The Redondo Beach City Council directed staff to formalize rules for how the city names its parks, buildings and public spaces.

At its Sept. 8 meeting, the council approved a draft facilities naming policy and asked staff to return with a resolution for final adoption. The policy, first reported by Easy Reader, grew out of the city's Strategic Plan, which directed staff to develop a naming framework.

The effort comes after the council named a new park at Herondo Street and Catalina Avenue "Bill Brand Gateway Park" at its July 7 meeting. That decision was made without a formal naming process in place.

A subcommittee of Mayor Jim Light, Councilmembers Obagi and Behrendt, Waterfront and Community Services Director Elizabeth Hause and Assistant to the City Manager Jane Chung developed the draft. Chung prepared the staff report, which City Manager Mike Witzansky approved.

The draft sorts city properties into three categories: Major Facilities, Neighborhood Facilities and Park Structures. Each can be named for geographic or historical significance, for individuals who performed exceptional community service, or for donors who made major contributions to a facility's construction or upkeep.

Current elected officials, city employees and individuals with disqualifying backgrounds cannot have facilities named after them.

Corporate naming rights are allowed for Major and Neighborhood Facilities through a council-directed process, but those rights are time-limited and can be revoked if a sponsor's conduct no longer reflects community standards. Names that are discriminatory, political, duplicative or confusing are prohibited. Historic landmarks receive extra protection.

Any naming proposal would go through an application, review by the Public Amenities Commission, a public notice period and final approval by a four-fifths council vote. Applicants would cover application fees, administrative costs and signage.

Renaming existing facilities is discouraged under the draft. It would be allowed only in limited cases, such as a change in a facility's use or when an honoree's reputation no longer aligns with city values. Current facility names are grandfathered in.

The staff report states the policy carries no fiscal impact at this time. Staff is expected to bring a formal adoption resolution back to the council, though no specific return date has been set. The next City Council meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 415 Diamond St.