Chapter 2.71 - Naming of City Facilities and Acceptance of Sponsorships
Part of the Code of Ordinances of South Salt Lake, UT.
The text
Sections:
2.71.010 - Purpose and definitions.#
A.
As used in this chapter:
1.
"City asset" means a city property substantially owned and operated by the city, including real estate, parks, and buildings, or elements within a piece of real estate, a park, or a building.
2.
"City park" means a park owned and operated by the city.
3.
"De minimis asset" means a park bench, tree or plant, bike rack, or similar object installed by the city in a public place owned by the city.
4.
"Major asset" means a city asset for which one or more of the following apply:
(1)
It provides material economic value to the city;
(2)
It is iconic to the city;
(3)
It is a structure or facility, including a portion of structure or facility; or
(4)
It is land, regardless of acreage.
5.
"Minor asset" means a park facility in its entirety. For example, a contiguous playground is considered a single park facility and may be named in its entirety as a minor asset; a slide within the playground may not be named as a minor asset.
6.
"Park facility" means a defined physical subset of a park, not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the total area of the park. Park facilities include but are not limited to a pavilion, a score board, a court, or a splash pad.
B.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish policy and guidelines for:
1.
naming or renaming a city asset, with more specific guidance for the naming or renaming of city buildings: and
2.
accepting sponsorships that involve donor name recognition in a manner outside of a formal naming or renaming of a city asset.
C.
The naming of city assets and sponsorship of city assets shall be consistent with the provisions of this chapter.
D.
The policy set forth in this chapter is to establish a systematic and consistent basis for recognizing contributions and support to the city from citizens, volunteers, organizations, financial donors, community leaders, officials, and others.
E.
Any physical feature that acknowledges the official name of a city asset shall be placed on city property and considered city property.
F.
This chapter does not apply to naming or renaming public thoroughfares.
(Ord. No. 2021-14, § 1(Exh. A), 8-25-2021)
2.71.020 - Naming major, minor, and de minimis city assets.#
A.
Asset Classes. When evaluating a city asset for naming, a city asset shall be classified as major, minor, or de minimus. Naming of major assets shall require city council approval. Naming of minor assets shall require mayor approval. Naming of de minimis assets shall require the approval of the neighborhoods department.
B.
Naming process.
1.
To name a major asset, the city council shall:
a.
hold at least one public meeting where there is an opportunity for public comment on the proposed name: and
b.
pass a resolution identifying the asset and explaining the rationale for the chosen name of the asset, including addressing any relevant factors listed in this chapter.
2.
To name a minor asset, the mayor shall issue an executive order. The executive order shall identify the asset, explain the rationale for the chosen name of the asset, and address any relevant factors listed in this chapter.
3.
If a de minimis asset is named, it shall be designated only by a small plaque placed on or near the asset. The plaque shall be no larger than eight (8) by twelve (12) inches and shall be approved, in advance, by the neighborhoods department pursuant to written rules made by the neighborhoods department. A plaque, as described in this paragraph, does not constitute a sign under Title 17.
(Ord. No. 2021-14, § 1(Exh. A), 8-25-2021)
2.71.030 - Naming categories.#
The following asset naming categories are created: A.
Category 1—Sponsorships. Following a request for qualifications or a request for proposals, the city may enter into an agreement with an individual or an organization whereby the naming of a city asset may be selected by such individual or organization, pursuant to the requirements of this chapter, in exchange for a cash or other contribution to the city. Naming requests of city assets that are conditioned upon financial contributions offered to the city shall be considered by the city council and mayor. The city council and mayor shall jointly make all decisions regarding the offering, acceptance of funds, or any other arrangement regarding the sale of naming rights on city-owned assets. The naming of a city asset pursuant to a written agreement shall comply with this chapter.
B.
Category 2—City Recognitions. The city may elect to name a city asset to formally recognize significant contributions and support to the city by:
1.
An individual or organization; or
2.
A group of similarly situated individuals.
C.
Category 3—Tributes and Memorials. An individual may request that the city name a city asset, such as a room, tree, flagpole, or park bench, as a tribute or memorial to an individual, group, event, or other thing.
D.
Category 4—Discretionary. If a request does not apply to an asset naming category, it shall be left to the discretion of the city to name the asset.
