Section 703

Excerpted from the Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities ICC A117.1-2009, Copyright 2010.

Washington, D.C.: International Code Council.

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ICC A117.1 Section 703

703 Signs

703.1 General.

Accessible signs shall comply with Section 703. Tactile signs shall contain both raised 

characters and braille. Where signs with both visual and raised characters are required, either 

one sign with both visual and raised characters, or two separate signs, one with visual, and one 

with raised characters, shall be provided.

703.1.1 Designations.

Interior and exterior signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces shall comply with 

Sections 703.1, 703.2, and 703.3.

EXCEPTION: Exterior signs that are not located at the door to the space they serve 

shall not be required to comply with Section 703.3.

703.1.2 Directional and Informational Signs.

Signs that provide direction to or information about interior spaces and facilities of the site 

shall comply with Section 703.2.

703.1.3 Pictograms.

Where pictograms are provided as designations of permanent interior rooms and spaces, 

the pictograms shall comply with Section 703.5 and shall have text descriptors located 

directly below the pictogram field and complying with Sections 703.2 and 703.3.

EXCEPTION: 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.

703.2 Visual Characters.

703.2.1 General.

Visual characters shall comply with the following:

1. Visual characters that also serve as raised characters shall comply with Section 

703.3, or

2. Visual characters on VMS signage shall comply with Section 703.7, or

3. Visual characters not covered in items 1 and 2 shall comply with Section 703.2.
Section 703

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EXCEPTION: The visual and raised requirements of item 1 shall be permitted to be 

provided by two separate signs that provide corresponding information provided one 

sign complies with Section 703.2 and the second sign complies with Section 703.3.

703.2.2 Case.

Characters shall be uppercase, lowercase, or a combination of both.

703.2.3 Style.

Characters shall be conventional in form. Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script, highly 

decorative, or of other unusual forms.

703.2.4 Character Height.

The uppercase letter “I” shall be used to determine the allowable height of all characters of a 

font. The uppercase letter “I” of the font shall have a minimum height complying with Table 

703.2.4. Viewing distance shall be measured as the horizontal distance between the 

character and an obstruction preventing further approach towards the sign.

EXCEPTION: In assembly seating where the maximum viewing distance is 100 feet 

(30.5 m) or greater, the height of the uppercase “I” of fonts shall be permitted to be 1 

inch (25 mm) for every 30 feet (9145 mm) of viewing distance, provided the character 

height is 8 inches (205 mm) minimum. Viewing distance shall be measured as the 

horizontal distance between the character and where someone is expected to view the 

sign.

TABLE 703.2.4—VISUAL CHARACTER HEIGHT

Height above Floor to Baseline 

of Character

Horizontal Viewing Distance Minimum Character Height

40 inches (1015 mm) to less than 

or

equal to 70 inches (1780 mm)

Less than 6 feet (1830 mm)

5

/

8

inch (16 mm)

6 feet (1830 mm) and greater

5

/

8

inch (16 mm), plus 

1

/

8

inch 

(3.2 mm)

per foot (305 mm) of viewing 

distance

above 6 feet (1830 mm)

Greater than 70 inches (1780 mm) 

to less

than or equal to 120 inches (3050 

mm)

Less than 15 feet (4570 mm) 2 inches (51 mm)

15 feet (4570 mm) and greater

2 inches (51 mm), plus 

1

/

8

inch 

(3.2 mm)

per foot (305 mm) of viewing 

distance

above 15 feet (4570 mm)

Greater than 120 inches (3050 

mm)

Less than 21 feet (6400 mm) 3 inches (75 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)
Section 703

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703.2.5 Character Width.

The uppercase letter “O” shall be used to determine the allowable width of all characters of 

a font. The width of the uppercase letter “O” of the font shall be 55 percent minimum and 

110 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase “I” of the font.

703.2.6 Stroke Width.

The uppercase letter “I” shall be used to determine the allowable stroke width of all 

characters of a font. The stroke width shall be 10 percent minimum and 30 percent 

maximum of the height of the uppercase “I” of the font.

