Planning commission approves procedure for renaming public streets in Conway

The Conway Planning Commission on March 6 approved a text amendment to Article 10 (Subdivision Design and Land Development) of the city's Unified Development Ordinance to create a formal process for renaming existing public streets.

City staff explained the city previously had no formal procedure for renaming public streets and that staff had received multiple public requests. The proposed amendment establishes an application and notice process, restrictions on proposed names, and an application fee to cover notification and public-hearing advertising costs. "Any renaming of a public street should be limited and rare mainly when doing so is in the interest of public safety," a planning staff member said.

Staff said applicants would be responsible for ensuring the new signage meets city standards and for covering materials and labor; public works can construct the sign at the applicant's expense. The amendment was advertised for public hearing; no members of the public spoke on the amendment at the planning commission meeting. The commission voted to approve the amendment as presented.

Votes and implementation notes

- Motion: Approve amendment to Article 10 establishing a street-renaming process. Motion carried by voice vote.

The item will be forwarded to City Council per the city's ordinance-amendment procedures; staff said the application will include notice to affected addressees and that approval will be limited to rare circumstances, typically tied to public-safety or emergency-addressing issues. Applicants will bear sign costs and must follow city sign standards.