(A) A local planning commission created under the provisions of this chapter shall, by proper certificate, approve and authorize the name of a street or road laid out within the territory over which the commission has jurisdiction. It is unlawful for a person in laying out a new street or road to name the street or road on a plat, by a marking or in a deed or instrument without first getting the approval of the planning commission. Any person violating this provision is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be punished in the discretion of the court.
(B) A commission may, after reasonable notice through a newspaper having general circulation in which the commission is created and exists, change the name of a street or road within the boundary of its territorial jurisdiction:
(1) when there is duplication of names or other conditions which tend to confuse the traveling public or the delivery of mail, orders, or messages;
(2) when it is found that a change may simplify marking or giving of directions to persons seeking to locate addresses; or
(3) upon any other good and just reason that may appear to the commission.
(C) On the name being changed, after reasonable opportunity for a public hearing, the planning commission shall issue its certificate designating the change, which must be recorded in the office of the register of deeds or clerk of court, and the name changed and certified is the legal name of the street or road.
HISTORY: 1994 Act No. 355, Section 1; 1997 Act No. 34, Section 1.