MEDIA CONTACT (ONLY):  John Lisle at (202) 671-2004

(Washington, DC) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will survey commercial areas, beginning on Monday, March 23, 2009, to ensure compliance with the District’s regulations on the placement of signs in public space, and on sidewalks in particular. Title 24 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) prohibits the placement of any signs on sidewalks in the District, with few exceptions.

DDOT has recently received numerous complaints about a proliferation of illegal signs in public space. While being mindful of the needs of local businesses, DDOT will enforce the municipal regulations to ensure safe and efficient travel for pedestrians and vehicular traffic.

This enforcement effort, timed to coincide with the return of warmer weather and increased pedestrian activity, will begin on March 23 with a 7-day warning and public education period. DDOT will begin issuing citations on April 1, 2009. Public space infractions call for a fine of $150 for the first violation and double that amount for subsequent violations.

Acting DDOT Director Gabe Klein stated that “the goal of this initiative is to ensure safe pedestrian walkways and compliance.”  DDOT inspectors, in addition to the warnings, will provide merchants with information on how they can apply for legally permitted storefront advertising. That type of advertising—attached to a building front—is regulated and permitted through the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).