When it comes to signage and the regulations that come along with it, most don’t typically think of how churches and other houses of worship are affected. Entities like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulate building signage and the rules associated with them, though these other buildings are usually more commercially oriented. This can complicate things for churches that are looking to outfit their facility with signage, especially in states with specific building regulations. To make matters easier, here’s a simple breakdown of the broad rules for religious facility signage and how it relates to the ADA.
Are Religious Facilities Affected by the ADA?
Generally, religious facilities are exempt from the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (SfAD). To say that the ADA does not apply, however, is a misunderstanding of regulatory intent. Although exemptions exists, there are different intricacies wrapped up in state and local signage regulations. The only difference between other public accommodations and religious institutions is the option to opt-out, an option that hotels, for instance, do not have. Despite this exemption, religious facilities have to look at both the ADA requirements and other regulations. The regulations that apply to these facilities include building codes and other local ordinances, depending on the given jurisdiction.
As we have stated with the SfAD, it is necessary to go further in depth on the matter of a religious exemption. Essentially, an exemption is not an affirmative requirement, it is an elective option. This rule, however, doesn’t take into account a sign’s usefulness, or the issues with using them in larger facilities. Based off of facility size, it may be impractical for guests to find particular spaces (e.g. restrooms, classrooms, etc.) or navigate the building(s) without signage. Further, adhering to the SfAD ensures that buildings meet the needs of those guests and congregants with vision disabilities. In addition to meeting accessibility needs, some religious facilities have an attached school open to the public. Notwithstanding constitutional perimeters, there may be a measure of state funding associated with a school. In such cases, there may be an indirect requirement to conform to the SfAD.
How Do Building Codes Affect Accessibility Regulations?
Every jurisdiction in the country is subject to a building code, whether adopted at the state or local government level. There are two major points to make about building codes: (1) facilities are categorized by type and (2) building codes incorporate by reference ICC A117.1, a mirror image of the SfAD. While federal law allows for exemptions, most state accessibility standards are codified within the building codes and have to be followed, effectively conflicting with federal law. Therefore, care should be taken when navigating state mandated accessibility issues. Conversely, outside of accessibility signage needs, the building code requires certain egress signage, which applies to Assembly Group A-3, Places of Religious Worship.
Do Egress Systems Negate Sign Requirements in Religious Facilities?
Interestingly enough, the egress signage outlined within the building codes (and fire codes for that matter) must conform to the sign requirements of ICC A117.1, which, again, is identical to the SfAD. Minimally, ICC A117.1 includes rules about raised text, braille, and character height requirements, among other technical specifications. Combining both state and federal laws into the rules of religious facilities, it becomes increasingly difficult to separate which types of signage are mandatory. Most importantly, in these situations, it is important to discuss signage needs with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), typically the local building inspection office, to strike the proper balance.
In conclusion, while religious facilities are not necessarily held to many of the ADA standards of other buildings, there are still numerous intricacies and details for each situation. Which state your religious facility is located in, as well as the types of rooms within it will determine what kind of signage you need. Given these caveats, as a rule, it’s typically best to adhere as closely to the ADA and the SfAD as possible, keeping your house of worship safe, inclusive, and open for everyone who ventures in.
If you’re still confused about religious facility signage after all of this information, don’t worry! Our customer service representatives at INTERSIGN are here and ready to help your with all of your signage needs. Let us know what type of House of Worship you have, and we’ll be sure to point you in the right direction.