703.2.7 Character Spacing.

Spacing shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent characters within a 

message, excluding word spaces. Spacing between individual characters shall be 10 

percent minimum and 35 percent maximum of the character height.

703.2.8 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.

EXCEPTION: In assembly seating where the maximum viewing distance is 100 feet 

(30.5 m) or greater, the spacing between the baselines of separate lines of characters 

within a message shall be permitted to be 120 percent minimum and 170 percent 

maximum of the character height.

703.2.9 Height Above Floor.

Visual characters shall be 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum above the floor of the viewing 

position, measured to the baseline of the character. Heights shall comply with Table 

703.2.4, based on the size of the characters on the sign.

EXCEPTION: Visual characters indicating elevator car controls shall not be required to 

comply with Section 703.2.9.

703.2.10 Finish and Contrast.

Characters and their background shall have a non-glare finish. Characters shall contrast 

with their background, with either light characters on a dark background, or dark characters 

on a light background.

703.3 Raised Characters.

703.3.1 General.

Raised characters shall comply with Section 703.3, and shall be duplicated in braille 

complying with Section 703.4.

703.3.2 Depth.

Raised characters shall be raised 

1

/

32

inch (0.8 mm) minimum above their background.
Section 703

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703.3.3 Case.

Characters shall be uppercase.

703.3.4 Style.

Characters shall be sans serif. Characters shall not be italic, oblique, script, highly 

decorative, or of other unusual forms.

703.3.5 Character Height.

The uppercase letter “I” shall be used to determine the allowable height of all characters of a 

font. The height of the uppercase letter “I” of the font, measured vertically from the baseline 

of the character, shall be 

5

/

8

inch (16 mm) minimum, and 2 inches (51 mm) maximum.

EXCEPTION: Where separate raised and visual characters with the same information 

are provided, the height of the raised uppercase letter “I” shall be permitted to be 

1

/

2

inch 

(13 mm) minimum.

FIGURE 703.3.5

CHARACTER HEIGHT

703.3.6 Character Width.

The uppercase letter “O” shall be used to determine the allowable width of all characters of 

a font. The width of the uppercase letter “O” of the font shall be 55 percent minimum and 

110 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase “I” of the font.

703.3.7 Stroke Width.

Raised character stroke width shall comply with Section 703.3.7. The uppercase letter “I” of 

the font shall be used to determine the allowable stroke width of all characters of a font.
Section 703

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703.3.7.1 Maximum.

The stroke width shall be 15 percent maximum of the height of the uppercase letter “I” 

measured at the top surface of the character, and 30 percent maximum of the height of 

the uppercase letter “I” measured at the base of the character.

703.3.7.2 Minimum.

When characters are both visual and raised, the stroke width shall be 10 percent 

minimum of the height of the uppercase letter “I”.

703.3.8 Character Spacing.

Character spacing shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent raised 

characters within a message, excluding word spaces. Spacing between individual raised 

characters shall be 

1

/

8

inch (3.2 mm) minimum measured at the top surface of the 

characters, 

1

/

16

inch (1.6 mm) minimum measured at the base of the characters, and four 

times the raised character stroke width maximum. Characters shall be separated from raised 

borders and decorative elements 

3

/

8

inch (9.5 mm) minimum.

703.3.9 Line Spacing.

Spacing between the baselines of separate lines of raised characters within a message shall 

be 135 percent minimum and 170 percent maximum of the raised character height.

703.3.10 Height above Floor.

Raised characters shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum above the floor, measured to the 

baseline of the lowest raised character and 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum above the floor, 

measured to the baseline of the highest raised character.

EXCEPTION: Raised characters for elevator car controls shall not be required to comply 

with Section 703.3.10.

Note: For braille character mounting height see Section 703.4.5
Section 703

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FIGURE 703.3.10

HEIGHT OF RAISED CHARACTERS ABOVE FLOOR

703.3.11 Location.

Where a sign containing raised characters and braille is provided at a door, the sign shall be 

alongside the door at the latch side. Where a sign containing raised characters and braille is 

provided at double doors with one active leaf, the sign shall be located on the inactive leaf. 

