All signs in the CDT, NDT, EDT, WDT, and CENT Subdistricts of the F Zone District, except movable freestanding signs, shall be approved by the Design Review Board (DRB).

Standards for DRB sign approval. Prior to the issuance of a permit, the DRB shall find that all of the following standards are met, and shall document the findings. Findings of the DRB are advisory and may be appealed to the Board of Appeals. For purposes of interpretation, the DRB shall use local design guidelines, as may be amended, and the context of surrounding buildings and signage in determining whether a proposed sign meets the following standards.

1. A sign shall be consistent with the architectural characteristics of the building upon which it is placed.
2. A sign shall not in any way obstruct or destroy unique architectural features of the building upon which it is placed nor of surrounding buildings.

Additional authority. The DRB shall also have the power to do the following within the CDT, NDT, EDT, WDT, and CENT Subdistricts of the F Zone District:

1. Waivers. Waive certain requirements for the following types of signs:

a. Wall signs. This type of sign may be larger than 32 square feet or located above the second floor windowsill if the DRB determines that based on the size, scale and/or architectural features of the building, the proposed size and/or location is compatible with the architecture of the building and surrounding area.
b. Awning, canopy, marquee signs. These signs may be located above the second floor windowsill, or may project more than four feet beyond the face of a building, if the DRB determines that the proposed location is compatible with the architecture of the building and surrounding area.
c. Projecting signs. These signs may be located above the second floor windowsill if the DRB determines that the proposed location is compatible with the architecture of the building and surrounding area.

2. Sign calculations. The DRB shall limit the total area of all signs added together, so that the total signage on a wall face does not exceed two square feet per linear foot of building wall width. Freestanding signs, movable freestanding signs, temporary signs, and flags shall not be included in this calculation.
3. Approved signs not specifically listed. Sign types that are not specifically listed in Sec. 39-8.04: Signs allowed with permit may be permitted by the DRB, provided that they meet the following criteria:

a. Determination of similar sign type. The DRB shall determine which type of sign listed in Sec. 39-8.04: Signs allowed with permit. is most similar to the sign being proposed.
b. Size. The maximum area of the proposed sign shall not exceed the maximum for the most similar sign type determined in § 39-8.08C.3.
c. Number of signs. The maximum number of signs shall not exceed the maximum for the most similar sign type determined in § 39-8.08C.3.a.
d. Compliance with all other requirements. The sign shall not violate any provision of this article, other than not being listed as a permitted sign type in Sec. 39-8.04: Signs allowed with permit.

Please Click Here for the Sign Application for the Design Review Board.