2516.1 Canopies historically provided shelter and weather protection for the entrance to a building. Canopies also shaded show windows and sidewalks in a manner no longer permitted by construction codes.

2516.2 A canopy is appropriate where weather protection is a primary consideration. A canopy should not be used primarily as an enlarged sign background or to extend commercial signage across a sidewalk.

2516.3 A canopy at the entrance to a large historic apartment or hotel building can enhance the sense of arrival and welcome created by the architectural treatment of the building entrance. A canopy in a historic commercial streetscape can detract from its character by obstructing views of building facades and adding excess clutter and signage.

2516.4 The appropriateness of a specific canopy depends in part upon the specific characteristics of the historic district, building type, or business type involved.

SOURCE: Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 57 DCMR 2281, 2295 (March 19, 2010).