Where a sign containing raised characters and braille is provided at double doors with two 

active leaves, the sign shall be to the right of the right-hand door. Where there is no wall 

space on the latch side of a single door, or to the right side of double doors, signs shall be 

on the nearest adjacent wall. Signs containing raised characters and braille shall be located 

so that a clear floor area 18 inches (455 mm) minimum by 18 inches (455 mm) minimum, 

centered on the raised characters is provided beyond the arc of any door swing between the 

closed position and 45 degree open position.

EXCEPTION: Signs containing raised characters and braille shall be permitted on the 

push side of doors with closers and without hold-open devices.

FIGURE 703.3.11

LOCATIONS OF SIGNS AT DOORS

703.3.12 Finish and Contrast.

Characters and their background shall have a non-glare finish. Characters shall contrast 

with their background with either light characters on a dark background, or dark characters 

on a light background.

EXCEPTION: Where separate raised characters and visual characters with the same 

information are provided, raised characters are not required to have nonglare finish or to 

contrast with their background.
Section 703

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703.4 Braille

703.4.1 General.

Braille shall be contracted (Grade 2) braille and shall comply with Section 703.4.

703.4.2 Uppercase Letters.

The indication of an uppercase letter or letters shall only be used before the first word of 

sentences, proper nouns and names, individual letters of the alphabet, initials, or acronyms.

703.4.3 Dimensions.

Braille dots shall have a domed or rounded shape and shall comply with Table 703.4.3.

TABLE 703.4.3—BRAILLE DIMENSIONS

Measurement range

Minimum in inches

Maximum in inches

Dot base diameter 0.059 (1.5 mm) to 0.063 (1.6 mm)

Distance between two dots in the same cell 0.090 (2.3 mm) to 0.100 (2.5 mm)

Distance between corresponding dots in adjacent cells

1 0.241 (6.1 mm) to 0.300 (7.6 mm)

Dot height 0.025 (0.6 mm) to 0.037 (0.9 mm)

Distance between corresponding dots from one cell directly 

below

1 0.395 (10.0 mm) to 0.400 (10.2 mm)

1

Measured center to center
Section 703

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FIGURE 703.4.3

BRAILLE MEASUREMENT

703.4.4 Position.

Braille shall be below the corresponding text. If text is multilined, braille shall be placed 

below entire text. Braille shall be separated 

3

/

8

inch (9.5 mm) minimum from any other raised 

characters and 

3

/

8

inch (9.5 mm) minimum from raised borders and decorative elements. 

Braille provided on elevator car controls shall be separated 

3

/

16

inch (4.8 mm) minimum 

either directly below or adjacent to the corresponding raised characters or symbols.

FIGURE 703.4.4

POSITION OF BRAILLE

703.4.5 Mounting Height.

Braille shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum and 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum above 

the floor, measured to the baseline of the braille cells.

EXCEPTION: Elevator car controls shall not be required to comply with Section 703.4.5.
Section 703

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Note: For raised character mounting height see Section 703.3.10

FIGURE 703.4.5

HEIGHT OF BRAILLE CHARACTERS ABOVE FLOOR

703.5 Pictograms.

FIGURE 703.5

PICTOGRAM FIELD

703.5.1 General.

Pictograms shall comply with Section 703.5.
Section 703

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703.5.2 Pictogram Field.

Pictograms shall have a field 6 inches (150 mm) minimum in height. Characters or braille 

shall not be located in the pictogram field.

703.5.3 Finish and Contrast.

Pictograms and their fields shall have a nonglare finish. Pictograms shall contrast with their 

fields, with either a light pictogram on a dark field or a dark pictogram on a light field.

703.6 Symbols of Accessibility.

703.6.1 General.

Symbols of accessibility shall comply with Section 703.6.

703.6.2 Finish and Contrast.

Symbols of accessibility and their backgrounds shall have a non-glare finish. Symbols of 

accessibility shall contrast with their backgrounds, with either a light symbol on a dark 

background or a dark symbol on a light background.

