What is the proper procedure for changing the name of a street?
If the street to be renamed is within a
recorded subdivision or certified survey map, then the renaming must be
accomplished by the recording of an affidavit of correction under Wis.
Stat. sec. 236.295. Section 236.20(4)(a), requires the name of each road
or street in a subdivision plat to be printed on the plat. Section
236.295(1) specifies that correction instruments, such as affidavits to
correct the names of streets on a recorded plat or certified survey map
shall be recorded in the office of the register of deeds. Any affidavit
correcting a street name set forth in a plat or certified survey map
must be approved prior to recording by the governing body of the
municipality in which the subdivision is located. Sec. 236.295(2).
There is no procedure set forth in the
statutes for changing the names of streets that are not a part of a
recorded subdivision. We have concluded in previous League legal
opinions, Streets and Alleys 478 and 414, that the procedure to be
followed for renaming such streets is entirely within the discretion of
the governing body. The governing body may accomplish the renaming of
streets outside of subdivisions by merely adopting an ordinance or
resolution.