Lincoln Municipal Code Ch. 17.30 Naming and Renaming of Streets and Other Public Facilities

Requests for naming of new streets designated as collectors or major streets, renaming streets and establishing themes and the name or renaming of public buildings and facilities, parks and recreational facilities owned or controlled by the city, except proposals initiated by the city council or planning commission, shall be submitted in writing to the theme and naming committee (TANC) at the department of community development.

(Ord. 769B §3, 2004: Ord. 557B §3(part), 1991)

All requests for naming of new streets designated as collectors or major streets, renaming streets and establishing themes and the naming or renaming of any public building or facility, park or recreational facility shall be referred to the TANC for determination. The TANC may approve the theme or name proposed, approve it with modifications or approve a different name. In reaching its decision, the TANC shall give consideration to the following guidelines:

(1) Any street which is a continuation of, or approximately the continuation of, any existing street should be given the same name as the already existing street, in absence of other overriding considerations;

(2) Streets and other public facilities should not be given names which would cause confusion with other streets or public facilities;

(3) Themes and names which achieve any of the following purposes should be promoted:

a. A theme or name which serves to identify the location of the subject by reference to distinct geographic, environmental or development features in the immediate area,

b. A theme or name which references the history of the subject site or its immediate area,

c. A theme or name which identifies a person(s) or family which made an extraordinary donation of land or funds to promote the construction or improvement of the subject public facility,

d. A theme or name which recognizes a person(s) or family who made a distinct, significant contribution to the well-being of the city, including past mayors, council members, board or commission members, officers or employees of the city, but not anyone who currently holds any such position.

(Ord. 769B §4, 2004: Ord. 557B §3(part), 1991)

(a) Prior to any change of name of an existing street, if the renaming would change the street address of one or more occupants of abutting property, the TANC shall hold a public hearing on the proposed street naming. The director of community development shall endeavor to mail or deliver written notice of the renaming to all such occupants at least ten days prior to the date of the hearing, but the failure of such affected occupant to receive such notice shall not invalidate any determination to change the name of the street made pursuant to this subsection.

(b) In cases other than those governed by subsection 17.30.030(a), the director of community development, the TANC, the planning commission or the city council may request that TANC hold a public hearing on any request for the naming or renaming of any street or other facility, subject to such notice as they deem appropriate.

(Ord. 557B §3(part), 1991)

(a) Following the decision of the TANC under Section 17.30.020, the director of community development shall prepare a report of the TANC's action, summarizing the public input, if any, and the reasons for the TANC's decision. Such report shall be submitted to the city council at its first regular meeting occurring at least ten days after the TANC's action. The city council may affirm the TANC's decision, remand the matter back to the TANC for further consideration, or make its own decision on the matter.

(b) Any person who desires to express opposition to the TANC's decision may address the council prior to the council's action under this section or may subject such opposition in writing prior to such time. The director of community development shall provide notification of the date and approximate time of the council's action to any person who requests such notification.

(Ord. 557B §3(part), 1991)

In the case of any subdivision in which the dedication and/or improvement of a new street, designated as collectors or major streets, or extension of a street (but excluding widening of existing streets) is proposed or required, the proposed name of such street, as designated on the tentative map or otherwise, shall be submitted for approval pursuant to Sections 17.30.010 through 17.30.040 of this chapter. The name of the street as designated on the parcel map or final map shall conform to the name(s) approved pursuant to the sections, notwithstanding any other designation on a previously approved tentative map.

(Ord. 769B §5, 2004: Ord. 557B §3(part), 1991)