(Ord. No. 2021-14, § 1(Exh. A), 8-25-2021)
2.71.040 - Naming standards.#
A.
Applicability. The provisions set forth in this section apply to the naming of a city asset, including, but not limited to:
1.
Opening of a new or refurbished city asset;
2.
Honoring an individual, group, or organization;
3.
Recognizing a gift, donation, sponsorship, joint venture/partnership, or significant contribution to the city or the general public; and
4.
Improvements to an existing city asset.
B.
General Provisions. The following provisions shall apply to selection of any name associated with a sponsorship, city recognition, or a tribute or memorial:
1.
Consent. When a city asset is proposed to be named for an individual, consent shall be obtained from the individual or, if the individual is deceased, the individual's next of kin if reasonably feasible.
2.
Prohibited Names. No name shall be chosen that:
a.
Causes confusion due to duplication of or similarity to an existing named location within the city;
b.
Is the name of:
(1)
An entity associated with tobacco, alcohol, firearms, obscenity, or a sexually oriented business;
(2)
A religious or political organization; or
(3)
A religious leader, unless the leader being honored is recognized solely for the leader's civic contribution:
c.
May have an inappropriate acronym, short form, or modification;
d.
Is discriminatory or derogatory;
e.
Relates to or may create a controversial situation within the city; or
f.
Recognizes a single individual for a contribution similar or identical to a contribution made by others within a particular group associated with that individual.
3.
Asset Name Rejection. The city, in its sole discretion, may reject any proposed sponsorship, asset donation, or any name proposed for a new or existing city asset.
C.
Sponsorships and City Recognitions. The following provisions shall apply to the selection of any name associated with sponsorship or city recognition:
1.
Context. The selected name shall:
a.
Have a longstanding or significant identification with the city or its residents;
b.
Be consistent with:
(1)
The character and public value of the asset;
(2)
Financial sponsorship categories as may be established by the mayor:
(3)
Geographical locations; and
(4)
Any other applicable city requirement.
2.
Personal and Organization Names. The name of an individual or an organization shall be considered only when the individual or organization has made a significant contribution to the city by:
a.
Enhancing the quality of life and wellbeing of the city;
b.
Contributing to the historical, cultural, or societal preservation of the community;
c.
Contributing a significant portion of project costs used for acquisition, development, improvement, or conveyance of land or a building; or
d.
Achieving personal or organizational excellence that represents the city in a positive manner.
3.
Public Gifts. When selecting a name connected with a sponsorship, the following additional factors shall be considered:
a.
The dollar value of the contribution compared to the construction and ongoing operating and maintenance costs of the city asset to be named;
b.
Any financial sponsorship categories as may be established by the city to recognize different contribution amounts:
c.
The cost of establishing the naming: and
d.
In the case of a donated asset, projected ongoing operating and maintenance costs.
D.
Tributes and Memorials. The following provisions shall apply to the selection of any name associated with a tribute or memorial:
1.
Quality. An asset donated to the city shall conform to applicable city standards including, but not limited to, design, durability, and location. The city, in its sole discretion, may reject an offer to donate an asset that does not meet city standards.
2.
Maintenance. An asset donated to the city that is unique and not within any asset class ordinarily purchased and maintained by the city shall be maintained by the donor, unless otherwise provided in an asset naming agreement.
(Ord. No. 2021-14, § 1(Exh. A), 8-25-2021)
2.71.050 - Changing an asset name.#
A.
Criteria. The name of a city asset with an existing name shall be changed only after consideration of the:
1.
Historical significance of the name;
2.
Impact on the currently named individual or organization; and
3.
Cost and impact of:
a.
Changing existing signage, if any;
b.
Rebuilding community recognition; and
c.
Updating records such as letterhead, databases, and promotional materials.
B.
Consideration. Each request to change an existing name shall be considered on a case-by-case basis pursuant to applicable provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. No. 2021-14, § 1(Exh. A), 8-25-2021)
2.71.060 - Asset name removal.#
A.
End of Service Life. When a city asset exceeds its service life, as reasonably determined by the city, or is destroyed through no fault of the city, the asset and its associated name may be removed.
B.
Extension. A named asset that has exceeded its service life may continue to remain in service only if:
1.
The named asset is approved by the city pursuant to an asset naming agreement; and
2.
