Compliance restores dignity. It allows everyone—regardless of ability—to navigate your business privately, safely, and confidently.

However, in California, failing to provide this accessibility carries a heavy cost. As we move into the 2026 Code Cycle (Title 24), this guide will help you balance the human need for access with the legal necessity of protection.

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The Reality Check: High-Frequency Litigation

While the purpose of the ADA is inclusion, the reality in California is litigation. The state is home to “High-Frequency Litigants”—individuals who file hundreds of lawsuits annually, often targeting technical violations.

Know the Landscape (2025-2026 Data):

• Scott Johnson: A prolific litigant in Northern California, historically filing over 1,000 cases in a single year.
• Orlando Garcia: Highly active in Southern California (LA/San Diego), often targeting small retail and dining for counter heights and restroom signage.
• Brian Whitaker: Known for filing hundreds of lawsuits annually, focusing on “sales counters” and outdoor dining surfaces.

The “Right to Cure” Myth: Contrary to rumors, SB 84 (The “Right to Cure” Bill) stalled in the Assembly. This means there is no “fix-it ticket” for ADA violations in California. You will likely not get a warning letter; you will get a lawsuit.

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§216.2 Restroom Signage (The #1 Violation)

Restrooms are the most critical area for privacy, which is why they are the most heavily scrutinized.

The Human Impact: When a restroom sign is mounted incorrectly (e.g., on the door instead of the wall), a blind person must physically sweep their hands over the entire door surface to find it, which is unsanitary and undignified. The wall mount provides a consistent “strike zone” for finding information.

The California Requirement (Double Signage): California is unique because it requires two signs for every restroom.

1. The Federal ADA Wall Sign

• Purpose: Tactile identification for the visually impaired.
• Placement: Wall adjacent to the latch side of the door.
• Height: 48″ minimum to 60″ maximum (baseline to baseline).

2. The California Title 24 Door Symbol

• Purpose: Visual identification from a distance.
• Requirement: A geometric symbol mounted directly on the door, centered.
  • Men: Equilateral Triangle (1/4″ thick).
  • Women: Circle (1/4″ thick).
  • Unisex: Triangle superimposed on a Circle.

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§703.3 Braille: Why “California Spacing” Matters

“Braille is Braille, right?” Wrong.

The Human Impact: California requires Domed (Rounded) Braille. Many cheap signs use “Flat” or “Square” braille dots. To a sensitive fingertip, flat braille feels sharp and “scratchy,” making it difficult and unpleasant to read. Domed braille is comfortable and legible.

The Technical Rule:

• Dot Shape: Must be domed/rounded.
• Spacing: California Title 24 mandates exactly 0.100 inches between dots in the same cell.
• Placement: Must be located directly below the text.

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§216.5 Parking Signs (The $4,000 Mistake)

Accessible parking is often the only way a person with mobility challenges can visit your business.

The Human Impact: If a van-accessible spot is not clearly marked, a driver might park too close to a disabled vehicle, preventing the ramp from deploying and trapping the person in their car.

The California Requirement:

• The Text: Must contain “Minimum Fine $250” below the symbol.
• Reflectivity: The sign must be retroreflective (visible at night).
• Tow Away: A specific “Tow Away” sign citing C.V.C. 22658 must be at the lot entrance.

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New for 2026: Battery Rooms & EV Compliance

As California pushes for green energy in the 2026 code cycle, new hazards have emerged for first responders.

1. Battery Storage Area (Fire Code §320.5.6)

• The Goal: Protect firefighters. If a building has a solar battery backup, fire crews need to know before they enter.
• The Sign: “BATTERY STORAGE AREA” / “ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL DEVICES.”

2. “EV Capable” Parking

• The Confusion: New codes require parking spots to be “EV Capable” (pipes in the ground, but no charger).
• The Fix: Use “Future EV Charging” signs. Do not use the standard ISA or EV Charging signs, or you will confuse drivers who need a charge.

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Branding and Compliance

You do not have to choose between a beautiful building and an accessible one.

At Innovative Sign Systems, we believe that compliant signage should look like it belongs. We use materials like brushed aluminum, frosted acrylic, and wood laminates to create ADA signage that respects your brand and your customers.

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2026 Compliance Checklist

• [ ] Restrooms: Tactile wall sign (latch side) + Geometric door symbol.
• [ ] Braille: Domed shape (not flat), California spacing.
• [ ] Parking: Reflective ISA sign with “$250 Fine” text.
• [ ] Tow Away: 17×22 sign at the lot entrance with C.V.C. 22658.
• [ ] Battery Rooms: “BATTERY STORAGE AREA” signs (New for 2026).
• [ ] Exits: Tactile “EXIT” signs at discharge doors.

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Official Resources

• Federal Standards: ADA Chapter 7 – Signs (U.S. Access Board) The official federal guide to visual characters, tactile signs, and braille.
• California Code: California Building Standards Commission – Title 24 The source for the 2025/2026 California Building Standards Code.
• Technical Compliance: Division of the State Architect – California ADA Resources Detailed reference materials for access compliance, including specific Title 24 updates.