11B-216 SIGNS

11B-216.1 General.

New or altered signs shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-216 and shall comply with Section 11B-703. The addition of or replacement of signs shall not trigger any additional path of travel requirements.

[2010 ADAS] 216.1 General. Signs shall be provided in accordance with 216 and shall comply with 703.

Exceptions:

1. Building directories, menus, seat and row designations in assembly areas, occupant names, building addresses, and company names and logos shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-216.

2. Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 2. In parking facilities, signs shall not be required to comply with 216.2, 216.3, and 216.6 through 216.12.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Exception 2 are provided for information only. The substantive difference between the 2013 CBC and 2010 ADAS scoping for signage at parking facilities is that signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces, directional and informational signs (except those relating to accessible means of egress), and entrance signs are not required to comply with tactile and/or visible sign requirements by ADAS, while they are required to comply by 2013 CBC. It would be extremely rare for parking facilities to have signs relating to toilets, TTYs, assistive listening systems, etc. anyway. Both CBC and ADAS require signs at parking facilities relating to means of egress (11B-216.4) and parking (11B-216.5) to comply with accessibility requirements.

3. Temporary, 7 days or less, signs shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-216.

4. In detention and correctional facilities, signs not located in public use areas shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-216.

11B-216.2 Designations.

Interior and exterior signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces shall comply with Sections 11B-703.1 _|Signs; General|_ 11B-703.2 _|Signs; Raised Characters|_, 11B-703.3 _|Braille|_, and 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_. Where pictograms are provided as designations of permanent rooms and spaces, the pictograms shall comply with Section 11B-703.6 and shall have text descriptors complying with Sections 11B-703.2 and 11B-703.5.

Exception: Exterior signs that are not located at the door to the space they serve shall not be required to comply with Section 11B-703.2.

ETA Editor's Note

The Exception at 11B-216.2 does not mention that Braille is also not required at exterior signs that are not located at the door to the space that they serve, but this is inferable from the fact that the requirement for Braille is contained within 11B-703.2, as are the requirements pertaining to the height and location of tactile signs.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 216.2 Designations. Section 216.2 applies to signs that provide designations, labels, or names for interior rooms or spaces where the sign is not likely to change over time. Examples include interior signs labeling restrooms, room and floor numbers or letters, and room names. Tactile text descriptors are required for pictograms that are provided to label or identify a permanent room or space. Pictograms that provide information about a room or space, such as "no smoking," occupant logos, and the International Symbol of Accessibility, are not required to have text descriptors.

Advisory 11B-216.2 Designations. People with visual impairments benefit from tactile signs containing raised characters and/or symbols and accompanying Braille. They also benefit from an orderly scheme of consecutive room numbers for way-finding, though way-finding is not required by code. Tactile exit signs complying with Chapter 10 contribute to a safe environment for people with visual impairments. ◼

11B-216.3 Directional and informational signs.

Signs that provide direction to or information about interior and exterior spaces and facilities of the site shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_.

[2010 ADAS] 216.3 Directional and Informational Signs. Signs that provide direction to or information about interior spaces and facilities of the site shall comply with 703.5.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 216.3 Directional and Informational Signs. Information about interior spaces and facilities includes rules of conduct, occupant load, and similar signs. Signs providing direction to rooms or spaces include those that identify egress routes.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements and Advisory included at Section 11B-216.3 are provided for information only. Since the CBC requirements pertain to both interior and exterior signs, the 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive. It should be noted that exterior signs are likely to be viewed at a greater distance than interior signs, which would affect the prescribed height of visual characters.

11B-216.4 Means of egress.

Signs for means of egress shall comply with Section 11B-216.4.

11B-216.4.1 Exit doors.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 216.4.1 Exit Doors. An exit passageway is a horizontal exit component that is separated from the interior spaces of the building by fire-resistance-rated construction and that leads to the exit discharge or public way. The exit discharge is that portion of an egress system between the termination of an exit and a public way.

11B-216.4.2 Areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue.

Signs required by Chapter 10, Section 1007.11 to provide instructions in areas of refuge shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_. Signs required by Chapter 10, Section 1007.9 at doors to areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 and include an International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

11B-216.4.3 Directional signs.

Signs required by Chapter 10, Section 1007.10 to provide directions to accessible means of egress shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_.

11B-216.4.4 Delayed egress locks.

11B-216.5 Parking.

Signs identifying parking spaces and signs within parking facilities shall comply with Section 11B-216.5.

11B-216.5.1 Parking spaces.

Parking spaces complying with Section 11B-502 shall be identified by signs complying with Section 11B-502.6.

