Section 10-C2508. SIGNS FOR HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

 

2508.1 Signs are not typically a prominent visual element on historic residential buildings.  In order to preserve the character and setting of historic residential buildings, signage on these buildings and in historic residential areas shall not be visually intrusive, overwhelming, or incompatible with the significant historic characteristics of the particular building, site, and context.

 

2508.2 Commercial advertising on historic property in residential and special purpose zoning districts shall comply at a minimum with the pertinent limitations in the D.C. Building Code.  The Board may impose further limitations in size or other characteristics if necessary to achieve compatibility with a historic landmark or district.

 

2508.3 Signage for a historic apartment building or an apartment building in a portion of a historic district zoned for residential use shall be limited to the name and address of the building.

 

2508.4 The preferred location for apartment building signage is at the building entrance, either on a canopy, marquee, or adjacent flat wall surface.  A small ground-mounted building identification sign may be permitted for a historic apartment building, an apartment building within a historic district, or historic property within a special purpose zoning district.

 

2508.5 A permanent sign on historic property relating to the sale, rental, lease, or management of the premises is limited to two square feet (2 sq. ft.) in size.

 

2508.6 Illuminated signage is discouraged in portions of a historic district zoned for residential use.  Illumination may be permitted if it is determined acceptable for the specific building and setting.  Any permitted illumination shall consist of soft, steady white light only.

 

authority

The D.C. Office of Planning and the Historic Preservation Review Board, pursuant to the authority set forth in section 10 of the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979, (D.C. Law 2-144; D.C. Official Code § 6-1109), Mayor’s Order 79-50, dated March 21, 1979, section 6 of Mayor's Order 83-119, dated May 6, 1983, section III(B)(8) of Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1983, effective March 31, 1983, and section 402(b) of the Fiscal Year 2001 Budget Support Act of 2002, effective October 19, 2000 (D.C. Law 12-172; 47 DCR 6308).

source

Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 57 DCMR 2281, 2289 (March 19, 2010); as corrected by Errata Notice published at 58 DCR 11084, 11089 (December 23, 2011).