The City of Lighthouse Point recently adopted a formal policy regarding the naming of city-owned properties and streets.

The purpose of the naming policy is to “establish a uniform and visible process” and ensure naming is “consistent with the values and characteristics of the city.”

According to the policy, the naming of a city-owned property or street “will enhance a sense of community involvement and public participation within the city.”

The policy outlines the criteria to be used when considering naming requests. A city-owned property or street may be named after a person who significantly contributed to the acquisition or development of the city-owned property or street, or after an individual or civic organization that provided exceptional service in the interest of the city.

A city-owned property or street can also be given a name other than for a person, such as Lighthouse Drive or Marina Drive.

Naming can be considered based on the provision of significant funding that underwrites the cost of renovation or construction of a city-owned facility, acquisition of buildings or property, and/or matches for federal, state, or local grant funding. However, the naming can’t conflict with policies for federal, state or local grant funding programs.

Parks and facilities that are donated to the city can be named by deed restriction by the donor. The naming and acceptance of land is subject to approval by the city commission.

Naming may include amenities, buildings, parks, streets, bridges, capital fixtures or equipment, and related public property. A relevant connection to the property must be included in a naming request.

City-owned property or streets cannot have a name associated with any political party or partisan candidate, partisan organization or religious organization.

The city commission will consider the length of time for the naming to occur. Some names may be appropriate for a set time period instead of in perpetuity.

The naming policy sets forth the procedure for making a naming request.

Prior to submitting a request to the city administrator, the interested party must secure 50 signatures from Lighthouse Point residents in support of the naming request, and must submit a narrative to the city administrator for initial review.

After reviewing and confirming that the narrative meets the criteria outlined in the policy, the city administrator will forward it to the mayor and city commission, with all relevant information, including any potential fiscal impact to the city.

The city commission will allow for one public input opportunity at a commission meeting prior to making a final decision on the application. The public input opportunity will be advertised through the city’s e-newsletter, website and social media.

If the city commission approves the request, the naming will be confirmed by a resolution. The resolution may also impose varying terms and conditions upon the approval that will only relate to the request under review, and will not set any precedence for future requests. The city commission will have the absolute discretion to grant or deny a request for any reason.

At the request of Mayor Kyle Van Buskirk, the city commission discussed the establishment of a naming policy at its May 10 meeting. Direction was given to city administration to draft a policy for the city commission to consider at a future meeting. The policy was approved by the city commission in June.