Exceptions:

1. Reserved.

[2010 ADAS] 1. Where a total of four or fewer parking spaces, including accessible parking spaces, are provided on a site, identification of accessible parking spaces shall not be required.

2. In residential facilities, where parking spaces are assigned to specific residential dwelling units, identification of accessible parking spaces shall not be required.

11B-216.5.2 Parking facilities.

Signs intended for use by pedestrians within parking facilities, including directional or informational signs indicating parking sections or levels, shall comply with the requirements of Section 11B-216.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.5 Exception 1 are provided for information only. Lacking this Exception, the 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-216.6 Entrances.

In existing buildings and facilities where not all entrances comply with Section 11B-404, entrances complying with Section 11B-404 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Directional signs complying with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ that indicate the location of the nearest entrance complying with Section 11B-404 shall be provided at entrances that do not comply with Section 11B-404. Directional signs complying with Section 11B-703.5, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1, indicating the accessible route to the nearest accessible entrance shall be provided at junctions when the accessible route diverges from the regular circulation path.

[2010 ADAS] 216.6 Entrances. Where not all entrances comply with 404, entrances complying with 404 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Directional signs complying with 703.5 that indicate the location of the nearest entrance complying with 404 shall be provided at entrances that do not comply with 404.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 216.6 Entrances. Where a directional sign is required, it should be located to minimize backtracking. In some cases, this could mean locating a sign at the beginning of a route, not just at the inaccessible entrances to a building.

Advisory 11B-216.6 Entrances. Directional signs are needed where the accessible route diverges from the route for the general public and should be located at decision points (for example where the path to the stairs diverges from the path to an elevator or ramp). Directional signs are not needed where paths are equal and/or readily apparent. The signage program should be designed to consider differing uses of a facility which occur at different times of the day. For example, portions of a facility may be closed in the evening; appropriate signage should be provided to give adequate direction during these hours of use in addition to the typical operational hours.

The sign program should be designed to provide the appropriate level of signage at points necessary for convenient navigation around the site. Too many signs can be confusing to everyone utilizing the site.◼

Exceptions:

1. An International Symbol of Accessibility is not required at entrances to individual rooms, suites, offices, sales or rental establishments, or other such spaces when all entrances to the building or facility are accessible and persons entering the building or facility have passed through one or more entrances with signage complying with this section.

2. An International Symbol of Accessibility is not required at entrances to machinery spaces frequented only by service personnel for maintenance, repair, or occasional monitoring of equipment; for example, elevator pits or elevator penthouses; mechanical, electrical or communications equipment rooms; piping or equipment catwalks; electric substations and transformer vaults; and highway and tunnel utility facilities.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements and Advisory included at Section 11B-216.6 are provided for information only. The ADA requirements do not include Exceptions 1 and 2, but it should be noted that doors or gates to such places as elevator pits and the other places listed in Exception 2 would not normally be considered entrances.

11B-216.7 Elevators.

Where existing elevators do not comply with Section 11B-407, elevators complying with Section 11B-407 shall be clearly identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Existing buildings that have been remodeled to provide specific elevators for public use that comply with these building standards shall have the location of and the directions to these elevators posted in the building lobby on a sign complying with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

[2010 ADAS] 216.7 Elevators. Where existing elevators do not comply with 407, elevators complying with 407 shall be clearly identified with the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.7 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-216.8 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms.

Entrances to toilet rooms and bathing rooms shall be identified by a geometric symbol complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.6. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with Section 11B-603, directional signs indicating the location of the nearest toilet room or bathing room complying with Section 11B-603 within the facility shall be provided. Signs shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with Section 11B-603, the toilet rooms or bathing rooms complying with Section 11B-603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1. Where clustered single user toilet rooms or bathing facilities are permitted to use exceptions to Section 11B-213.2, toilet rooms or bathing facilities complying with Section 11B-603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1 unless all toilet rooms and bathing facilities comply with Section 11B-603. Existing buildings that have been remodeled to provide specific toilet rooms or bathing rooms for public use that comply with these building standards shall have the location of and the directions to these rooms posted in or near the building lobby or entrance on a sign complying with Section 11B-703.5, including the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

[2010 ADAS] 216.8 Toilet Rooms and Bathing Rooms. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with 603, directional signs indicating the location of the nearest toilet room or bathing room complying with 603 within the facility shall be provided. Signs shall comply with 703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Where existing toilet rooms or bathing rooms do not comply with 603, the toilet rooms or bathing rooms complying with 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Where clustered single user toilet rooms or bathing facilities are permitted to use exceptions to 213.2, toilet rooms or bathing facilities complying with 603 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1 unless all toilet rooms and bathing facilities comply with 603.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.8 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more inclusive.

