Floor Number Signs: HPD and DOB Rules
Floor number signs seem too simple to need a guide. Then an owner gets a violation, or a fire inspector asks about stairway signs, and it turns out there are two sets of rules, from two different agencies.
Here's how they fit together, in plain English.
The quick answer
In short: HPD requires the floor number to be painted or posted on each floor of a multiple dwelling more than two stories tall (HMC Section 27-2048). Separately, NYC's Building and Fire Codes call for stairway identification signs at each landing in enclosed stairs of taller buildings, showing the floor, the stair and whether it reaches the roof.
The HPD rule: a number on every floor
This one is simple. Every floor of a building with 3 or more apartments and more than two stories needs its floor number painted or posted. Most owners place it where people come onto the floor: at the stair door and facing the elevator.
- 1Stair landingsOn the wall or door at each landing, so people walking up or down always know where they are.
- 2Elevator landingFacing the elevator doors, so riders can confirm the floor when the doors open.
- 3Every floor, including the lobbyDon't skip the ground floor or a basement that tenants use.
Clear, high contrast floor signs, $28 each. Order floor number signs
The stairway ID rule
In buildings with enclosed stairways serving several stories, the Building and Fire Codes add a second kind of sign at each landing. It usually shows:
The floor number of that landing, in large numbers.
Which stair it is, like Stair A or Stair B, in buildings with more than one.
The floors the stair serves, such as floors 1 to 6.
Whether the stair gives access to the roof.
These signs help firefighters and tenants find their way in smoke or darkness. Exact requirements depend on your building's height and stair setup, so if you are unsure, check with your architect, expediter or the FDNY guidance for your building type.
Tips for signs people can actually read
- Big numbers, high contrast.
Dark numbers on a light background, or the reverse. Avoid fancy fonts.
- Same spot on every floor.
Consistency helps people find the sign fast, especially in an emergency.
- Think about older tenants.
Larger numbers help residents with low vision. Raised or Braille floor signs are a thoughtful upgrade near elevators.
What this looks like in practice
Picture a 6 story elevator building with the original stair signs from when it went up. The owner assumes floor numbers are covered, but there are none facing the elevator on any floor, and older tenants keep getting off on the wrong floor. A clear sign facing the elevator on each floor fixes it, and tenants notice the difference right away.
Stair signs and elevator floor signs do different jobs, so most mid size buildings need both.
Materials that hold up
Stairwells get bumped by furniture, mops and moving boxes. Metal or thick plastic signs with screws hold up much better than stickers or paper. In stairs, photoluminescent (glow in the dark) signs are a smart upgrade because they stay readable if the lights go out. Apartment buildings generally don't have to use glow in the dark exit markings. If you are not sure what your stairs need, ask us and we will point you in the right direction.
How many do I need?
For HPD, at least one per floor in the public hall, plus one inside each enclosed stair. If you mark both the stair landing and the elevator landing, that's two per floor. A 3 story walk up usually needs three. A 6 story elevator building with one stair often needs twelve or more once you count both locations. Our complete checklist covers the rest of the set, and the lobby placement guide shows where everything else goes.
Quick answers
Can I just paint the floor number on the wall?
Yes. HPD allows the number to be painted or posted. Signs are just easier to keep clean and consistent.
Does a 3 family house need floor number signs?
Yes, if it is more than two stories tall. It's a multiple dwelling, so each floor needs its number. See HPD Signs for 3 Family Houses.
Are floor signs the same as stairway ID signs?
No. A floor sign just shows the number. A stairway ID sign also names the stair, shows the floors it serves and says whether it reaches the roof.
Not sure what your building needs?
Send us your address and number of apartments. We will tell you exactly which signs to order.
General information based on the NYC HPD Required Signage page as of November 2026. Not legal advice. HPD Signs NYC is not affiliated with the City of New York or HPD. Prices may change. Check nyc.gov/hpd for the latest rules.