San Francisco ADA Signage Requirements
2026 Title 24 & IBC Compliant Signs for San Francisco
Last verified: Jan 28, 2026
Quick Facts: San Francisco ADA Signage Requirements
- Mounting Height: 48-60 inches AFF to centerline per CBC 11B-703.4.1
- Geometric Symbols: Required per Title 24 11B-703.7.2.6 (12" triangle for men, 12" circle for women)
- Photoluminescent Signs: Not required by local code (state requirements apply)
- All-Gender Signage: Required on all single-user restrooms per local ordinance
- Code Edition: CBC 2025 Triennial with SF Building Code Amendments
Local Note: San Francisco mandates all-gender restroom signage in ALL new construction and major renovations, per SF Building Code Section 103A.
Verification Status
Last Verified
Jan 28, 2026
Code Edition
CBC 2025 Triennial with SF Building Code Amendments
Next Review
February 2026
This information reflects our interpretation of the code. Your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) has final authority on compliance matters.
San Francisco ADA Sign Requirements 2026
| Requirement | Specification | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mounting Height | 48-60 inches to centerline | CBC 11B-703.4.1 |
| Sign Placement | Latch side of door | CBC 11B-703.4.2 |
| Braille Spacing | 1/10" from tactile characters | CBC 11B-703.3.1 |
| Contrast Ratio | 70% minimum | CBC 11B-703.5 |
| Geometric Symbols | 1/4" circle (women), 1/4" triangle (men) | CBC 11B-703.7.2.6 |
| All-Gender Signage | Required on single-user restrooms | Local |
| Seismic Bracing | Required for signs over 20 lbs | CBC Chapter 17 |
San Francisco Local Amendments
These local code amendments are stricter than or in addition to state requirements.
SFBC 103A
All-Gender Restrooms
All single-user restrooms must be designated as all-gender
SFBC 1101A.3
Accessibility Beyond ADA
SF requires additional accessibility features beyond state minimums
Common Inspection Failures in San Francisco
Based on inspection data, these are the most common signage-related failures:
San Francisco Pre-Inspection Checklist
- Verify all-gender signage on single-user restrooms
- Confirm mounting height is 48-60 inches to centerline
- Check California geometric symbols (circle/triangle)
- Verify Braille spacing per Title 24 (1/10" from tactile)
- Confirm seismic bracing for signs over 10 lbs
- Check 70% contrast ratio
Local Compliance Requirements
Inspector's Note
San Francisco mandates all-gender restroom signage in ALL new construction and major renovations, per SF Building Code Section 103A.
San Francisco, CA Code-Compliant Signage Authority
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
- Local building department has final authority on code interpretation
- Local amendments may apply beyond state and federal codes
- Always verify requirements with AHJ before installation
Common Local Variations
Last verified: Jan 28, 2026 • CBC 2025 Triennial with SF Building Code Amendments
Compliant ADA Signs for San Francisco
Restroom Signs
Geometric Door Signs
Life Safety
Room ID
Wayfinding
San Francisco Signage FAQ
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