ADA Signage Information & Instructions

Here we provide some basic information and instructions for ADA (Americas With Disabilities Act) signage compliance.


ADA Signage Requirements

4.30.5 - FINISH AND CONTRAST

  • The characters and background of 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.

4.30.4 - RAISED AND BRAILLED CHARACTERS AND PICTORIAL SYMBOL SIGNS

  • Letters and numbers shall be raised 1/32 in. upper case, sans serif or simple serif type and shall be accompanied with Grade 2 Braille.
  • Raised characters shall be at least 5/8 in. (16 mm.) high, but no higher than 2 in. (50 mm.).
  • Pictograms shall be accompanied by the equivalent verbal description placed directly below the pictogram. The border dimension of the pictogram shall be 6 in. (152 mm) minimum in height.

4.30.6 - MOUNTING LOCATION AND HEIGHT

  • Where permanent identification is provided for rooms and spaces, signs shall be installed on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door.
  • Where there is no wall space to the latch side of the door, including double leaf doors, signs shall be placed on the nearest adjacent wall.
  • Mounting height shall be 60 in. above the finish floor to the centerline of the sign.
  • Mounting location for such signage shall be so that a person may approach within 3 in. (76mm) of signage without encountering protruding objects or standing within the swing of the door.

ADA Signage Regulations

SIGNS FOR PERMANENT ROOMS AND SPACE (REST ROOMS, CONFERENCE ROOMS, ETC)

4.1.2(7) - Building Signage Signs which designate permanent rooms and spaces shall comply with 4.30.1, 4.30.4, 4.30.5, and 4.30.6.


4.30.1 - GENERAL SIGNAGE CONSIDERATIONS

Signage required to be accessible by 4.1 shall comply with the applicable provisions of 4.30.


4.30.4 - RAISED AND BRAILLED CHARACTERS AND PICTORIAL SYMBOL SIGNS

Letters and numbers shall be raised 1/32 in. upper case, sans serif or simple serif type and shall be accompanied with Grade 2 Braille. Raised characters shall be at least 5/8 in. (16 mm.) high, but no higher than 2 in. (50 mm.). Pictograms shall be accompanied by the equivalent verbal description placed directly below the pictogram. The border dimension of the pictogram shall be 6 in. (152 mm) minimum in height.


4.30.5 - FINISH AND CONTRAST

The characters and background of 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.


4.30.6 - MOUNTING LOCATION AND HEIGHT

Where permanent identification is provided for rooms and spaces, signs shall be installed on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door. Where there is no wall space to the latch side of the door, including double leaf doors, signs shall be placed on the nearest adjacent wall. Mounting height shall be 60 in. above the finish floor to the centerline of the sign. Mounting location for such signage shall be so that a person may approach within 3 in. (76 mm) of signage without encountering protruding objects or standing within the swing of the door.


DIRECTION AND INFORMATIONAL SIGNS

4.1.2(7)...

Other signs which provide direction to, or information about, functional spaces of the building shall comply with 4.30.1, 4.30.2, 4.30.3, and 4.30.5.


4.30.2 - CHARACTER PROPORTION

Letters and numbers shall have a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke-width-to-height between 1:5 and 1:10.


4.30.3 - CHARACTER HEIGHT

Characters and numbers on signs shall be sized according to the viewing distance from which they are to be read. The minimum height is measured using an upper case X. Lower case characters are permitted. Height above finished floor: Suspended or Projected Overhead in compliance with 4.4.2 Minimum Character Height: 3 in. (75 mm) minimum


4.30.5 - FINISH AND CONTRAST

The characters and background of 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.