San Francisco, CA – Emergency Evacuation Sign Compliance Guidance Has Changed

Fire safety is especially pertinent at present and emergency evacuation signs are just one of many items on the installation checklist for many commercial renovation projects.  In San Francisco understanding what is required can appear daunting, especially after you consider the effects of the pandemic.  Initially, the Fire Department approval process had changed to an online submittal when the “Shelter In Place” was first mandated.  Things are gradually returning to normal and SignWorks, Inc. has been able to assist current clients in understanding the new in-person appointment process.  While the process for evacuation maps is done over the counter, our clients must also take with them a set of reference building plans so that the fire inspector can validate the information contained on the map for accuracy.  You must book an appointment as walk-ins are not allowed.

The process includes additional information including the type of construction, the assessor parcel number, the building owner’s address and phone number, etc.  Only the property owner, contractor or architect is authorized to pay the permit fees but there is an affidavit that the building owner can complete, allowing their sign company to complete this process for their client.

SignWorks as a company designs, produces and installs many evacuation maps every year, so our customers can confidently check that task off their list with little or no personal effort.  We are currently managing two evacuation map design and printing projects in San Francisco and two in Oakland. Most cities have their own requirements, typically resulting in far different finished sizes. In this case, of Oakland maps we have standardized on 14”x 14” map.  In San Francisco they are more detailed regarding the text characteristics so the size can vary.  Typically, businesses located in San Francisco have maps that are significantly larger because the city has very specific size requirements for the text and symbols used.  In fact, San Francisco and Oakland both require that evacuation maps be reviewed and approved by fire department officials prior to fabrication.

SignWorks is proud to have fabricated and or managed evacuation map projects for many businesses in San Francisco which include 75 Hawthorne’s 20 story building (contracted by Turner Construction), Victoria’s Secret Union Square (contracted by O’Neil Langan Architects of New York) and San Francisco Muni.

We have worked with Oakland businesses includes many OUSD schools, the new Oakland Airport Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station (contracted by Turner Construction), FedEx Distribution Building (contracted by Rentenbach Construction), the 80 Swan Way office building (contracted by LCB Associates & Redwood Mortgage Investors), Meritt Crest Homeowners Association, Black Oak Properties and Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.

In addition, we have also produced evacuation maps for Garden Court, a small boutique hotel in Palo Alto.  And, this is only a partial list!

When you need expert help with evacuation map design and printing, as well as guidance on compliance, please don’t hesitate to call SignWorks at (510) 357-2000. You can also visit our website to view project photos, read our blogs and learn more about our work.