The Planning and Development Department (P&D) recommends the adoption of amendments to Chapter 41 of the Code of Ordinances related to street name changes. These amendments include modifications to the existing citizen-led petition process and establishment of a City-initiated process for street name changes. Specifically, these amendments will do the following:
- Improve the existing citizen-led petition process. These improvements include the following:
- Elimination of an unnecessary requirement for individual title reports for each property;
- Focusing petition support on those most affected by the change by requiring petitions be signed by owners of properties that are addressed off the street, rather than by owners of properties abutting the street;
- Enhancing the community notification and engagement process; and
- Allowing the broader community to provide input on street name changes, while giving primary consideration to owners of properties that are addressed from the street.
- Establish a limited scope for City-initiated street name change proposals. Under this scope, City-initiated street name changes are allowed under the following circumstances:
- The change is deemed essential by either the fire chief or the police chief to preserve public health, safety, and welfare; and
- The street name change directly reflects the name of a public park or public facility that abuts the affected street.
- Clearly define the public process for considering City-initiated street name change proposals; and
- Provide technical updates to improve ordinance administration.
P&D published the draft amendments on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 and opened a 37-day comment period. The proposed changes were presented to the City Council Quality of Life Committee on August 24th, the Planning Commission on September 1st, and the Super Neighborhood Alliance on September 12th. In addition to these presentations, a pilot project to evaluate the proposed community engagement component of a City-initiated process described in the draft amendments was considered during this timeframe for Dowling Street. As part of the pilot project, P&D held two meetings in the community on September 13th and September 15th to discuss the details of proposed process and roles of P&D, the Planning Commission, and City Council. While the meetings focused primarily on the impact to property owners directly along Dowling Street, residents from the broader community did attend the meetings and provided recommendations on how to improve the community engagement and notification components of the process. This feedback was incorporated into the proposed Chapter 41 amendments. P&D anticipates the renaming of Dowling Street will be offered for City Council consideration in November 2016.
The Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 29, 2016 to receive input on the Chapter 41 changes and consider additional modifications to the draft language based on the community feedback. The Commission voted unanimously to forward the modified changes to City Council for approval.
The Planning and Development Department recommends that City Council approve the ordinance to amend Article II, Division 4 of Chapter 41 of the Code of Ordinances related to street name changes.
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Patrick Walsh, P.E.
Director
Planning and Development Department
CC: Andy Icken