PILLAR: Growing
AGENDA DATE: September 9, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): 1, 2
DEPARTMENT: Department of Planning and Development
PRIORITY: Transportation
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SUBJECT
Title
A public hearing to receive comments regarding a proposal to change the name of Houston Street Bridge (Houston Street Viaduct) between Zang Boulevard and Young Street to “Pettis Norman Bridge” and an ordinance granting the name change - STNAME-26-000005 - Financing: This action has no cost consideration to the City (see Fiscal Information)
*In alignment with ForwardDallas.
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BACKGROUND
On March 23, 2026, the City Manager received a memorandum signed by three City Council members requesting consideration of a street name change application for Houston Street Bridge (Houston Street Viaduct) between Zang Boulevard and Young Street to “Pettis Norman Bridge”. The statement of reasons supporting the request is included in the attached memorandum.
On May 4, 2026, notification signs were posted along Houston Street, between Zang Boulevard and Young Street, in accordance with Section 51A-9.503(b) of the Dallas Development Code.
On August 20, 2026, notices were mailed to the 14 property owners abutting the street, informing them of the City Council hearing regarding the street name change request, in accordance with Section 51A-9.503(b) of the Dallas Development Code. Notice of the September 9, 2026, City Council hearing was also published in the newspaper on August 20, 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 street name, “Pettis Norman Bridge,” contains 20 characters. Therefore, approval of the proposed street name change will require a waiver of Section 51A-9.304(a)(5)
The proposed change of the Houston Street Bridge (Houston Street Viaduct), between Zang Boulevard and Young Street, to “Pettis Norman Bridge” complies with Section 51A-9.304(a)(1), as no other street within the City has been named or renamed “Pettis Norman Bridge.”
The proposed change of the Houston Street Bridge (Houston Street Viaduct), between Zang Boulevard and Young Street, to “Pettis Norman Bridge” does not comply with Section 51A-9.304(c)(2), 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-9.304(c)(2)
Houston Street Bridge (Houston Street Viaduct) is registered in the National Register of Historic Places. The proposed name change of the Houston Street Bridge (Houston Street Viaduct), between Zang Boulevard and Young Street, to “Pettis Norman Bridge” does not comply with Section 51A-9.304(c)(1). Therefore, approval of this request will require a waiver of Section 51A-9.304(c)(2)
The following provision requires three quarters of the City Council to waive the requirement.
Section 51A-9.304(a)(5) “A street name may not contain more than 14 characters providing, however, that the street-type designation may be abbreviated to comply with this requirement.”
Section 51A-9.304(c)(2) “A street name commemorating a person, or a historic site or area is prohibited until at least two years after the death of the person to be honored or the occurrence of the event to be commemorated.”
Section 51A-9.304(c)(1) “A Historic street name may not be changed.”
The approval of this request requires an amendment to the Thoroughfare/CBD Plan.
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
A street name approved by the city council takes effect 60 days after the date of its approval unless city council sets a later effective date.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On May 21, 2026, the Subdivision Review Committee, by unanimous vote, held the case under advisement until June 25, 2026.
On June 25, 2026, the Subdivision Review Committee, by unanimous vote, recommended denial of the request.
On August 6, 2026, the City Plan Commission, by unanimous vote, recommended approval of the request.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City. New Street blades to be prepared and paid for by the applicant.
MAP
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