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Last Wednesday, Matthew Marcou from DDOT Public Space and Kristen Barden walked around the neighborhood for a few hours passing out a one page letter from DDOT about the placement of A-Frame/Sandwich board signs or other portable signage in public space.
The purpose was to advise retailers and restaurants regarding the placement of portable signage and other displays of merchandise in public space. When placed appropriately the signs are an important element of a business' exposure to clients and potential customers. When placed inappropriately they create a hazard for pedestrians and the traveling public and can damage or impede access to elements in the public space such as bike racks.
The guidelines below are based on the DC Municipal Regulations that, when followed, should balance public safety and access with the promotion of commercial activity in DC.
1) Placement of A-frame or sandwich board or other portable signs must be consistent with the display of merchandise in public space governed by DC Municipal Regulations (DCMR) 24-112.
2) This regulation authorizes the display of merchandise within three feet (3') of the face of a building.
3) The sign should not have a footprint more than three feet by three feet (3 ft.x 3 ft.).
4) The allowance of three feet (3') from the face of the building not withstanding, the sign should not at any time reduce the pedestrian walkway to a clear unobstructed width of less than eight feet (8 ft) in the Central Business District and six feet (6 ft) in all other areas of the District.
Failure to follow these guidelines is considered a public space violation. A warning of infraction will be issued for the first instance. A notice of violation will be issued, with associated fines, for instances after the warning of infraction.
Obstructing public space without a permit (DCMR 24-2001.2)
First Violation within 60-day period $75.00
Second Violation within 60-day period $150.00
Third Violation within 60-day period $300.00
Questions:
1) What if the b
usiness has a sidewalk cafe/public space permit? Where should the sign g
o?
Matthew said the sign needs to be inside the sidewalk café space. Since the business is already ‘paying for use of that space’ the sign should be inside of there.
2) The a-frame/sandwich board sign rules also apply to other ‘displays of merchandise’ such as clothing, furniture, books, etc...same rules apply.
3) Adams Morgan is NOT in the Central Business District.
4) Permits are NOT required for the signs or other displays of merchandise. Everyone can have one. The signs are completely legal if placed in the correct place.
Questions should be sent to Matthew Marcou at DDOT.
Matthew Marcou
| Deputy Associate Director | Public Space Regulation Administration | District Department of Transportation |
55 M St SE, 6th Floor, Washington DC 20003 & 1100 4th St SW, 3rd Floor, Washington DC 20024
desk (202) 478-1448 | office (202) 671-2740 | fax (202) 727-1013 (55 M) & (202) 535-2221 (1100 4th)
email:
Matthew.Marcou@DC.gov
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