11B-216.9 TTYs.

Identification and directional signs for public TTYs shall be provided in accordance with Section 11B-216.9.

11B-216.9.1 Identification signs.

Public TTYs shall be identified by the International Symbol of TTY complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.2.

11B-216.9.2 Directional signs.

Directional signs indicating the location of the nearest public TTY shall be provided at all banks of public pay telephones not containing a public TTY. In addition, where signs provide direction to public pay telephones, they shall also provide direction to public TTYs. If a facility has no banks of telephones, the directional signage shall be provided at the entrance or in a building directory. Directional signs shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ and shall include the International Symbol of TTY complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.2.

[2010 ADAS] 216.9.2 Directional Signs. Directional signs indicating the location of the nearest public TTY shall be provided at all banks of public pay telephones not containing a public TTY. In addition, where signs provide direction to public pay telephones, they shall also provide direction to public TTYs. Directional signs shall comply with 703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of TTY complying with 703.7.2.2.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.9 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more definitive regarding banks of public telephones.

11B-216.10 Assistive listening systems.

Each assembly area required by Section 11B-219 to provide assistive listening systems shall provide signs informing patrons of the availability of the assistive listening system. The sign shall include wording that states “Assistive-Listening System Available” and shall be posted in a prominent place at or near the assembly area entrance. Assistive listening signs shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ and shall include the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.4.

Advisory 11B-216.10 Assistive listening systems. The term "prominent place" means a place that arriving persons would easily notice. It is helpful, though not required, to identify the location or person to contact for obtaining the system on the sign. Note that a tactile sign is not required by this section. ◼

[2010 ADAS] 216.10 Assistive Listening Systems. Each assembly area required by 219 to provide assistive listening systems shall provide signs informing patrons of the availability of the assistive listening system. Assistive listening signs shall comply with 703.5 and shall include the International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss complying with 703.7.2.4.

Exception: Where ticket offices or windows are provided, signs shall not be required at each assembly area provided that signs are displayed at each ticket office or window informing patrons of the availability of assistive listening systems.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.10 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC scoping requirements are more definitive regarding sign wording.

11B-216.11 Check-out aisles.

Where more than one check-out aisle is provided, check-out aisles complying with Section 11B-904.3 shall be identified by a sign complying with Section 11B-904.3.4. Where check-out aisles are identified by numbers, letters, or functions, signs identifying check-out aisles complying with Section 11B-904.3 shall be located in the same location as the check-out aisle identification.

[2010 ADAS] 216.11 Check-Out Aisles. Where more than one check-out aisle is provided, check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be identified by the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with 703.7.2.1. Where check-out aisles are identified by numbers, letters, or functions, signs identifying check-out aisles complying with 904.3 shall be located in the same location as the check-out aisle identification.

EXCEPTION: Where all check-out aisles comply with Section 11B-904.3, signs complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1 shall not be required.

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.11 are provided for information only. The referenced 2013 CBC identification signage requirements are more definitive regarding sign size and placement.

11B-216.12 Amusement rides.

Signs identifying the type of access provided on amusement rides shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines. In addition, where accessible unload areas also serve as accessible load areas, signs indicating the location of the accessible load and unload areas shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines. Signs shall comply with Section 11B-703.5 _|Signs; Visual Characters|_ and shall include the International Symbol of Accessibility complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.1.

[2010 ADAS] 216.12 Amusement Rides. Signs identifying the type of access provided on amusement rides shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines. In addition, where accessible unload areas also serve as accessible load areas, signs indicating the location of the accessible load and unload areas shall be provided at entries to queues and waiting lines.

[2010 ADAS] Advisory 216.12 Amusement Rides. Amusement rides designed primarily for children, amusement rides that are controlled or operated by the rider, and amusement rides without seats, are not required to provide wheelchair spaces, transfer seats, or transfer systems, and need not meet the sign requirements in 216.12. The load and unload areas of these rides must, however, be on an accessible route and must provide turning space

ETA Editor's Note

The ADA requirements included at Section 11B-216.12 are provided for information only. The 2013 CBC signage requirements are more definitive regarding sign characteristics.

11B-216.13 Cleaner Air Symbol

11B-216.13.1 Use of Cleaner Air Symbol.

