PILLAR: Growing
AGENDA DATE: October 14, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 1, 2
DEPARTMENT: Department of Planning and Development
PRIORITY: Transportation
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
A public hearing to receive comments and to approve a resolution granting a request to consider the Ceremonial Street Name request for “Pettis Norman” as a street topper on Houston Street Bridge (Houston Street Viaduct) between Zang Boulevard and Young Street - STNAME-26-000007 - Not to exceed $130.00 - Financing: General Fund
*In alignment with ForwardDallas.
Body
BACKGROUND
On September 9, 2026, the Mayor of the City of Dallas received a memorandum signed by five City Council members requesting consideration of the Ceremonial Street Name request for “Pettis Norman” as a street topper on the Houston Street Bridge (Houston Street Viaduct) between Zang Boulevard and Young Street. The statement of reasons supporting the request is included in the attached memorandum.
On September 28, 2026, notification signs were posted along Houston Street Viaduct, between Zang Boulevard and Young Street, in accordance with Section 51A-9.503(b) of the Dallas Development Code.
On September 26, 2026, notices were mailed to the 15 property owners abutting the street, informing them of the City Council hearing regarding the Ceremonial street name change request, in accordance with Section 51A-9.503(b) of the Dallas Development Code. Notice of the October 14, 2026, City Council hearing was also published in the newspaper on September 26, 2026.
Pettis Norman has made important contributions to Dallas through his work in sports, civil rights, business, and community leadership. As a former Dallas Cowboys tight end who played from 1962 to 1970, he was a well-known figure in the city. He actively supported civil rights efforts in the 1960s, joining marches and pushing for desegregation in both professional football and the community. After retiring, he became a successful businessman in banking, real estate, franchising, and transportation. He also founded the Dallas Together Forum to expand opportunities for minority hiring and business contracting. His impact has been recognized through numerous civic awards, hall of fame honors, and acknowledgments in the Congressional Record.
The proposed ceremonial street topper on the Houston Street Bridge (Houston Street Viaduct), between Zang Boulevard and Young Street, to “Pettis Norman” does not comply with Section 51A-9.504(a)(1)(B), as it has not been two years since the death of the individual to be honored. Therefore, approval of this request will require a waiver of Section 51A-9. 504(a)(1)(B)
Section 51A-9.504(a)(1)(C) is complied with as there has been no other city street renamed “Pettis Norman”.
Section 51A-9.504(b)(3) requires that the street topper must have “In Honor of” as the top line of the topper.
The following provision requires three-quarters of the City Council to waive the requirement.
Section 51A-9.504(a)(1) (B) “Use of a ceremonial street naming is prohibited until at least two years after the death of the person to be honored.”
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
A street name approved by the city council takes effect 60 days after the date of its approval unless the city council sets a later effective date.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
General Fund |
$130.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |
|
Council District |
Amount |
|
1 |
$ 65.00 |
|
2 |
$ 65.00 |
|
Total |
$130.00 |
MAP
Attached