D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-C2504
Signage shall be appropriate to the building, site, or historic district it will affect. Signage shall relate to, take advantage of, and be compatible with the building's particular composition, scale, design features, and architectural character. It shall be designed with sensitivity to adjacent historic properties, the landscape of historic sites, and the streetscape of historic districts, especially when placed in public space.
Signage shall be appropriate to the identified or advertised use. Its scale and design character shall be commensurate with the size and nature of the entity and its location.
Signs on historic property shall be primarily oriented toward and promote the pedestrian environment.
Redundant or repetitive signs which clutter, overwhelm, or visually detract from a building façade, storefront, or site are not permitted.
Signs shall be lightweight in feeling and appearance. Signage or signage elements like raceways that are boxy, bulky, or out of scale with historic buildings and districts are not permitted.
Signs that graphically or symbolically express a business or institution, or that express creativity, diversity, or individuality are encouraged.
Branding, color branding, or overpowering visual effects that detract from or overwhelm the architecture or historic character of a building or district are not permitted.
Signs should be well designed and fabricated of high quality materials. Professional design and fabrication are strongly encouraged.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-C2504