Chapter 1.13
FLAG DISPLAY
Sections:
1.13.020 Flag display policies.
1.13.010 Definitions.
A. “Banner” means a display similar in shape and size of a flag representative of an entity or organization other than a governmental jurisdiction.
B. “Flag” means the U.S. flag, the Washington State flag, the POW/MIA flag, and the official flag of other governmental jurisdictions such as city, state or national flags.
C. “Half-staff” means the position of the flag when it is one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.
D. “Mayoral proclamation” means a formal written declaration issued by the mayor of the city of Yakima. (Ord. 2020-019 § 1, 2020).
1.13.020 Flag display policies.
A. It is the policy of the city of Yakima to correctly display and honor the flags of the United States, the state of Washington, and the POW/MIA recognition, and to ensure a standard for flag display on city property.
B. The city of Yakima shall comply with national and state protocols for flag display and etiquette, as specified in 4 U.S.C. §§ 6 through 8, as they presently read or as they may be amended.
C. The city of Yakima shall follow the provisions governing the display of flags as required in RCW 1.20.017.
D. The city’s flagpoles are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression by the public. The following flags may be displayed by the city as an expression of the city’s official sentiments:
1. Flags of Governments Recognized by the United States. Flags of the governments recognized by the United States may be displayed upon the request of the mayor, a member of the city council or the city manager.
2. Flags of Sister Cities. The flags of official sister cities of Yakima may be displayed in conjunction with an event involving the sister city.
3. Guest Flags. Other flags may be displayed upon a council proclamation passed by resolution.
4. Flags of Professional Sports Teams. The city manager may order the display of the flag of a professional sports team in commemoration of a significant achievement involving a team located in the state of Washington. (Ord. 2022-021 § 1, 2022; Ord. 2020-019 § 2, 2020).
1.13.030 Half-staff.
A. Flags shall be flown at half-staff when prescribed by the President of the United States for days of national mourning, by the Governor of the state of Washington, or upon mayoral proclamation. On Memorial Day, the flags are flown at half-staff until twelve noon, and raised to the peak for the remainder of the day.
B. No other authority to raise or lower flags to half-staff is granted. (Ord. 2020-019 § 3, 2020).