Chapter 7.08
STREET ADDRESS NUMBERING SYSTEM*

Sections:

7.08.010    Numbering system adopted.

7.08.020    Assignment of numbers.

7.08.030    Names of streets.

7.08.040    Display of numbers.

7.08.050    Applicability.

7.08.060    Enforcement officer designated.

7.08.070    Street name changes.

*     Prior ordinance history: Ord. 4-83.

7.08.010 Numbering system adopted.

The Alameda County property numbering system adopted by Alameda County Ordinance No. 288 N.S. is adopted as the grid system for assigning addresses. A map of the grid system is available for public inspection in the office of the city clerk. (Ord. 4-87 § 2)

7.08.020 Assignment of numbers.

The grid system shall be the basis for assigning numbers. However, minor deviations from the grid system may be made in order that lots within a given block may be in the same hundred block. Where streets change direction numbers may be assigned in a manner that is consistent with public convenience. Where streets form circles the lots may be numbered consecutively around the circle. (Ord. 4-87 § 3)

7.08.030 Names of streets.

The following guideline shall be used in naming streets:

A.    All streets, roads and ways running generally northerly and southerly to be know as “streets” or “roads.”

B.    All streets, roads and ways running generally easterly and westerly shall be known as “avenues” or “ways.”

C.    All streets, roads and ways running in a variable curving or winding direction shall be known as “drives” or “lanes.”

D.    All cul-de-sac or dead ends not a continuation of any of the above shall be known as “courts” or “places.”

E.    Major arterial routes through the city shall be known as “boulevards,” “parkways,” “freeways,” or “throughways.” (Ord. 4-87 § 4)

7.08.040 Display of numbers.

A.    All new house numbers for residential buildings shall be internally lighted and shall be continuously lit from sunset to sunrise. The numbers shall be posted on the front of the building near the front or main entrances. The numbers shall be a minimum of two (2) inches high and the numbers and background shall have contrasting colors.

B.    All nonresidential buildings shall display numbers near the front or main entrance. The numbers shall be a minimum of five (5) inches high and the numbers and background shall have contrasting colors. Where nonresidential buildings have more than one address, and there is a rear exit for the particular address, the numbers shall be posted on the rear door also. (Ord. 4-87 § 5)

7.08.050 Applicability.

A.    Whenever the numbers are not displayed on existing nonresidential buildings as required in Section 7.04.040, the owner or occupant of the existing building shall after ten (10) days’ written notice install numbers and names as required or shall be guilty of an infraction.

B.    Each owner or occupant shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of any provision of this section is committed, continued, or permitted by such person. (Ord. 5-89 § 1: Ord. 4-87 § 6)

7.08.060 Enforcement officer designated.

This chapter shall be enforced by the City Manager or his designated representative. (Ord. 4-87 § 7)

7.08.070 Street name changes.

The following procedure shall apply to the changing of street names:

A.    Authority. The City Council may, by resolution, change the name of any street within the city if the street name is identical or similar to another street name in Alameda County, if one continuous street is known by more than one name, if a street different from the official name is in common use, or for other just cause.

B.    Initiation. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a street name change may be initiated by any of the following methods:

1.    By action of the City Council;

2.    By action of the Planning Commission;

3.    By request of any adjoining local government;

4.    By petition representing not less than twenty percent (20%) of the households or addresses on the street to be renamed, except that the petition need not represent more than ten (10) addresses.

C.    Procedure. When a street name change has been initiated pursuant to subsection B of this section, a public hearing shall be scheduled before the Planning Commission. At least ten (10) days prior to the public hearing, the city Community Development Director shall cause notice of said hearing to be posted in conspicuous places along said street, said notice to contain letters a minimum of one-eighth (1/8) inch in height reading “NOTICE OF PROPOSED STREET NAME CHANGE” along with a general description of the proposal. The city Community Development Director shall also cause notice of said hearing to be mailed to each owner, as shown on the latest equalized assessment roll, of property along said street at least ten (10) days prior to the public hearing.

After the closing of the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation to the City Council. If the Planning Commission recommends a change, the City Council may adopt a resolution putting the recommended change into effect without a hearing, or the City Council may hold a public hearing at its option. The City Council shall not change any street name contrary to the Planning Commission recommendation without first holding a public hearing thereon. If the Planning Commission recommendation is for no change, the matter may be summarily dismissed by the City Council or a public hearing on the proposal may be scheduled. If the City Council is to conduct a public hearing, the notice requirement for said hearing shall be the same as contained in the first paragraph of this subsection.

D.    Exceptions. In the event there are no addresses in use on a street the name of which is to be changed, or if all households or occupants on such street consent in writing to the change, the Council may make such change without referral to the Planning Commission and without a public hearing.

E.    New Street Names. Names for new streets shall be established by the adoption of a resolution by the City Council or by approval of a final subdivision map or final parcel map containing staff-reviewed and approved names. No public hearing need be held.

F.    Referral. No new street shall be named nor shall any street name be changed without first referring all proposed names to the City Planning Department, Dougherty Regional Fire Authority, United States Post Office, county of Alameda, each adjoining city, the city Police Department, and any other agency as approved by the City Council. Upon receipt of replies from these agencies, or upon the expiration of fifteen (15) days after notice was sent, the city Community Development Director shall forward his findings and recommendations to the Planning Commission or City Council, whichever has primary jurisdiction.

G.    City Clerk Duties. Whenever the name of any street is adopted, established or changed, the City Clerk shall promptly forward a copy of the resolution providing for such new name, change of name, or house number to the Dougherty Regional Fire Authority, United States Post Office, county of Alameda, each adjoining city, the city Police Department, and any other agency as approved by the City Council, and those property owners affected by the name change. (Ord. 5-96 § 1 (part); Ord. 1-93 § 1)