2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design

CHAPTER 7: COMMUNICATION ELEMENTS AND FEATURES TECHNICAL 703.5.5 Character Height. Minimum character height shall comply with Table 703.5.5. Viewing distance shall be measured as the horizontal distance between the character and an obstruction preventing further approach towards the sign. Character height shall be based on the uppercase letter “I”. Table 703.5.5 Visual Character Height Height to Finish Floor or Ground From Horizontal Viewing Distance Minimum Character Height Baseline of Character 40 inches (1015 mm) to less less than 72 inches (1830 mm) 5/8 inch (16 mm) than or equal to 70 inches 72 inches (1830 mm) and 5/8 inch (16 mm), plus 1/8 inch (1780 mm) greater (3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 72 inches (1830 mm) Greater than 70 inches (1780 less than 180 inches (4570 mm) 2 inches (51 mm) mm) to less than or equal to 120 180 inches (4570 mm) and 2 inches (51 mm), plus 1/8 inch inches (3050 mm) greater (3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 180 inches (4570 mm) greater than 120 inches less than 21 feet (6400 mm) 3 inches (75 mm) (3050 mm) 21 feet (6400 mm) and greater 3 inches (75 mm), plus 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) per foot (305 mm) of viewing distance above 21 feet (6400 mm) 703.5.6 Height From Finish Floor or Ground. Visual characters shall be 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground. EXCEPTION: Visual characters indicating elevator car controls shall not be required to comply with 703.5.6. 703.5.7 Stroke Thickness. Stroke thickness of the uppercase letter “I” shall be 10 percent minimum and 30 percent maximum of the height of the character. 703.5.8 Character Spacing. Character spacing shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent characters, excluding word spaces. Spacing between individual characters shall be 10 percent minimum and 35 percent maximum of character height. 703.5.9 Line Spacing. Spacing between the baselines of separate lines of characters within a message shall be 135 percent minimum and 170 percent maximum of the character height. 703.6 Pictograms. Pictograms shall comply with 703.6. D2e2p8artment of Justice 2010 Standards: Titles II and III - 191 Titles II and III - 2010 Standards - 162