(a) The designation of honorary street names shall follow these guidelines:
(1) Proposal. A proposal to assign an honorary street name shall be submitted in writing (along with the fee) to the Planning Commission Secretary who will refer the proposal to Planning Commission. Each proposal shall include:
A. The applicants name, representing business/organization, address, phone number, fax, website and email address.
B. The specific street segment being proposed for honorary street naming, including a scaled sketch showing its location. The sketch shall include a north arrow.
C. A rendering of the street sign with Honorary Street Name. The rendering shall include the size, color, dimensions, font, font size, insignia and materials proposed. Current photographs of the areas in which signs are to be placed shall be provided.
D. The full form of the name being proposed.
E. The origin or meaning of the proposed name.
F. If the proposed name refers to an individual, a brief biography of that individual.
G. The rational for assigning the honorary street name, including an explanation of how the name or individual has been associated with the area in which the street is located.
H. A signed statement stating that the applicant will at their own expense install and maintain the honorary street signs in accordance with these provisions or as directed by City officials. The applicant will be responsible to update the City with any change of contact information.
I. Letters from appropriate organizations or individuals which provide evidence of local support for the proposed honorary street name.
(2) Criteria. In reviewing a proposed honorary street name, the Planning Commission shall consider the proposed honorary street name using the following criteria:
A. An honorary name shall not duplicate any official street name.
B. When an honorary street name has been assigned, no other honorary naming proposal shall be considered for that segment of the street for a period of ten (10) years following the effective date of the honorary street naming.
C. Names that could be considered derogatory to a particular person or organization or to any racial, religious or ethnic group or to disabled persons shall not be considered nor shall names that could be considered obscene, blasphemous, insulting or offensive.
D. The name of the individual shall not be given consideration unless the individual portrays a positive image.
E. Names of individuals who have made contributions in arts, entertainment, and business shall be considered along with the names of individuals known for outstanding careers of public service.
F. Names of individuals that have generously volunteered their time and efforts for the betterment of the world shall also be considered.
G. Names of individuals that have served the U.S. forces or community safety forces for the protection of the community and country shall also be considered.
H. The individual may be considered only if the individual is deceased or has attained the age of seventy (70) years unless it is determined that it is in the public's interest to honor the individual or the individual's family for historical or commemorative purposes.
I. The honorary naming of streets is limited to one individual name and/or one organization per year.
(3) Street Sign. The honorary street name shall be indicated on a sign mounted at the intersection and shall meet the current edition of the Ohio Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The City shall have the right to determine the locations, sizes, colors, dimensions, fonts, font sizes, insignia and materials used for signs. The City shall determine if signs may be attached to existing sign posts or whether it will be a standalone post with placard.
(4) Legality. Whenever an honorary street name is assigned to a street or street segment, by ordinance, the street or street segment shall retain its official name which shall be used for all official and legal purposes. Addresses using the honorary street name shall not be assigned.
(5) Honorary Street Sign Maintenance and Care. The applicant shall be responsible to maintain the honorary street name placards and appurtenances. Upon written request from the City, the applicant shall have thirty (30) days to remediate any damages or maintenance issues to the street name placards and appurtenances. Failure to care for the honorary street signs, banners, placards, etc. installed not meeting the guidelines herein will be cause for its removal. The City shall not be liable for any sign damage, vandalism or environmental events affecting the sign.
(6) Fee. The fee at the time of proposal submission is fifty dollars ($50.00) for each proposal.
(Ord. 83-2020. Passed 11-9-20.)