703.6.3 Symbols.

703.6.3.1 International Symbol of Accessibility.

The International Symbol of Accessibility shall comply with Figure 703.6.3.1.

FIGURE 703.6.3.1

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESSIBILITY

703.6.3.2 International Symbol of TTY.

The International Symbol of TTY shall comply with Figure 703.6.3.2.
Section 703

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FIGURE 703.6.3.2

INTERNATIONAL TTY SYMBOL

703.6.3.3 Assistive Listening Systems.

Assistive listening systems shall be identified by the International Symbol of Access for 

Hearing Loss complying with Figure 703.6.3.3.

FIGURE 703.6.3.3

INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESS FOR HEARING LOSS

703.6.3.4 Volume-Controlled Telephones.

Telephones with volume controls shall be identified by a pictogram of a telephone 

handset with radiating sound waves on a square field complying with Figure 703.6.3.4.
Section 703

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FIGURE 703.6.3.4

VOLUME-CONTROLLED TELEPHONE

703.7 Variable Message Signs.

703.7.1 General.

High resolution variable message sign (VMS) characters shall comply with Sections 703.2 

and 703.7.12 through 703.7.14. Low resolution variable message sign (VMS) characters 

shall comply with Section 703.7.

EXCEPTION: Theatrical performance related VMS signs, including but not limited to, 

text and translation delivery systems, surtitles and subtitles, shall not be required to 

comply with Section 703.7.1.

703.7.2 Case.

Low resolution VMS characters shall be uppercase.

703.7.3 Style.

Low resolution VMS characters shall be conventional in form, shall be san serif, and shall 

not be italic, oblique, script, highly decorative, or of other unusual forms.

703.7.4 Character Height.

The uppercase letter “I” shall be used to determine the allowable height of all low resolution 

VMS characters of a font. Viewing distance shall be measured as the horizontal distance 

between the character and an obstruction preventing further approach towards the sign. The 

uppercase letter “I” of the font shall have a minimum height complying with Table 703.7.4.

EXCEPTION: In assembly seating where the maximum viewing distance is 100 feet 

(30.5 m) or greater, the height of the uppercase “I” of low resolution VMS fonts shall be 

permitted to be 1 inch (25 mm) for every 30 feet (9145 mm) of viewing distance, 

provided the character height is 8 inches (205 mm) minimum. Viewing distance shall be 

measured as the horizontal distance between the character and where someone is 

expected to view the sign.

TABLE 703.7.4—LOW RESOLUTION VMS CHARACTER HEIGHT

Height above Floor to Baseline 

of Character

Horizontal Viewing Distance Minimum Character Height

40 inches (1015 mm) to less than 

or

equal to 70 inches (1780 mm)

Less than 10 feet (3050 mm) 2 inches (51 mm)

10 feet (3050 mm) and greater

2 inches (51 mm), plus 

1

/

5

inch 

(5.1 mm)

per foot (305 mm) of viewing 

distance

above 10 feet (3050 mm)

Greater than 70 inches (1780 

mm) to less

than or equal to 120 inches 

Less than 15 feet (4570 mm) 3 inches (75 mm)

15 feet (4570 mm) and greater 3 inches (75 mm), plus 

1

/

5

inch 
Section 703

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(3050 mm) (5.1 mm)

per foot (305 mm) of viewing 

distance

above 15 feet (4570 mm)

Greater than 120 inches (3050 

mm)

Less than 20 feet (6095 mm) 4 inches (100 mm)

20 feet (6095 mm) and greater

4 inches (100 mm), plus 

1

/

5

inch 

(5.1 mm)

per foot (305 mm) of viewing 

distance

above 20 feet (6095 mm)

703.7.5 Character Width.

The uppercase letter “O” shall be used to determine the allowable width of all low resolution 

VMS characters of a font. Low resolution VMS characters shall comply with the pixel count 

for character width in Table 703.7.5.
Section 703

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FIGURE 703.7.5

LOW RESOLUTION VMS SIGNAGE CHARACTERS
Section 703

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TABLE 703.7.5—PIXEL COUNT FOR LOW RESOLUTION VMS SIGNAGE1

Character Height Character Width 

Range

Stroke Width Range Character Spacing 

Range

7 5-6 1 2

8 6-7 1-2 2-3

9 6-8 1-2 2-3

10 7-9 2 2-4

11 8-10 2 2-4

12 8-11 2 3-4

13 9-12 2-3 3-5

14 10-13 2-3 3-5

15 11-14 2-3 3-5

(1) Measured in pixels.

