The Old Georgetown Board (OGB) reviews applications for outdoor dining facilities (“streateries”) by considering each proposal’s compatibility with the historic fabric and character of Georgetown, a National Historic Landmark. These guidelines provide general design parameters for the components that comprise most streateries: decks and barriers; furniture; lighting; signage; and other elements. The D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) and D.C. Department of Buildings (DOB) permit the installation of these facilities based on the recommendations of the OGB and Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). All facilities must conform with D.C. regulations; OGB/CFA recommendations may be more restrictive than what D.C. regulations allow.
DECKS AND BARRIERS
• Only painted or stained wood and composite wood are acceptable materials for decking.
• Barriers, decking, and planters should be dark gray in color.
• If planters are used as barriers, they must be no taller than Jersey barriers.
• Overhead structures, walls, poles, roofs, trellises, arbors, shades, tents, and other enclosures are not permitted (excluding required DDOT safety barriers), except for umbrellas.
FURNITURE
• Durable, high-quality furniture is strongly encouraged. It should be neutral in color with a uniform appearance. Furniture primarily constructed of plastic is not acceptable.
• Planters should contain only live plants.
• Floor coverings, rugs, synthetic turf, or other alterations to decking appearance, aside from paint or stain, are not permitted.
• Umbrellas should be made of fabric, uniform in appearance, in one solid color (no stripes or patterns). They should not take on the appearance of a roof or tent.
LIGHTING
• Lights should be warm white, with a color temperature of no more than 3000K.
• No overhead fixtures, neon, light ropes, catenary bistro lights, colored or flashing bulbs, or other distracting lighting patterns may be used.
• Power supplies and associated cables and conduits should not be visible.
SIGNAGE
• Signs, logos, branding, and other advertising are not permitted on any elements, including barriers, umbrellas, and furniture (this excludes required DDOT regulatory signs).
• Free-standing signs, such as A-frames, menu boards, or sidewalk signage, are not permitted.
OTHER ELEMENTS
• In general, live plantings are strongly encouraged.
• Artificial elements, such as faux greenery, artificial plants or flowers, synthetic turf, or faux plant walls, are not permitted.
• Vertical lattices or trellises are permitted to be placed in planters only to support plantings; they are limited in height to two feet above the planter height.
• Free-standing heat lamps are acceptable during cold weather.
• Extraneous or excessive elements that detract from the character, feel, and materiality of the historic district are not acceptable.
Outdoor Dining (Streateries) Guidelines (PDF, 132 KB)