ADA signs are the tactile, braille and visual signs that identify rooms, restrooms and exits for people with disabilities. In San Diego they must meet both the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and Chapter 11B of the California Building Code. Signs on San Diego helps businesses plan accessible signs that are made and mounted correctly the first time.
Which signs have to be accessible?
The 2010 ADA Standards sort signs into groups, and each group has different requirements:
| Sign group | Examples | Raised characters and braille? | Visual character rules? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent room and space identification | Restrooms, room numbers, floor levels, room names that will not change | Yes | Yes |
| Exit doors | Exit stairways, exit passageways, exit discharge doors | Yes (tactile exit signs) | Yes |
| Directional and informational signs | “Restrooms this way,” occupancy and rules signs | No | Yes |
| Accessibility identification | Accessible parking, entrances and restrooms with the International Symbol of Accessibility | Depends on the sign | Yes |
| Excepted signs | Company names and logos, building directories, menus, temporary signs up seven days or less | No | No |
So your storefront logo does not need braille, but the sign beside the restroom door does.
What makes a tactile sign compliant?
Tactile signs are read by touch, so the details are specific. Under section 703 of the 2010 ADA Standards, raised characters must be uppercase, sans serif and raised at least 1/32 inch, with a character height between 5/8 inch and 2 inches. Every raised character must be repeated in contracted (Grade 2) braille placed below the text. Visual characters need to contrast with the background, and sign surfaces should have a non-glare finish so text does not disappear under lighting. Our guide to ADA sign requirements for San Diego businesses walks through each of these in detail.
Where should ADA signs be mounted?
Location matters as much as construction. Tactile signs at doors go on the wall on the latch side of the door, with clear floor space so someone can stand in front of the sign without being hit by the door. The ADA Standards set tactile characters between 48 inches above the floor, measured to the baseline of the lowest tactile character, and 60 inches, measured to the baseline of the highest. California measures the 48-inch minimum to the baseline of the lowest braille cells, which puts the sign slightly higher. Designing to the California measurement satisfies both.
A common mistake is mounting restroom signs on the door itself. Under the federal and California rules, the tactile sign belongs on the adjacent wall, although California also calls for geometric symbols on restroom doors.
How do California rules differ from federal rules?
Chapter 11B of the California Building Code closely follows the 2010 ADA Standards for signs but adds requirements of its own, including the way mounting height is measured, geometric symbols on restroom entrance doors, and tactile exit signs at specific locations. Because a San Diego business has to meet both, the practical approach is to follow whichever rule is stricter. Your local building department enforces the California Building Code during plan review and inspection.
Do ADA signs need a permit?
Interior signs are on the City of San Diego’s list of signs that do not need a sign permit, but that does not exempt them from accessibility requirements. ADA signs are often reviewed as part of a tenant improvement or new construction project, and an inspector may check them before sign-off. Our sign permit guide explains which signs need permits and which do not.
How do we help with accessible signs?
- Review the space: we go through your floor plan or walk through the rooms, restrooms, exits and parking that need signs.
- Build a sign schedule: we list each sign, its text, its type and where it goes.
- Plan compliant designs: we match letter style, braille, contrast and finish to the requirements while keeping your brand colors where the rules allow.
- Plan mounting: we mark heights and latch-side locations so installation follows the rules.
For sign materials that hold up and stay non-glare, see our guide to sign materials for San Diego’s climate. Accessible room signs are often part of a larger interior package, which our wayfinding and interior signs service covers.
Frequently asked questions
Does every sign in my business need braille?
No. Braille is required on signs that identify permanent rooms and spaces and on tactile exit signs. Directional signs, menus, company names and logos do not need braille.
Can I put the restroom sign on the door?
The tactile sign should go on the wall beside the door on the latch side. California also requires a geometric symbol on the restroom door itself, so many restrooms have both.
Do I have to replace older signs in an existing building?
It depends on your building, recent alterations and other factors. A Certified Access Specialist (CASp) or your architect can advise on your specific site.
Can ADA signs match my brand colors?
Often, yes, as long as the characters contrast with the background and the finish is non-glare. Fonts must still be sans serif for tactile text.
Need accessible signs for a new space or a remodel? Contact Signs on San Diego with your floor plan or a list of rooms, and we will help you plan signs that meet federal and California requirements. This page is general information, not legal advice.