703.7.6 Stroke Width.

The uppercase letter “I” shall be used to determine the allowable stroke width of all low 

resolution VMS characters of a font. Low resolution VMS characters shall comply with the 

pixel count for stroke width in Table 703.7.5.

703.7.7 Character Spacing.

Spacing shall be measured between the two closest points of adjacent low resolution VMS 

characters within a message, excluding word spaces. Low resolution VMS character 

spacing shall comply with the pixel count for character spacing in Table 703.7.5.

703.7.8 Line Spacing.

Low resolution VMS characters shall comply with Section 703.2.8.

703.7.9 Height Above Floor.

Low resolution VMS characters shall be 40 inches (1015 mm) minimum above the floor of 

the viewing position, measured to the baseline of the character. Heights of low resolution 

variable message sign characters shall comply with Table 703.7.4, based on the size of the 

characters on the sign.

703.7.10 Finish.

The background of Low resolution VMS characters shall have a non-glare finish.

703.7.11 Contrast.

Low resolution VMS characters shall be light characters on a dark background.

703.7.12 Protective Covering.

Where a protective layer is placed over VMS characters through which the VMS characters 

must be viewed, the protective covering shall have a non-glare finish.

703.7.13 Brightness.

The brightness of variable message signs in exterior locations shall automatically adjust in 

response to changes in ambient light levels.
Section 703

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703.7.14 Rate of Change.

Where a VMS message can be displayed in its entirety on a single screen, it shall be 

displayed on a single screen and shall remain motionless on the screen for a minimum 3 

seconds or one second minimum for every 7 characters of the message including spaces 

whichever is longer.

703.8 Remote Infrared Audible Sign (RIAS) Systems.

703.8.1 General.

Remote Infrared Audible Sign Systems shall comply with Section 703.8.

703.8.2 Transmitters.

Where provided, Remote Infrared Audible Sign Transmitters shall be designed to 

communicate with receivers complying with Section 703.8.3.

703.8.3 Infrared Audible Sign Receivers.

703.8.3.1 Frequency.

Basic speech messages shall be frequency modulated at 25 kHz, with a +/- 2.5 kHz 

deviation, and shall have an infrared wavelength from 850 to 950 nanometer (nm).

703.8.3.2 Optical Power Density.

Receiver shall produce a 12 decibel (dB) signal-plus-noise-to-noise ratio with a 1 kHz 

modulation tone at +/- 2.5 kHz deviation of the 25 kHz subcarrier at an optical power 

density of 26 picowatts per square millimeter measured at the receiver photosensor 

aperture.

703.8.3.3 Audio Output.

The audio output from an internal speaker shall be at 75 dBA minimum at 18 inches (455 

mm) with a maximum distortion of 10 percent.

703.8.3.4 Reception Range.

The receiver shall be designed for a high dynamic range and capable of operating in fullsun background illumination.

703.8.3.5 Multiple Signals.

A receiver provided for the capture of the stronger of two signals in the receiver field of 

view shall provide a received power ratio on the order of 20 dB for negligible 

interference.

703.9 Pedestrian Signals.

Accessible pedestrian signals shall comply with Section 4E.06-Accessible Pedestrian Signals, 

and Section 4E.09-Accessible Pedestrian Signal Detectors, of the Manual on Uniform Traffic 

Control Devices listed in Section 105.2.1.
Section 703

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EXCEPTION: Pedestrian signals are not required to comply with the requirement for 

choosing audible tones.