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EXHIBIT A City of Portsmouth Honorary Street Designation Policy Honorary street designations are intended to recognize and honor the citywide contribution, impact, or fame of individuals and groups. The honorary designation of a street does not change the official name of the street or the addresses of residences and businesses on the street. Purpose: The honorary street designation policy seeks to honor the contribution of individuals and groups in a public setting while minimizing the confusion a permanent street name change has on both emergency services and general travel. Objectives: • To ensure that street name designations are "honorary" and at the discretion of City Council • To ensure that streets continue to retain their official name and remain easily identifiable. • To ensure that street name designations are accepted by the community/consistent with City values. • To encourage the recognition of individuals and groups for their contribution to the community. Background: Portsmouth currently allows citizens to request a change to the official name of a city street, however City Council may determine if the change is an honorary designation or a permanent name change. Sec. 33.1-55(c) of the Portsmouth City Codes states: "Names of existing streets or subdivisions shall not be changed except by approval of the governing body. " This is the only adopted and codified reference regarding the renaming of city streets. Qualifications: A request for an honorary street designation shall detail the individual's or group's citywide, state or national impact, contribution, or fame. The honoree(s) must currently or have previously resided, worked or have other significance to the City of Portsmouth. Family member tributes or commercial recognitions do not qualify for honorary street designation. The approval of the request shall be permanent, unless otherwise directed by the City Council. 1. The following criteria shall be used in determining the appropriateness of the designation: a. An individual or group of historical or cultural significance. b. An individual or group that has made a significant positive impact on the city, state or country. This impact must be well documented and broadly acknowledged within the community and by the City of Portsmouth. c. An individual or group donating to the City of Portsmouth and/or the use of land or facilities for community purposes. 2. The honorary designation must be consistent with City values and not negatively impact the City's ability to carry out its functions fully and impartially. 3. The honorary designation of a street is a high honor and should not be done casually. The honor is reserved for individuals or groups that have made extraordinary contributions to the City and the community through their achievements. 4. Designations that are similar to the names of existing streets should be avoided to minimize confusion. 5. Designations that are discriminatory or denote a political or religious connotation or affiliation shall not be used. 6. Designations that are lengthy or cumbersome shall be condensed to a usable fashion where deemed necessary.