(a) All changes in names of streets shall be made, and all names of streets not now in existence shall be approved, by special ordinance for that purpose only, and in accordance with subsection (b) hereof, or by special ordinance approving subdivision plats containing such names passed in accordance with Chapter 1224 of the Planning and Zoning Code. The Public Works Director shall keep a complete file and index of all street names and of the respective ordinances of approval.
(b) Change in Street Names.
(1) Recommendation by Public Works Director. The Public Works Director may from time to time recommend to the City Council that changes be made to the designated name or number of any street to eliminate duplications, to avoid confusion which would have a negative impact upon the providing of emergency services, or for any other good cause.
(2) Petition by lot owner. A person owning a lot in the City may petition that the name of a street adjacent to such lot be changed. If the petitioner does not own property adjacent to the street, the Alderperson(s) from the affected ward(s) can sponsor the petition.
(3) Contents of petition. The petition shall include a statement regarding the public purpose to be accomplished by means of the change; if the name is in honor of a person, the historical significance of the person whose name is proposed, the person's history of contributions to the City, such as a person's history of residence in the City, including duration and location of such residence; a history of the street, including its existing name; and an application fee of forty dollars ($40.00) to cover administrative costs.
(4) Approval. The City Council may approve a recommendation by the Public Works Director at any time. The City Council may approve an ordinance based upon a petition to change a street name only if ninety percent or more of all owners of record of the property adjacent to the street segment under consideration have joined in the petition.
(c) Honorary Names. The City Council may also designate an honorary name for a public street in addition to the assigned street name. The petition contents for any proposed honorary street name designation shall be the same as for a change to the assigned street name, except that such designation shall be approved by resolution, and with the exception that only fifty-one percent or more of all owners of record of the property adjacent to the street segment under consideration need to have joined in the petition and the petitioner shall cover the cost of production and installation of street signs should the request for the honorary street name be granted.
(1977 Code § 63-115; Ord. 94-80. Passed 9-19-94; Ord. 2005-24. Passed 7-5-05.)