at theaters, auditoriums, conference rooms, and other assembly spaces, these signs help occupants locate available accessibility accommodations and support ADA compliance.

Maximum Occupancy signs communicate the maximum number of people permitted within a space based on building code and safety regulations.

Commonly installed near entrances to assembly areas, conference rooms, restaurants, fitness centers, and other gathering spaces, these signs help ensure occupant safety and code compliance.

MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY ________

MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY ________

Room identification signs permanently identify offices, conference rooms, breakrooms, electrical rooms, storage spaces, classrooms, and other fixed-use spaces.

Common Locations:

Requirements

• Offices • Conference Rooms • Mechanical Rooms • Storage Rooms • Electrical Rooms • Break Rooms

• Raised Text • Grade 2 Braille • Mounted Beside Door • High Contrast • Non-Glare Finish

Restroom signs provide permanent identification while helping visitors quickly locate restroom facilities.

They include tactile lettering, Braille, and universally recognized pictograms.

Requirements • Raised Text • Grade 2 Braille • Gender Designation • Pictogram Field • Correct Mounting Locations • Califonria Geometirc Symbols

WOMEN

WOMEN

MEN

MEN

Use this section as a fast reference for the most common ADA signage specifications.

MATERIALS

PLANNING

DES

Curated finishes & substrates

Site analysis & strategy

Con develo & det

SIGN

PRODUCTION

INSTALLATION

ncept opment tailing

Precision fabrication & print

Expert execution on-site

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