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Warren Council adopts municipal naming ordinance, bars renaming streets and sets $300 application fee
Summary
Council adopted an ordinance establishing a process to name or dedicate municipally owned properties and facilities, added an amendment prohibiting renaming streets or alleyways (allowing dedications instead), and approved a $300 application fee to offset hearing and administrative costs.
Warren City Council on May 20 adopted an ordinance establishing rules and an application process for naming or dedicating municipally owned properties and facilities, with an amendment to prohibit renaming existing streets or alleyways.
Planning Commission representative Mister Rossi said the draft ordinance collected elements from other municipalities and that the commission unanimously recommended adoption. The draft spells out application requirements, public‑hearing procedures and a petitioner requirement that demonstrates a connection to the city (letters of reference, petition signatures, or justification). The planning commission also enclosed a sample application form.
During public comment and council discussion, members asked whether naming rights would generate revenue. Rossi said the application fee covers legal notices and processing and does not convert naming requests into a revenue sale. The ordinance allows a petitioner to apply if they are a city resident, a city property owner, or a long‑standing community organization working in the city; the petition is required to include signatures from city residents or property owners when the 100‑signature threshold is invoked.
Council debated whether street names should be changeable. Members proposed and voted on an amendment to prevent renaming of streets and alleyways while permitting dedications—such as plaques or honorary signs—that preserve the official street name. The amendment passed on roll call with six affirmative votes. Council then approved the ordinance as amended; the clerk recorded the final motion carrying with six votes.
The council also adopted a companion fee resolution to set the naming application fee at $300, which the planning commission said is intended to cover public hearing legal notices and administrative costs. Council members noted that applicants would typically pay additional costs for plaques or any physical signage associated with a dedication.
The ordinance and fee resolution take effect as municipal policy; staff and the planning commission will process future naming applications under the new rules.
