Int. No. 279
By Council Members Felder and Oddo; also Council Members Koppell and Gentile
A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation exempting business and homeowners from the requirement of obtaining a permit to post a non-commercial flag.
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Declaration of legislative findings and intent. The Council finds that displaying a flag is a representation of national pride. The Council further finds that national pride is a strong virtue that should be encouraged and nurtured. Requiring people to obtain a permit to post a flag is an undue burden that the City of New York should lift.
§ 2. Section 19-125 of the administrative code of the city of New York is hereby amended by adding a new subsection (f) as follows:
f. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, under the following conditions, a homeowner or business owner shall be exempt from any requirement to obtain a permit or pay a fee to install a flagpole or fly a flag:
1. Such flag cannot bear the symbol or information about a commercial entity.
2. Such flagpole must be at least ten feet high.
3. Such flag must be no larger than three feet wide by five feet long.
4. Such flagpole must be portable/removable.
5. Such flag and flagpole may not be posted or flown earlier than dawn and must be removed no later than dusk.
6. Such flagpole must be placed no less than twelve inches and no more than eighteen inches from the curb.
7. The owner of such flag and flagpole must comply with all reasonable insurance requirements.
§ 3. Effective date. This local law shall become effective upon its enactment into law and its provisions shall apply retroactively to January 1, 2002.