The City of Irwindale has adopted a formal City Facility and Street Naming Policy through Resolution No. 2017-67-2965. The policy establishes uniform procedures and guidelines for naming or renaming city facilities and streets in order to reflect community values, heritage, and identity while ensuring a consistent and transparent decision-making process.
Authority for naming and renaming city streets and facilities rests with the City Council. The policy states that streets, parks, buildings, and other public facilities may be named after natural features associated with the community or after individuals or organizations that have made lasting and significant contributions to the City of Irwindale. The policy prohibits naming a city facility after a currently serving elected or appointed official and requires a waiting period of one year following the death of an individual before naming a facility after them, unless waived by a super-majority vote of the City Council.
The policy also includes criteria for evaluating honorees. Individuals or organizations considered for naming recognition must demonstrate meaningful contributions to the community, such as service to residents, protection of cultural or natural resources, economic development involvement, or long-term volunteer service. The policy further encourages a connection between the honoree’s contribution and the facility being named.
For street naming, names must be unique and not duplicate existing street names. The policy discourages renaming streets that already have established addresses unless extraordinary circumstances exist and both the City Council and affected property owners approve the change.
The policy establishes a formal application process for naming or renaming requests. Applicants must submit a written request explaining the proposed name and the honoree’s contributions. Applications are reviewed by city staff and may be evaluated by the Parks and Recreation Commission before being forwarded to the City Council for final decision. The City Council retains final authority over naming decisions.