The asset naming agreement:
a.
Specifies the length of time that the asset name may be used; and
b.
Provides for an endowment fund or other financial resources sufficient to pay the asset's ongoing maintenance costs.
C.
Asset Parameters. If an asset was named before the effective date hereof, classification of the asset shall be accomplished as provided in Section 2.71.020 of this chapter. The city council shall be given the opportunity to decide whether to remove or extend an asset name using the procedure set forth in subsection 2.71.020 B of this chapter as if it were applicable to the removal or extension of an asset name.
D.
Council Action. Unless otherwise provided in an active contract, the city council may review, change, or remove the name of a city asset at any time consistent with the provisions of this chapter.
E.
Expiration. Except as otherwise provided in subsection C, an asset name expires and may be available for renaming upon:
1.
The passage of twenty-five (25) years;
2.
Unexpected natural events, such as flooding, earthquakes, or windstorms;
3.
The end of the asset's useful life or when the asset becomes beyond repair and must be replaced; or
4.
The termination date or event stated in any written agreement of the city with respect to such asset name.
F.
Exemptions. City assets that have longstanding and historically significant names are exempt from this section.
(Ord. No. 2021-14, § 1(Exh. A), 8-25-2021)
2.71.070 - Guidelines for naming or renaming city buildings.#
A.
All city buildings completed after July 1, 2021 shall be identified as being owned and operated by the city as set forth in this section. The city shall include the words "South Salt Lake," or similar, in the name of each building. All permanent on-site signs identifying city buildings shall be clearly visible and shall include the full name of the building as adopted under the guidelines set forth in this section.
1.
For a city building completed prior to July 1, 2021, the mayor and city council shall create a schedule to bring the building into compliance with this subsection A within a reasonable time. The schedule shall consider budget restraints, scheduled replacement dates for signage, and other relevant factors.
2.
The city may use temporary signage for a building completed prior to July 1, 2021, until the city is able to bring the building into compliance with this subsection A.
B.
If the city and another entity jointly construct, own, or operate a building, the city shall work with the other entity to recognize the collaborative nature of the project and to recognize the interests of the other entity in the naming of the building.
C.
Before approving a recommendation for the naming or renaming of a city building, the city council shall consider the following factors:
1.
The names or public identification of adjacent or nearby streets or prominent physical or geographic features;
2.
The community or subdivision in which the building or park is located;
3.
Significant historical features or events that are associated with the public place or the area in which it is located;
4.
Whether the individual, or entity on the individual's behalf, has made a significant contribution to the public place's existence or development. In considering this criteria, the city council shall also consider the contributions of others to the public place's existence or development; and
5.
Whether the naming suggestion is supported by the community at large.
6.
Whether a city entity has invested funds to brand its name.
D.
If the city council is considering naming a public place after a deceased individual, the individual must have been deceased for a minimum of six (6) months.
E.
If the city council is considering naming a public place after a government official, the government official must have been out of office for a minimum of five (5) years.
(Ord. No. 2021-14, § 1(Exh. A), 8-25-2021)
2.71.080 - Sponsorships not involving naming.#
A.
A city asset may be sponsored but not named by a non-city entity, pursuant to a written agreement reviewed by the city attorney's office and signed by the mayor.
B.
Before the city may accept a sponsorship, it shall consider the following factors:
1.
the relative value of the sponsorship the city receives versus the burden of maintaining the sponsorship; and
2.
whether the sponsorship will imply an endorsement on the part of the city or on the part of city officials of a particular entity.
C.
A city sponsorship agreement may not exceed ten (10) years from the day on which the written agreement establishing the sponsorship is executed.
D.
Sponsorship of a city asset may be recognized by up to two (2) physical features that acknowledge the sponsorship. Such physical features could include a banner, a logo on city property, or similar element. Acknowledgement of sponsorship on a physical feature owned and operated by the city does not constitute a sign under Title 17.
(Ord. No. 2021-14, § 1(Exh. A), 8-25-2021)
2.71.090 - Rules and procedures.#
The mayor or the mayor's designee may adopt rules and policies, including asset naming parameters or the designation of sponsorship levels, to implement the provisions of this chapter within the guidelines set out in this chapter.
(Ord. No. 2021-14, § 1(Exh. A), 8-25-2021)