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Planning board recommends code cleanup ordinance for AH14 at 29 Thanet Road to preserve intended fourth-round standards
Summary
Ordinance 2026-02, which modifies interpretation and repealer language for the AH14 zone at 29 Thanet Road, was recommended as substantially consistent to ensure fourth-round affordable-housing standards control when conflicts arise and to remove an overly broad repealer clause.
The Princeton Planning Board voted Feb. 5 to recommend that Borough Council find Ordinance 2026-02 — an amendment related to Affordable Housing District AH14 at 29 Thanet Road — substantially consistent with the master plan.
Planning staff explained the proposed ordinance corrects drafting issues in an earlier September ordinance. Justin told the board the existing interpretation section unintentionally stated that, when a conflict exists between the new zone and other code sections, the more restrictive provision would apply. The proposed change would make plain that “if the terms of this ordinance shall be in conflict with those of another ordinance, the provision of this ordinance shall control,” ensuring the fourth-round provisions are not negated by other municipal code sections.
Justin also said the ordinance would remove a broad repealer clause in the earlier ordinance that could be read to repeal sign-code provisions townwide; removing that repealer keeps site-specific allowances (for example, signage unique to the zone) intact. He described both edits as necessary corrections to implement the fourth-round housing plan and to “remove barriers” to the realistic opportunity for construction of affordable housing.
Board members with law backgrounds and the municipal attorney discussed the technical phrasing; staff said the corrected language will be used in the remaining fourth-round ordinance referrals. Chair Wilson moved to recommend consistency with the master plan; the motion carried on a roll call with all present voting yes.
The ordinance was introduced at Council on Jan. 27 and is scheduled for Council public hearing on Feb. 9.
