In order to enhance the visual quality of the Special District, the applicable sign regulations of the underlying districts are modified, as follows:

(a)        Within the Limited Commercial Areas, only one sign, other than an advertising sign, with a surface area not exceeding 12 square feet, shall be permitted per commercial use. Such signs shall be located in a sign band, on the flap of a canopy, or as allowed under paragraph (d) of this Section. The height of such signs shall be not more than 24 inches and the letter sizes shall be restricted to a height of 12 inches. Except as provided in paragraph (d), all such signs may not project from the vertical surface of a building more than 18 inches.

(b)        Within the Commercial Extension Areas, no signs and no display windows shall be permitted on a building or other structure within 50 feet of the Grand Concourse. Commercial uses which are located on a cross-street beyond a distance of 50 feet from the Grand Concourse street line, shall comply with the sign regulations applicable to the underlying Commercial District.

(c)        On Commercial Infill Sites, the maximum surface area to be occupied by a sign, other than an advertising sign, shall be three square feet for every five feet of store frontage or 12 square feet, whichever is greater. Such signs shall be located in a sign band or on the flap of a canopy, or as allowed under paragraph (d). On portions of Commercial Infill Sites more than 50 feet from the Grand Concourse, the signage regulations of a C1 District shall apply.

(d)        Except in C1 Districts, no sign may be located so as to obscure any decorative lintel, cornice or other architectural detail. In the event that compliance with this requirement does not provide adequate surface area for the allowable sign, as defined in paragraph (a) of this Section, a projecting sign may be permitted by the Commissioner of Buildings provided that no such sign shall project from the vertical surface of a building more than 18 inches.

(e)        Except in C1 Districts, no banners, pennants, flashing or illuminated signs shall be permitted anywhere within the Special District. In addition, within Commercial Infill Sites north of the Cross Bronx Expressway, as shown on the map in Appendix A of this Chapter, signs with indirect illumination shall be permitted on the Grand Concourse street frontage of a building.

(f)        Within the Limited Commercial Areas, Commercial Infill Sites, and Commercial Extension Areas within 50 feet of the Grand Concourse, window graphics shall occupy not more than 20 percent of a window. Display lettering more than three inches high shall be considered as a sign.

(g)        All lawfully existing non-conforming signs located within the Special District shall be terminated one year after September 28, 1989.