Published 2026-11-05

ADA signs for California offices: a practical checklist

Moving into or remodeling an office in Silicon Valley? Here is what ADA and California Title 24 (CBC 11B) signage usually covers and how to plan it.

This is general guidance, not legal or code advice. Your architect, plans examiner or a CASp inspector has the final word.

ADA room ID, restroom and safety signs for an office building in San Jose

When a tenant improvement wraps up, signage is often the last item before inspection, and a missing room sign or misplaced Braille plate can hold up sign-off. In California, accessible signage follows the California Building Code (Title 24, Chapter 11B, Section 11B-703), which is generally stricter than the federal ADA standard. The City of San José notes that meeting Title 24 accessibility requirements also meets federal ADA construction guidelines (San José Building Division Bulletin #226).

Which rooms and spaces usually need tactile signs

  • Restrooms (with pictograms and, in California, the geometric door symbols)
  • Permanent rooms: offices, conference rooms, break rooms, storage
  • Exit doors and exit stairs
  • Elevator lobbies and floor designations
  • Accessible entrances, routes and parking

What makes a sign "tactile"

  • Raised characters (uppercase, sans-serif) paired with Grade 2 Braille
  • Non-glare finish and strong light-on-dark or dark-on-light contrast
  • Specific mounting height and location (typically on the latch side of the door)

Exact dimensions are in CBC 11B-703. Your sign proofs should be checked against it.

Planning checklist

  1. Get a door schedule or floor plan with room names and numbers.
  2. Flag which rooms are permanent vs. temporary (temporary spaces do not need tactile signs).
  3. Decide on a design family that matches your brand (colors, finishes) within contrast rules.
  4. Approve proofs showing Braille and character sizes.
  5. Schedule install before final inspection, not after.
  6. Keep a sign list for future moves and remodels.

Making ADA signs look like your brand

Compliant does not have to mean generic. Color, finish, backer shapes and window inserts for changeable names can all be coordinated with your lobby sign and wall graphics.

How Manticore helps

We design, fabricate and install ADA room IDs, restroom signs, wayfinding and exit signage for Silicon Valley offices, including San Jose, Santa Clara, Cupertino and Fremont, with very fast turnaround. Send us your plan and door list and we will return a sign schedule and proofs. Call 408.495.2131 or email contact@mntcre.com.

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