Section 10-C2517. CANOPIES: SPECIFIC CRITERIA

 

2517.1 Canopy 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. 

 

2517.2 A canopy 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.

 

2517.3 A canopy shall be consistent with the following criteria:

 

(a) An entrance, storefront, or sidewalk café may be an appropriate location for a canopy;

 

(b) A canopy shall relate to and fit within the masonry opening or frame of a door or storefront.  A barrel-vaulted canopy is only appropriate for an arched opening;

 

(c) A canopy shall not conceal or cover over a door surround or other significant architectural feature of a building;

 

(d) A shed style canopy should have open sides to increase visibility of the building or its entrance;

 

(e) The projection of a canopy shall be proportional to the building and appropriate to the streetscape where it is located;

 

(f) A canopy shall maintain a minimum clearance of eight feet (8 ft.) above grade;

 

(g) A canopy shall be finished with canvas, woven acrylic or a similar fabric material.  Vinyl, plastic, and other shiny or glossy finish materials are not permitted;

 

(h) Translucent backlit canopies are not permitted.  Under-mounted downlighting may be permitted on opaque canopies; and

 

(i) A canopy shall be attached to a building in a manner that does not cause permanent damage.  Typically, a canopy should be attached to a door frame or storefront fascia.  Attachment of canopy framing through masonry is prohibited unless justified by the specific characteristics of the building.

 

2517.4 Signage on a canopy shall be consistent with the following criteria and considerations:

 

(a) An entrance canopy is an appropriate location for building or occupant identification and the property’s address;

 

(b) Commercial signage is not permitted on the side of a canopy facing the direction of pedestrian travel along a sidewalk; and

 

(c) Signage on a canopy shall not be illuminated.

 

2517.5 Entrance canopies that extend to the public sidewalk or curb are generally not appropriate unless associated with a large-scale commercial establishment, hotel or apartment building.  Entrance canopies in other circumstances may be allowed if justified as appropriate given the specific characteristics of the building. 

 

2517.6 Replication of an original or historic canopy is considered an appropriate preservation treatment.  Documentation of the historical appropriateness of a proposed canopy may consist of early photographs, original drawings, or similar sources.

 

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, 2296 (March 19, 2010); as corrected by Errata Notice published at 58 DCR 11084, 11093 (December 23, 2011).