Stairwell Identification & EXIT Signs for Code Compliance

At JustBrailleSigns.com, we custom design stairwell signage to meet your exact specifications, or you can choose from our standard layouts below and customize text and colors to match your project requirements. What stairwell signage is required in conventional building stairwells?

Stairwell signage requirements vary by state, building type, and the edition of the International Building Code (IBC) being enforced. Many local jurisdictions also apply additional amendments, making compliance highly location-specific. Always confirm requirements with your local building official, Fire Marshal, and applicable code authority to ensure full compliance. That said, when NFPA, IFC, and IBC guidelines are considered together, most compliant stairwells include the signage shown above. The most critical elements are the stairwell identification signs (A.1 and A.2), which clearly identify the stairwell itself and are the foundation of a compliant stair signage system. Additional commonly required signage includes:

1. Floor Level Identification (Sign C) - ADA-compliant tactile and Braille signage installed at each floor landing inside the stairwell, adjacent to the door leading into the corridor, identifying the floor level.

2. Exit / Exit Discharge Signage (Sign B) - Where a stairwell exits to the exterior or exit discharge level, an ADA-compliant “EXIT” sign with raised characters and Braille must be installed adjacent to the door. Doors leading toward an exit discharge should be marked “EXIT ROUTE.”

3. Stairwell Entry Identification (Sign D) - Doors entering the stairwell from corridors must include ADA tactile and Braille signage identifying the stairwell, such as “STAIRS” or a specific designation (e.g., “STAIR B”).