STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC 1
5/28/2024
JC
Date: May 28, 2024
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Jason Caudle, City Manager
Subject: Approve Ordinance Establishing a Flag Policy
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve introduction of Ordinance No. ____, establishing a flag policy for City-owned or City-maintained flagpoles.
2. Find that this item is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no significant fiscal impact associated with this change.
Background:
Historically, the City of Lancaster displays the United States Flag, the State of California Flag, the County of Los Angeles Flag, and the City of Lancaster Flag at City Hall and other City facilities in accordance with Federal and State law. To ensure consistency and clarity in the use of City flagpoles, it is necessary to establish a formal flag policy.
The primary goal of this policy is to designate and clarify that City flagpoles are not intended to serve as a forum for free expression or speech by the public. Instead, they will be used for the display of official flags approved by the City Council. This policy will outline the specific flags that are permitted to be flown on City flagpoles, i.e., the United States Flag, the State of California Flag, the County of Los Angeles Flag and the City of Lancaster Flag.
The decision to limit the display of flags to those approved by the City Council allows the City of 1 6
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Lancaster to maintain a neutral stance and ensure that its flagpoles are used solely for governmental purposes, avoiding any appearance of endorsing private messages.
Establishing this policy will provide a clear framework for the use of City flagpoles, ensuring consistency and compliance with legal standards. The policy reflects the City Council's intent to uphold the dignity of the flags displayed and to ensure that the City facilities remain inclusive and neutral government facilities. This approach aligns with best practices observed in other jurisdictions and is supported by current case law on the constitutionality of flag policies.
Attachment:
Ordinance No. _____