(a) The information contained in this section shall apply in all other sections of this article. However, if the information contained in this section conflicts or contradicts the information in other chapters, articles or sections then the information in other chapters, articles or sections shall control with respect to those chapters, articles or sections.
(b) The Building Inspector and Zoning Official of the City of Princeton are charged with the issuance of permits and enforcement of this article. Areas of conflict and interpretation may be addressed through the City Clerk for resolution, in coordination with the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Princeton Planning Commission and/or the Princeton City Council.
(c) Computations. The following principles shall control the computation of sign area and sign height.
(1) Computation of area of individual signs. The area of a sign face (which is also the sign area of a wall sign or other sign with only one face) shall be computed by means of the smallest square, circle, rectangle, triangle, or other combination thereof, that will encompass the extreme limits of the writing, representation, emblem, color, or other display together with any material or color forming an integral part of the background of the display or used to differentiate the sign from the backdrop or structure against which it is placed, but not including any supporting framework, bracing, or decorative fence or wall when such fence or wall otherwise meets the City Building Code requirements and is clearly incidental to the display itself.
(2) Computation of area of multi-faced signs. The sign area for a sign with more than one face shall be computed by adding together the area of all sign faces visible from any one point. When two identical sign faces are placed back to back, so that both faces cannot be viewed from any point at the same time, and when such sign faces are part of the same sign structure and are not more than 42 inches apart, the sign area shall be computed by the measurement of one of the faces.
(3) Computation of maximum total permitted sign area for a zone lot. The permitted sum of the area of all individual signs on a zone lot shall be computed by applying the formula in the appropriate section of this article.
(d) Removal of Certain Signs. In the event a business ceases operation for a period of time in excess of thirty (30) days, the sign owner, property owner, or any lessee shall immediately remove any sign identifying or advertising said business or any product sold thereby; provided, however, this requirement shall not apply where under the provisions of this Ordinance an existing conforming sign may be altered to advertise a new business or product sold thereby, and there is evidence that a new business will be in operation on the premises within six (6) months. For the purpose of this Section, the word "remove" shall mean:
(1) The sign face, along with posts, columns, or supports of freestanding signs shall be taken down and removed from the property.
(2) The sign face and supporting structures of "projecting," "roof," or "wall signs" shall be taken down and removed from the property, and the building repaired or returned to its original condition prior to the installation of the sign.
(3) The sign face of painted wall signs shall be removed by painting over the wall sign in such a manner as to completely cover up and hide from sight the sign in question.
(e) Non-Conforming Signs. For the purpose of this section, a nonconforming sign shall be defined as a sign existing at the effective date of this article which could not be built under the terms of this article. All on-site, non-conforming signs not otherwise prohibited by the provisions of this article shall be removed or shall be altered to conform to the provisions of this article:
(1) When the nature of the business conducted on the premises changes and the sign is changed or modified either in shape, size, or legend or
(2) When the name of the business changes and the sign is changed or modified either in shape, size, or legend.
(f) Signs Not to Constitute Traffic Hazard. No sign or other advertising structure as regulated by this Ordinance shall be erected at or near any street or any public right-of-way in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision; or at any location where, by reason of the position, shape, or color, the sign may interfere, obstruct the view, or be confused with any authorized traffic control device.
(g) Placing Signs on Public Property. No signs other than signs approved by the Princeton City Council or its authorized representative shall be erected on any public property.
(h) Placing Signs on Trees and Rocks. No signs shall be placed or painted on any tree or rock.
(i) Placing Signs on Utility Poles or Signs. No signs shall be placed on any utility pole, light pole, telephone pole, stop signs, traffic signs, etc., except for utility identification or similar purposes.
(j) Spot Lights and Beacons Prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person to continue in operation or erect any attraction device or sign which contains a beacon of any type and/or contains a spot light focused directly into the eyes of the public.
(k) Use of Vehicle as Sign. It shall be unlawful to use a vehicle or trailer as a sign in circumvention of this article.
(l) Portable Temporary Signs. Portable temporary signs shall be allowed without a permit for not more than ten (10) days on any zone lot. However, a permit shall be required upon expiration of the ten (10) days or immediately upon the sign becoming no longer portable.
(m) Signs Exempt From Regulation Under This Article. The following signs shall be exempt from regulation under this article:
(1) Any public notice or warning required by a valid and applicable federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
(2) Any sign inside a building, not attached to a window or door, that is not legible from a distance of more than three (3) feet beyond the lot line of the zone lot on which such sign is located.
(3) Holiday lights and decoration on residential zone lots with no commercial message.
(4) Traffic control devices placed by any government entity.
(n) Access. No projecting sign shall be erected or maintained so as to prevent free ingress and egress from any door, window, sidewalk, street, or fire escape, or so as to prevent free access from one part of a roof to any other part. No sign of any kind shall be attached to a standpipe or fire escape.
(o) Other Signs Prohibited Under This Article. All signs not expressly permitted under this Ordinance or exempt from regulation hereunder are prohibited in the City.
(Passed 1-6-97.)