(a) There shall be no duplication of names already established within the city limits. Where name changes are required to eliminate existing road name duplications, first priority will be given to residents using the street name as their home address. For example, if there are two “Main Street(s)” in the city, and the residents of the first Main Street use a house number followed by Main Street (i.e. 103 Main Street) for their mailing address, but the residents of the second Main Street have a postal route/box number address (i.e. Route 3, Box 27), then the name of the second Main Street shall be changed.
(b) All name changes shall be thoroughly reviewed by the Planning Commission and due consideration will be given to the number of persons affected by such changes, and the positive/negative outcomes which are anticipated by such changes.
(c) Names for streets will be selected according to appropriateness, pleasing sound, easily pronounced and spelled, and not confusing or closely similar to another street name already in use or under consideration.
(d) Names shall not be selected due to political or emotional influences or requests.
(e) Family, or other personal names suggested, shall have serious consideration before approval is given, and general guidelines will be followed such as:
(1) The person or family has made an outstanding contribution to the community; and
(2) The person or family had early origins in the development of the city.
(f) That family or individual requests for personal or memorial names be referred to the Planning Commission and be requested to submit written proof of why the specific name should be considered.
(g) The city’s Planning Commission will make their recommendation to the City Council for final decision.
(h) When new names are chosen or street names are changed, the residents of such streets, avenues, roads and the like will be notified in writing and assistance will be provided where needed to make necessary address changes and residence numbering.
(i) The city office staff will designate the person or staff who will be responsible for the notification of residents regarding changes.
(j) Persons developing subdivisions may name streets within their subdivisions as they choose, but will be advised of these criteria and shall avoid duplication or confusing similarity with existing names. Road name approval for new streets will be obtained by the developer, in advance, from the city.
(Ord. 96-02, passed 4-2-1996)