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Council adopts policy on memorials in public spaces; public asks for permit extension options
Summary
Lancaster approved a policy aligning parks and public-works procedures to remove memorials in parks and rights-of-way after a short notice period. Speakers asked the city to consider an encroachment-permit option to allow memorials to remain longer than the stated five-day removal window if structurally sound.
The Lancaster City Council voted unanimously to adopt a policy clarifying the removal of memorials in parks and rights-of-way. City staff said the policy aligns Parks and Public Works procedures to allow removal of memorials after a short notice period (the staff presentation referenced a five-day timeline) to avoid hazards and keep public spaces clear.
During public comment residents said five days is often too short for grieving families because funerals or burials can occur after that window. Several speakers urged the council to explore an encroachment-permit or similar process allowing extensions (for example, seven days or a longer permit up to 30 days) when memorial structures are structurally sound, free of candles or glass and do not create a hazard. City staff (Katie Miller was mentioned during the discussion) agreed to examine what an encroachment-permit process might look like and report back.
A motion to approve the policy was made and seconded and passed with three yes votes; two members were absent.
Ending: Staff will return with options for a permit or extension process and any operational requirements; the policy was adopted as described in the staff report.
