Governed signage that protects your brand and reduces risk.

ADA SECTION REFERENCE

703

FREE CORE TOOLS

100%

YEARS COMPLIANCE EXPERT

20+

50

STATES COVERED

Brand consistency, compliance control, and visibility through analytics. We turn signage compliance into a governed system, not a one-time correction.

One System. Three Outcomes.

WHAT WE DO

Governance Frameworks

Standards manuals audit reports and action plans that document your entire signage system. Delivered as client ready PDF packages with executive summaries and implementation guidance.

Free Compliance Tools

Professional-grade ADA calculators for text height, color contrast, and sign sizing. Instant results based on Section 703 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Expert Consulting

When compliance cannot be left to chance, our specialists bring deep knowledge of ADA Standards, building codes, and industry best practices. We deliver clear recommendations, prioritized action plans, and ongoing guidance.

From Assessment to governed compliance

HOW IT WORKS

Assess the Signs

We can evaluate your existing signage

against ADA Section 703, applicable building codes (IBC, local amendments), and your brand standards. Every finding is documented with photos, measurements, and code references.

01

We create a signage governance framework tailored to your facilities. Covering sign types, naming conventions, approval workflows and placement rules. This becomes your single source of truth.

Govern the Standards

02

03

Guide Implementation

From sign specifications through installation, we provide ongoing consultation, quality reviews, and compliance verification. Your team gets the confidence to make decisions without guesswork.

Common questions about ADA signage compliance

FAQ

What is ADA Section 703 and why does it matter for signage?

ADA Section 703 establishes the requirements for signs in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. It covers character proportions, height, contrast, finish, and tactile requirements (including Braille spacing) for all permanent room identification signs and directional signs. Compliance with Section 703 is legally required for all public accommodations and commercial facilities in the United States. Non-compliance can result in complaints, lawsuits, and required remediation.

What is the minimum text height for ADA-compliant signs?

For tactile room identification signs (mounted at 48-60 inches above the finished floor), the minimum character height is 5/8" (16mm) and the maximum is 2 inches (51mm). For overhead or projecting signs, the minimum height depends on the viewing distance. Characters must be sized so they based on a viewing chart in the ADA Standards. Our free ADA Text Height Calculator computes the exact minimum based on your mounting height and viewing distance.

What contrast ratio is required for ADA-compliant sign colors?

ADA Section 703.5 requires that characters and symbols on signs contrast with their background. While the ADA does not specify an exact contrast ratio number like WCAG does for web content, the standard requires "light on dark" or "dark on light" with sufficient contrast for readability. Industry best practice recommends a minimum 70% light reflectance value (LRV) difference between text and background. Our free Color Contrast Checker calculates this for you using hex color values.

What is a signage governance framework?

A signage governance framework is a document system that prescribes how signs are specified, approved, manufactured, installed, and maintained across an organization. It includes sign type standards, naming conventions, approval workflows, compliance requirements, and placement rules. Unlike a brand guide (which covers visual identity), a governance framework addresses the regulatory, operational, and lifecycle management aspects of signage. This ensures every sign is not just branded correctly, but also code-checked properly, placed, and defensible if audited.

Do municipalities need signage governance frameworks?

Yes. Municipalities often face signage gaps that building codes and fire codes do not cover. This includes wayfinding in public spaces, street-level commercial signage, historic district requirements, and community facility signs. A municipal signage governance framework provides policy-level controls for consistency, public safety, and aesthetic standards across a jurisdiction. It helps code enforcement officers evaluate signs against clear criteria rather than subjective judgement.