Use of the Cleaner Air Symbol is voluntary. Where publicly funded facilities or any facilities leased or rented by the State of California, not including concessionaires, comply with the conditions of use identified in Section 11B-216.13.3, a Cleaner Air Symbol complying with Section 11B-703.7.2.5 is permitted to be posted in compliance with Section 11B-216.3 to indicate rooms, facilities, and path of travels that are accessible to and usable by people who are adversely impacted by airborne chemicals or particulates and/or the use of electrical fixtures and/or devices.

11B-216.13.2 Removal of Cleaner Air Symbol.

If the path of travel, room and/or facility identified by the Cleaner Air Symbol should temporarily or permanently cease to meet the minimum conditions of use identified in Section 11B-216.13.3, the Cleaner Air Symbol shall be removed and shall not be replaced until the minimum conditions are again met.

11B-216.13.3 Conditions of use.

The Cleaner Air Symbol shall be permitted for use to identify a path of travel, and a room or a facility when the following is met

1. Floor or wall coverings, floor or wall covering adhesives, carpets, formaldehyde-emitting particleboard cabinetry, cupboards or doors have not been installed or replaced in the previous 12 months.

2. Incandescent lighting provided in lieu of fluorescent or halogen lighting, and electrical systems and equipment shall be operable by or on behalf of the occupant or user of the room, facility or path of travel.

3. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and their controls shall be operable by or on behalf of the occupant or user.

4. To maintain “cleaner air” designation only nonirritating, nontoxic products will be used in cleaning, maintenance, disinfection, pest management or for any minimal touch-ups that are essential for occupancy of the area. Deodorizers or Fragrance Emission Devices and Systems (FEDS) shall not be used in the designated area. Pest control practices for cleaner air areas shall include the use of bait stations using boric acid, sticky traps and silicon caulk for sealing cracks and crevices. Areas shall be routinely monitored for pest problems. Additional nontoxic treatment methods, such as temperature extremes for termites, may be employed in the event of more urgent problems. These pest control practices shall not be used 48 hours prior to placement of the sign, and the facility shall be ventilated with outside air for a minimum of 24 hours following use or application.

5. Signage shall be posted requesting occupants or users not to smoke or wear perfumes, colognes or scented personal care products. Fragranced products shall not be used in the designated cleaner-air room, facility or path of travel.

6. A log shall be maintained on site, accessible to the public either in person or by telephone, e-mail, fax or other accessible means as requested. One or more individuals shall be designated to maintain the log. The log shall record any product or practice used in the cleaner air designated room, facility or path of travel, as well as scheduled activities, that may impact the cleaner air designation. The log shall also include the product label as well as the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

11B-216.14 Variable message signs.

Where provided in transportation facilities, variable message signs conveying transportation-related information shall comply with Section 11B-703.8. Where provided in buildings that are designed as emergency shelters, variable message signs conveying emergency-related information shall comply with Section 11B-703.8.

ETA Editor's Note

Variable message signs (VMS) were not addressed by the original 2013 CBC. Scoping requirements for VMS were added by creating a new Subsection 11B-216.14 when the July 1, 2015 Supplement was issued. This scoping, which is unchanged in 2016 CBC, except for renumbering, only applies to signs conveying transportation-related information at transportation facilities, and signs conveying emergency-related information at emergency shelters, so this Safe Harbor will have extremely narrow pertinence. The technical requirements for VMS were also added under the July 1, 2015 Supplement by creating new Subsection 11B-703.8, and definitions were added in CBC Chapter 2. These are also unchanged in 2016 CBC.

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2013 California Standards for Accessible Design Pocket Guide

11B-216 SIGNS

11B-216.1 General.

11B-216.2 Designations.

11B-216.3 Directional and informational signs.

11B-216.4 Means of egress.

11B-216.4.1 Exit doors.

11B-216.4.2 Areas of refuge and exterior areas for assisted rescue.

11B-216.4.3 Directional signs.

11B-216.4.4 Delayed egress locks.

11B-216.5 Parking.

11B-216.5.1 Parking spaces.

11B-216.5.2 Parking facilities.

11B-216.6 Entrances.

11B-216.7 Elevators.

11B-216.8 Toilet rooms and bathing rooms.

11B-216.9 TTYs.

11B-216.9.1 Identification signs.

11B-216.9.2 Directional signs.

11B-216.10 Assistive listening systems.

11B-216.11 Check-out aisles.

11B-216.12 Amusement rides.

11B-216.13 Cleaner Air Symbol

11B-216.13.1 Use of Cleaner Air Symbol.

11B-216.13.2 Removal of Cleaner Air Symbol.

11B-216.13.3 Conditions of use.

11B-216.14 Variable message signs.

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