7 ADA Sign Mistakes NJ Businesses Make During Inspections (And How to Fix Them)

You're expecting a routine inspection when the inspector walks in with a clipboard and starts scrutinizing every sign in your building. What you thought was compliant suddenly isn't. The restroom signs are mounted two inches too high. The conference room sign doesn't have proper Braille. Your temporary "Office Relocated" sign violates ADA standards.

Now you're facing citations, potential fines, and the headache of replacing signs that seemed perfectly fine yesterday.

ADA compliance isn't just about avoiding penalties: it's about ensuring equal access for everyone who walks through your doors. But the regulations are detailed, and small oversights can add up to big problems during inspections. Let's walk through the seven most common ADA sign mistakes NJ businesses make and, more importantly, how to fix them before an inspector finds them.

Mistake #1: Incorrect Mounting Height

The Problem:
You'd be surprised how often signs are mounted just a few inches off the required height. ADA standards specify that the baseline of the lowest tactile character must be between 48 and 60 inches from the finished floor. Many businesses eyeball it or measure from the wrong reference point.

Why It Matters:
This measurement ensures people using wheelchairs or those with vision impairments can comfortably access and read the sign. A sign mounted at 65 inches might look fine to you, but it fails compliance.

The Fix:
Measure from the finished floor to the baseline of the lowest tactile text: not the top of the sign, not the middle. If you're installing multiple signs throughout a facility, consistency matters. Professional installers know these measurements by heart and bring the right tools to verify compliance during installation.

Mistake #2: Wrong Door Placement

The Problem:
You installed the sign right next to the door. But it's on the hinge side instead of the latch side (the side with the door handle). This is one of the most common placement errors we see in North Jersey facilities.

Why It Matters:
ADA requires room identification signs to be on the latch side of the door so people can locate and read the sign before entering. When mounted on the hinge side, the open door can block the sign entirely.

The Fix:
Mount all room identification signs on the wall adjacent to the latch side of the door. The sign should be positioned so someone can approach, read it, and then reach for the door handle without backtracking. If you have double doors, choose the side that makes the most logical sense for traffic flow.

Mistake #3: Inadequate Clear Floor Space

The Problem:
Your sign is mounted at the correct height and on the right side of the door, but there's a trash can, fire extinguisher, or decorative plant stand sitting directly in front of it. Or the door swing blocks access when the door opens.

Why It Matters:
ADA requires an 18" x 18" clear floor space centered on the tactile characters. This allows someone using a wheelchair or mobility device to approach the sign and read the Braille without obstruction.

The Fix:
Survey the area around each sign. Make sure nothing: furniture, equipment, door swing paths: blocks that 18" x 18" zone. During facility planning, we map out sign locations specifically to avoid these obstructions before installation.

Mistake #4: Missing or Incorrect Braille

The Problem:
Your signs have raised text but no Braille. Or the Braille is there but positioned incorrectly: centered under the text instead of directly below it, or using the wrong Braille Grade.

Why It Matters:
Braille is required on all permanent room and space identification signs (like restrooms, stairwells, room numbers, and exit doors). Directional signs don't need Braille, but identification signs absolutely do. The Braille must be Grade 2 and positioned directly below the corresponding tactile text.

The Fix:
Only permanent room identification signs require Braille. Directional signs (like arrows pointing to the cafeteria) don't. Make sure your sign vendor understands the difference. The Braille should be positioned consistently below the raised characters, and the dots must be properly spaced according to Grade 2 standards.

Mistake #5: Poor Visual Contrast

The Problem:
Your sign looks professional and matches your brand colors perfectly. The problem? The light gray text on a white background doesn't provide enough contrast. ADA inspectors use contrast meters, and they're not subjective about this.

Why It Matters:
ADA requires a minimum 70% contrast difference between the text and background. This ensures people with low vision can read the sign from a distance. Your designer's aesthetic preferences don't override accessibility requirements.

The Fix:
Choose high-contrast color combinations: dark text on light backgrounds or light text on dark backgrounds. White on black, black on white, and dark blue on white all typically meet the 70% threshold. Avoid trendy color pairings like gray on beige or pastels on white. We test contrast ratios during the design phase to ensure compliance before production.

Mistake #6: Glossy Finishes That Create Glare

The Problem:
You opted for a sleek, glossy acrylic finish because it looks more polished and modern. But under certain lighting conditions, glare makes the sign completely unreadable.

Why It Matters:
ADA specifically prohibits glossy finishes on tactile signs. The standard requires matte or eggshell finishes to minimize glare. Even if you can read it fine in the morning, afternoon sunlight streaming through a window can render a glossy sign useless.

The Fix:
Specify matte or eggshell finishes for all ADA-required signs. This isn't a suggestion: it's a compliance requirement. During our design consultations, we steer clients toward compliant finishes that still look professional and align with their brand.

Mistake #7: Non-Compliant Temporary Signs

The Problem:
You needed to relocate an office temporarily, so you printed a paper sign and taped it to the door. Or you're undergoing renovations and using handwritten directional signs. These temporary solutions seem harmless: until an inspection happens.

Why It Matters:
Temporary doesn't mean exempt. If the sign serves as room identification or provides essential wayfinding during construction, it still needs to meet ADA standards. Paper signs taped to walls fail on multiple counts: no tactile text, no Braille, poor durability, and often inadequate contrast.

The Fix:
Even for temporary situations, use proper ADA-compliant signage. We provide temporary compliant signs for clients during renovations or relocations. These aren't expensive custom installations, but they meet standards and prevent citations. Planning a renovation? Factor compliant temporary signage into your project scope from day one.

How The Sign Center Takes the Compliance Headache Off Your Plate

Here's the truth: Most business owners and facility managers didn't go to school for ADA signage compliance. You're managing a dozen priorities, and decoding federal accessibility standards shouldn't consume your time.

That's where we come in.

At The Sign Center, we handle ADA compliance from design through installation so you don't have to become an expert in mounting heights and Braille standards. We've worked with healthcare facilities, corporate offices, retail locations, and property management companies throughout North Jersey, and we understand both federal ADA requirements and local New Jersey building codes.

Our process includes:

• Facility surveys to identify existing non-compliant signs before inspections happen
• Design consultation where we create signs that meet ADA standards while reflecting your brand
• Material selection that balances compliance, durability, and aesthetics
• Professional installation with precise measurements and proper placement
• Documentation showing compliance for your records during inspections

We also back all our work with a lifetime guarantee on workmanship. If there's ever an issue with how we installed a sign, we'll make it right: no questions asked.

Ready to Fix Your ADA Sign Issues?

Whether you're facing an upcoming inspection, planning a renovation, or simply want peace of mind that your facility meets accessibility standards, we're here to help.

Our team has installed compliant signage in facilities throughout Union County, Morris County, Essex County, and beyond. We know the common pitfalls, we understand the regulations, and we deliver solutions that work the first time.

Contact us today for a complimentary facility assessment. We'll identify any compliance gaps and provide a clear path forward: so the next time an inspector walks in, you'll both be on the same page.