Summary
ADA sign compliance is an important part of making your space welcoming for everyone and following ADA rules. In this guide, we explain ADA sign requirements in Texas and how to avoid common mistakes in ADA sign production so you can open with confidence.
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When you’re opening a new business or giving your space a refresh, signs probably aren’t the first thing on your mind. Between permits, paint colors, and grand opening plans, it’s easy to think, “We’ll handle the signs later.”
But ADA signs aren’t just another detail to check off the list. They help every customer and employee feel welcome, while keeping your business on the right side of the law. Getting them wrong can lead to confusion, delays, and even some pretty steep fines.
The good news? It’s not as complicated as it sounds. Continue reading as we break down what you actually need to know about ADA signage in Texas, so you can stay compliant and focus on getting your doors open.
What Is an ADA Sign and Why Does It Matter?
An ADA sign is any sign that helps make your business easier to navigate for everyone. ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires public spaces to be accessible to people with a range of abilities.
These signs identify permanent rooms, restrooms, exits, and accessible features like elevators and ramps. They include raised text, Braille, and high-contrast colors so people who are blind or have low vision can move through your space safely and independently.
But ADA signs for businesses in Texas aren’t just about compliance, they’re about care. Having clear, compliant signage shows your business values inclusivity, professionalism, and the experience of every customer who walks through your door.
Where is ADA Signage in Texas Required?
ADA signs are required anywhere people need to identify, locate, or use a permanent space within a building. In general, if a room has a fixed purpose or name—like a breakroom, conference room, or storage area—it needs an ADA-compliant sign.
You’ll also see ADA signs marking accessible routes, elevators, ramps, and other features designed to help people with disabilities move safely through your building.
Temporary spaces, marketing displays, and directories don’t have to follow ADA rules, but anything that identifies a permanent room or accessible feature does. The goal is simple: make sure everyone can navigate your space easily and independently.
Who Is Responsible for ADA Signage in Texas?
In most cases, the building owner is legally responsible for making sure the property meets ADA accessibility standards. But when you’re renting space, things can get a little more specific.
Landlords usually handle building-wide signage—like exits, restrooms, and shared hallways—while tenants are responsible for the signs inside their own business space. That includes things like room identification, office names, and directional signs.
No matter which side you’re on, working with a sign company that understands ADA requirements can save time, prevent fines, and ensure your space is accessible to everyone who walks through the door.
What Happens if a Business Doesn’t Follow Texas ADA Signage Requirements?
Not following ADA signage requirements can lead to more than just confusion; it can lead to serious penalties. Based on Federal standards, ADA signage fines in Texas start at $75,000 for a first offense and can reach $150,000 for repeat violations. Noncompliance can also lead to lawsuits or costly corrections later on.
But the impact goes beyond fines. Missing or incorrect signs can make it harder for customers, employees, or visitors with disabilities to navigate your space safely. This can hurt your reputation and make your business seem less welcoming.
What Are the Key ADA Sign Design Requirements?
Designing ADA-compliant signs is about making sure every detail supports readability and accessibility. From the letters you choose to the finish on the surface, every element plays a role in helping people find their way.
What should the letters look like?
ADA signs use simple, easy-to-read lettering. Stick with sans-serif fonts (no fancy or decorative styles), and make sure all characters are uppercase. Letters must be at least ⅝ inch tall and no more than 2 inches. They also need strong contrast — light letters on a dark background or dark letters on a light one.
What about Braille?
Braille must appear directly below the text it represents and use Grade 2 Braille, which is the federal standard for accessibility.
Are there spacing or layout rules?
Yes. Keep enough space between characters and lines so the text is easy to read. As a general rule, the letters shouldn’t take up more than 15% of the sign’s total height.
What about color and finish?
ADA signs must have a non-glare finish so they’re easy to read under different lighting conditions. Colors should also contrast sharply, such as white text on a navy background or black text on silver. This contrast helps people with low vision distinguish letters clearly.
Quick Reference Guide: Key ADA Sign Design Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
| Font Style | Sans-serif, all caps |
| Font Size | ⅝”–2″ tall |
| Braille | Grade 2, below text |
| Contrast | High contrast, light-on-dark or dark-on-light |
| Mounting Height | 48–60″ from floor to sign center |
| Finish | Non-glare surface |
By following these basics, you’ll create signage that’s not only compliant but also polished, professional, and welcoming to everyone.
Where Should ADA Signs Be Installed?
Even perfectly designed ADA signs can miss the mark if they’re not installed in the right place. The ADA has specific rules about where and how signs should be mounted to make sure everyone can find and read them easily.
Where should wall-mounted signs go?
For most interior rooms and spaces, ADA signs should be mounted on the wall next to the door they identify. Place the sign on the latch side of the door so it’s easy to reach and read before entering.
How high should they be?
The center of the sign should be between 48 and 60 inches above the floor. This height range makes it accessible to people who are standing, sitting, or using mobility devices.
Are there exceptions?
Yes. Overhead or directional signs, like those pointing to restrooms or exits, can be mounted higher as long as the bottom edge is at least 80 inches above the floor.
Any other tips?
Make sure signs aren’t blocked by doors, decorations, or wall fixtures. They should be easy to see, easy to reach, and safely positioned for people using canes or wheelchairs.
Good placement makes your building easier to navigate and safer for everyone who walks in.
How Can Businesses Avoid Common ADA Sign Mistakes?
ADA sign compliance can feel tricky at first, but most violations come down to a few simple mistakes, ones that are easy to avoid with a little planning and the right guidance.
Ordering signs too late
Signage is often left until the end of a project, which can lead to rushed orders or missed inspections. The earlier you plan your signs, the smoother the process will be.
Placing signs in the wrong spot
Even if a sign looks perfect, mounting it at the wrong height or on the wrong side of a door can make it non-compliant. Always double-check placement before installation.
Choosing the wrong materials or colors
Glossy finishes, low contrast, or decorative fonts can make signs hard to read and fail ADA standards. Stick with matte finishes, bold contrast, and simple, legible lettering.
Forgetting tactile or Braille elements
Some businesses assume printed signs are enough, but ADA regulations require tactile lettering and Braille on permanent room signs.
Skipping the expert
Working with a sign company that knows ADA rules can save you time, money, and rework. A knowledgeable partner will handle the details—so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
How to Get Help with ADA Sign Compliance in Texas
Getting ADA signage right doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you understand the basics, the key is finding a partner who knows how to handle the details, from design and permitting to fabrication and installation.
A knowledgeable ADA sign company in Texas will help you choose the right materials, make sure every piece meets federal and local requirements, and install everything correctly the first time. That means no guessing, no last-minute surprises, and no costly do-overs.
If you’re planning a new space or updating an existing one, our team can help you create signage that looks great and meets every requirement.
Ready to get started? Contact Lewis Sign today to talk with our team.