Goal: help developers de-risk openings by nailing ADA signage requirements for apartment buildings—fast.
Quick Answers (FAQ)
What is ADA signage, exactly?
Signs that make spaces usable for everyone: tactile copy + Grade 2 Braille, readable contrast, non-glare finish, and correct placement at doors and decision points.
Which signs must be tactile/Braille?
Permanent rooms/areas: unit numbers, leasing office, mail, fitness, restrooms, storage, electrical, etc.
Egress & life safety: exits, stair IDs, roof access notes.
Not tactile: temporary signs, changeable directories, overhead directional arrows.
Mounting height & location (the big one)
Height: tactile baseline 48–60 in above finished floor.
Location: on the latch side of the door (or nearest adjacent wall); do not mount on the door (except in limited cases like sliding doors with compliant clearances).
Lettering, Braille, and pictograms
Text: uppercase for tactile IDs, sans serif, stroke not too thin/thick; typical tactile height 5/8–2 in.
Braille: Grade 2, positioned directly below the corresponding text; compliant dot size/spacing; domed dots.
Pictograms: when used, provide a 6 in high field; tactile text/Braille go below the pictogram.
Contrast & finish
High contrast (light/dark) between characters and background.
Non-glare (matte/satin) surfaces for both text and background.
Unit numbers—anything special?
Yes: unit IDs are permanent → require tactile + Braille. If you also want stylish 3D numbers, pair them with a compliant plaque nearby.
Stair & exit signage—what’s required?
Stair IDs: tactile plaque at each door (e.g., “STAIR 2”).
Inside stairs: visual floor/stair/run info at landings (heights vary by code—coordinate with life-safety drawings).
Exit plaques must be correctly located and non-glare.
Parking, amenities, and common fails
Parking: ISA symbols, van spaces, clearance notes, and path-of-travel signs.
Amenities: tactile room IDs for lounges, gyms, pools, etc.
Common fails: mounting outside 48–60 in, low contrast, on-door installs, non-compliant Braille, missing tactile on “permanent” rooms, glossy acrylic.
Fast Compliance Checklist (developer-friendly)
Scope: list every permanent room/area; tag which need tactile.
Specs: confirm typefaces, sizes, Braille, contrast, finish.
Locations: door schedule with latch-side mounting notes and 48–60 in callouts.
Life-Safety: coordinate stair/exit copy with the fire protection set.
Proofs: get shop drawings with elevations and Braille layouts.
Field QA: measure first install; template the rest.
Closeout: capture a punchlist, leave spares, record materials/colors.
Why handle this early?
Catching ADA late = punchlist delays, reorders, and CO risk. Lock it by DD → CD, approve shops pre-fabrication, and template field locations before mass install.
Work with a specialist (and sleep better)
Plan your package: Sign Process, Design Engineering, Permitting
Build & install: Manufacturing Services, Project Management
Systems & upgrades: ADA Signs, Architectural Wayfinding, 3D Stainless Steel Sign, Digital Display Directories
Aftercare: Service & Sign Repair
See outcomes: Projects (e.g., Commodore, Hopewell Square, Maison Hills, The Deneau, Webster Station)
Start a conversation: Contact Us
