ADA compliant signs are normally required to meet current building codes, usually in new construction or during renovations to bring a building up to current standards. Signs must meet certain criteria relating to size, raised letters, typestyle, braille and color contrast. Codes are normally enforced by local building officials and compliance is normally required prior to the issuance of C.O.'s. The following is provided for reference and offered only as an informational guide. It is strongly recommended that you direct your specific questions to your local building officials or design professional.
Federal Guidelines for ADA Signs These accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities were taken from Sections 4.1.2(7); 4.1.3(16) (a) (b)
SIGNAGE
General Guidelines
Signs which designate permanent rooms and spaces shall comply with the requirements listed below for: Raised and Braille Characters and Pictograms Finish and Contrast Mounting Location and Height
Signs which provide to, or information about, functional spaces of the building shall comply with the requirements below for: Character Proportion Character Height Finish and Contrast
Exception: Building directories, menus and all other signs which are temporary are not required to comply. Elements and spaces of accessibilities which shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility are: a. Parking spaces designated as reserved for persons with disabilities; b. Accessible passenger loading zones; c. Accessible entrances when not all are accessible (inaccessible entrances shall have directional signage to indicate route to nearest accessible entrance); d. Accessible toilet and bathing facilities when not all are accessible.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: (Sections 4.30.2; 4.30.3; 4.30.4; 4.30.5; 4.30.6; 4.30.7)
CHARACTER PROPORTION: Letters and numbers on signs shall have a width-to- height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1, and a stroke-to-width ratio between1:5 and 1:10.
CHARACTER HEIGHT: Characters and numbers on signs shall be sized according to the viewing distance from which they are to be read. For signs higher than 80" above the finished floor, character size shall be 3" minimum. The minimum height is measured using an upper case X. Lower case letters are permitted.
RAISED AND BRAILLE CHARACTERS AND PICTOGRAMS: Letters and numbers shall be raised 1/32", upper case, sans serif or simple serif type and shall be accompanied by grade II braille. Raised character height: 5/8" minimum, 2" maximum. Pictograms shall be accompanied by the equivalent verbal description placed directly below the pictogram. The border dimensions for the pictogram shall be 6" minimum.
FINISH & CONTRAST: The characters and background of the signs shall be eggshell, matte, or other non-glare finish. Characters and symbols shall contrast with their background (either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background).
ADA compliant signs are normally required to meet current building codes, usually in new construction or during renovations to bring a building up to current standards. Signs must meet certain criteria relating to size, raised letters, typestyle, braille and color contrast. Codes are normally enforced by local building officials and compliance is normally required prior to the issuance of C.O.'s. The following is provided for reference and offered only as an informational guide. It is strongly recommended that you direct your specific questions to your local building officials or design professional.
