How to read signage and wayfinding drawings

What do signage drawings include?

Signage drawings include three parts: a sign location plan showing every sign in the building tagged with a type and number, a sign type schedule defining each type (size, material, copy, graphics), and mounting details showing how each type is attached and located. Code-required signs (exits, room IDs, accessible routes) follow ADA mounting requirements (usually 48" to 60" AFF to baseline of highest text line).

What sign type categories appear on the drawings?

Signage drawings typically group signs into building identification, wayfinding, room identification, regulatory, and tenant types.

• Type 1, Building Identification: Exterior monument signs, building addresses, major tenant signs
• Type 2, Interior Wayfinding: Directional signs, directory, floor plaques
• Type 3, Room Identification: Room numbers and names (ADA-compliant with tactile/Braille)
• Type 4, Regulatory: Exit signs, evacuation plans, restroom symbols, occupancy limits
• Type 5, Tenant: Suite signs, storefront signs, blade signs
• Type 6, Temporary: Construction phase, change of address, temporary occupancy

What ADA requirements apply to room identification signs?

Room identification signs must meet ADA tactile and visual standards:

• Character height: 5/8" to 2" uppercase, sans-serif, medium weight
• Raised characters: 1/32" minimum raised above background
• Grade 2 Braille directly below raised characters, 3/8" separation
• Non-glare finish; characters and background must have 70% light reflectance contrast
• Mounting: 48" minimum to 60" maximum above finished floor to the baseline of the highest line of text
• Location: latch side of door, or nearest adjacent wall if latch side unavailable

Cross-reference the ADA accessibility guide for related route and clearance requirements.

How are exit and life safety signs shown on the drawings?

Exit and life safety signs are tagged with a type code and sequence number so reviewers can match each location to the sign schedule.

• EXIT signs per IBC 1013 with internal or external illumination, 90-minute battery backup
• Directional exit signs where the path is not obvious
• No-exit signs at dead-end doors that could be mistaken for exits
• Evacuation floor plans per NFPA 101 in healthcare, hotel, and dormitory
• Area of refuge signage and two-way communication signs (where provided)

How are sign locations tagged on the plan?

Sign locations are typically tagged with a type code and sequence number (e.g., 3A-01, 3A-02 for Type 3 Series A signs). The callout should reference the mounting detail:

• Sign type from the schedule
• Room number or copy content
• Mounting height (typical note or specific callout)
• Wall surface type (for mechanical anchoring coordination)

What signage review errors show up most often?

The most common error is a missing room ID on a permanent room that requires ADA signage.

• Missing room ID on a room that requires ADA signage (all rooms that are permanent, not closets, stairwells, etc.)
• Mounting detail places sign in a door swing or outside 48" to 60" ADA range
• Exit sign locations don't match the egress plan
• Raised character and Braille note missing from tactile sign type spec
• Signs on glass doors without background frosting (Braille unreadable)
• Tenant signs not coordinated with the building signage standard