No signs are allowed in Zoning District I except as specifically set forth below. These exceptions shall not be construed as relieving the owner of such signs from the responsibility of complying with other applicable provisions of this Ordinance or the Princeton Planning and Zoning Code in general.
(a) Roof Signs. Roof signs shall not be permitted.
(b) Freestanding Signs. Freestanding signs shall be permitted in the City subject to the following:
(1) Off-site freestanding signs are permitted, but must meet all Federal and State regulation.
(2) On-site freestanding signs subject to the following:
A. Only one on-site freestanding sign shall be permitted on a lot.
B. Display surface area shall not exceed 400 square feet.
C. The sign may be illuminated.
D. The closest part of any sign shall be set back three (3) feet from the property line and fifty (50) feet from any R-1, R-2, R-3, C-R, C-1, C-2, or O-I zoning district.
(c) Projecting Signs. Projecting signs shall be permitted subject to the following:
(1) Off-site projecting signs are prohibited.
(2) On-site projecting signs subject to the following:
A. Only one on-site projecting sign shall be permitted on a building.
B. Display surface area shall not exceed 400 square feet.
C. The sign may be illuminated.
D. The farthest protruding section of a projecting sign shall be set back four (4) feet from any existing street right-of-way and fifty (50) feet from any R-1, R-2, R-3, C-R, C-1, C-2, or O-I zoning district.
(d) Wall Signs. Wall signs shall be permitted subject to the following:
(1) Wall signs shall not project more than eighteen (18) inches from the surface upon which they are mounted; provided, the upper edge of a wall sign mounted on a mansard roof may project more than eighteen (18) inches so long as the sign is perpendicular to the ground.
(2) Where a building houses more than one business, wall signs shall be limited in number to one wall sign per business on each wall with a limit of two (2) wall signs per business per building. All wall signs shall not exceed 100 square feet or five percent (5%) of any wall which ever is greater.
(3) Where a building houses only one (1) business, a maximum of three (3) wall signs may be placed on one wall, but no more than four (4) wall signs may be placed on the entire building. The display surface area of all wall signs on any one wall shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the wall or 100 square feet whichever is greater.
(4) The sign may be an illuminated sign.
(5) Off-site wall signs are prohibited.
(e) Area Identification Signs.
(1) The size and location of the wall, or other structure which will contain the area identification sign, must be approved by the Building Inspector, who will approve such structure based on the City Building Code.
(2) The maximum display surface area of area identification signs shall not exceed sixty (60) square feet.
(f) Signs Painted on Windows or Doors. Signs painted on, or affixed to, glass surfaces of windows or doors, and letters on awnings and canopies pertaining to the lawful business conducted therein are allowed without a permit.
(g) Directional, Identification and Informational Signs. Directional, identification and informational signs provided such signs shall be limited to wall and freestanding signs with a maximum of four (4) square feet of display surface area. Notwithstanding restrictions on the location and number of freestanding signs prescribed by Section 1365.08
(b), one (1) informational sign shall be permitted at each entrance or exit on a lot or parcel to identify said entrance or exit, provided each sign does not constitute a traffic hazard.
(h) Building Marker. Memorial signs or tablets, names of buildings and date of erection when cut into any masonry surface or when constructed of bronze or other incombustible materials.
(i) One sign per business may be animated as long as no safety problem or nuisance is caused.
(j) Changeable temporary copy board signs are allowed on private property without a permit as long as they do not cause a danger to the public.
(Passed 1-6-97.)