Section 10-C2515. AWNINGS: SPECIFIC CRITERIA

 

2515.1 Awning design, placement, and type shall respect, take advantage of, and be compatible with the particular composition, design features, and architectural style of the historic property where it is installed.

 

2515.2 An awning shall be compatible in shape, size, scale, material, illumination, and method of installation with the character of the historic property to which it is attached.

 

2515.3 Any signage characteristics of an awning shall be compatible with the character of the affected historic property and district.

 

2515.4 Awning location and configuration shall be consistent with the following criteria:

 

(a) An awning shall be placed only on a portion of the building occupied by the person, business, or entity to which it relates;

 

(b) An awning shall relate to a single architectural feature, whether a storefront, window opening, or door opening.  An awning shall not be designed as a continuous element that spans multiple storefronts, window openings, or door openings;

 

(c) An awning shall relate to and fit within the masonry opening or frame of the storefront, window, or door where it is located;

 

(d) An awning shall not cover or obscure or cover over an ornamental or character-defining feature of a historic property; and

 

(e) Excessive use of awnings is inappropriate and can make commercial advertising detract from a historic property.  Repetitive awnings used as signage or branding on upper floor windows are not appropriate.

 

2515.5Awning type and shape shall be consistent with the following criteria:

 

(a) A shed-style awning is generally the most appropriate form for a flat-topped opening.  A barrel-vaulted awning is usually appropriate only for an arched opening.  A quarter-round awning is typically appropriate only for an architecturally elaborate façade or storefront;

 

(b) An awning shall not have a compound shape, such as a shed awning with a barrel-vaulted midsection;

 

(c) An awning should not be bulky or boxy in appearance.  An open-sided configuration is encouraged in order to make the awning appear lightweight and to increase visibility of the window;

 

(d) Operable and retractable awnings are preferred because this reinforces their accessory nature and allows greater visibility of the building when they are raised;

 

(e) An awning should be consistent with the prevailing proportions of other awnings in the streetscape.  Its angle of slope should be moderate, and neither so steep that the top of the awning looks like a billboard, nor so shallow that the awning looks like a shelf or marquee; and

 

(f) The underside of an awning shall not be enclosed or boxed in with fabric or other material, unless justified by the specific circumstances of the building or awning installation.

 

2515.6Awning dimensions shall be consistent with the following criteria:

 

(a) An awning shall be appropriate in size and scale for the historic building to which it is attached;

 

(b) An awning shall be sized to fit the opening where it is installed;

 

(c) The projection of an awning shall be appropriate for the building to which it is attached.  No awning shall project more than sixty inches (60 in.) beyond the building line or building restriction line; and

 

(d) An awning shall maintain a minimum clearance of eight feet (8 ft.) above the ground.

 

2515.7 Awning materials shall be consistent with the following criteria:

 

(a) An awning shall be covered only with canvas, woven acrylic or similar fabric materials.  Metal and shiny or glossy materials like vinyl and plastic are not permitted; and

 

(b) A single solid color material is preferred for awnings.   Striped or patterned awnings are discouraged and are not permitted if they would visually detract from the character of the historic building or district.

 

2515.8Awning signage characteristics shall be consistent with the following criteria:

 

(a) The valance of an awning is an appropriate location for signage.  Signage shall generally be limited to lettering no taller than twelve inches (12 in.);

 

(b) A discreet logo may be allowed on the slope of an awning if also permitted by the building code official; and

 

(c) An awning shall not be used as an oversized sign.  An awning or pattern of awnings shall not be used to create supergraphics or branding that is overpowering or detracts from the historic character of the building or district.

 

2515.9Awning illumination shall be consistent with the following criteria:

 

(a) An awning shall not be lighted except as part of general storefront illumination.  Translucent backlit awnings and under-mounted lighting of an awning are not permitted;

 

(b) A sign on the valance of an awning shall not be illuminated; and

 

(c) Unobtrusive storefront lighting fixtures may be attached to the underside of an awning.

 

2515.10 Awning installation shall be consistent with the following criteria:

 

(a) An awning shall be attached to a building in a manner that causes the minimum permanent damage.  Typically, an awning should be attached to a window frame or storefront surround; and

 

(b) Attachment of awning frames through masonry is prohibited except in unusual circumstances where it is unavoidable due to specific characteristics of the building.

 

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, 2293 (March 19, 2010); as corrected by Errata Notice published at 58 DCR 11084, 11091 (December 23, 2011).