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HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD2026-001 City Code Update to Gender-NeutralSponsored by: City Clerk Introduction: January 12, 2026 Public Hearing: January 26, 2026 Enacted: January 26, 2026 CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-001 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AMENDING THE SEWARD CITY CODE TO REPLACE MASCULINE/FEMININE LANGUAGE WITH GENDER -NEUTRAL TERMS AND AUTHORIZING THE CODIFIER TO IMPLEMENT NON -SUBSTANTIVE EDITS WHEREAS, local governments work to create more inclusive environments, one area that is often lagging behind is the Code of Ordinances, and; WHEREAS, portions of the Seward City Code still use gendered pronouns and terms that do not reflect inclusive best practices; and WHEREAS, the Municode Codification specialists offer a service for $7,500 to identify and resolve any gendered language issues so that Seward City Code will not reinforce outdated stereotypes; and WHEREAS, the current definition of "gender" in SCC § 1.01.015 states "[t]he masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter, and when the sense so indicates, words of the neuter gender may refer to any gender[,]" which further supports the revisions contained in this ordinance as not altering substantive policy; and WHEREAS, the City Clerk and City Attorney have reviewed and approved a Gender -Neutral Report identifying specific pronoun and terminology replacements in the Code and seeks to implement those changes without altering substantive policy. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SEWARD ORDAINS: Section 1. This ordinance will replace gendered language in the Seward City Code with gender - neutral terminology, consistent with the Gender -Neutral Report attached, and to authorize the City's codifier to make non -substantive editorial changes that do not affect the meaning or application of the Code. Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect ten days upon enactment. ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA THIS 26' DAY OF JANUARY 2026. sa.e. kkeezaz Sue McClure, Mayor CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA ORDINANCE 2026-001 Page 2 of 2 AYES: Osenga, Warner, Calhoon, Barnwell, Crites, Draper, McClure NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None ATTEST: Kris Peck, City Clerk SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality [Title 1]Chapter 1.01, §1.01.015 "Gender. The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter, and when the sense so indicates, words of the neuter gender may refer to any gender." Per City'— Delete this phrase entirely. §1.01.015 "being written near the mark by a witness who writes his own name near the signer's or subscriber's name;' "being written near the mark by a witness who writes their own name near the signer's or subscriber's name;' [Title 2]Chapter 2.01, §2.01.010.A.3. "additional information he may require" "additional information the chief of police may require" [Title 2]Chapter 2.05, §2.05.027.A. "he may attempt" "the city official may attempt" [Title 2]Chapter 2.05, §2.05.035.A., B "he shall prepare" "he may submit" "requester of his right to appeal" "the city official shall prepare" "the party may submit" "requester of their right to appeal" [Title 2]Chapter 2.20, §2.20.035.A., B. "and he shall act" "and the city manager shall act" §2.20.040.E. "required of him" "required of the city attorney" §2.20.045.F. "accomplishment of his duties" "accomplishment of the city clerk's duties" §2.25.085.B. "for services performed by his department;" "for services performed by the department;" [Title 3] Chapter 3.01 §3.01.015 "E. Ensuring equal opportunity and fair treatment of all persons in all aspects of the employer -employee relation- ship including, recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promo- tion, training, transfer, layoff, recall and termination by basing all personnel decisions on the individual's abili- ties and performance without regard to political affilia- tion, race, color, pregnancy, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, disability, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation or any other discriminatory factor prohibited by law and with proper regard for the individual's privacy provided, however, that state or federally mandated employment requirements shall be observed." "E. Ensuring equal opportunity and fair treatment of all persons in all aspects of the employer -employee relation- ship including, recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promo- tion, training, transfer, layoff, recall and termination by basing all personnel decisions on the individual's abili- ties and performance without regard to political affilia- tion, race, color, pregnancy, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, disability, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation or any other discrimina- tory factor prohibited by law and with proper regard for the individual's privacy provided, however, that state or federally mandated employment requirements shall be observed." Chapter 3.20 §3.20.010(c) "C. Prohibit discrimination because of race, age, dis- ability, political affiliation, religion, sex, color, pregnancy, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, national origin or any other discriminatory factor prohibited by law. The standards set forth in the American with Disabilities Act will be followed in the selection of employees of the city." "C. Prohibit discrimination because of race, age, dis- ability, political affiliation, religion, gender, color, pregnancy, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, national origin or any other discriminatory factor prohibited by law. The standards set forth in the American with Disabilities Act will be followed in the selection of employees of the city." 1 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality Chapter 3.40 §3.40.030.E (4),(4). (E)(4)(B)(i) "exclusive representation of an employee by his or her union" "The issue statement does not conflict with an applicable collective bargaining agreement or the exclusive representation of an employee by his or her union; and " "exclusive representation of an employee by their union" "The issue statement does not conflict with an applicable collective bargaining agreement or the exclusive representation of an employee by their union; and" [Title 4]Chapter 4.01, §4.01.010 "Election officials. Means the city clerk or his designee, election judges, election clerks and canvassing boards." "Questioned voter. Means any person .whosenamedoes not appear on the register in the precinct where the voter attempts to vote, a voter who does not bear identification or is not personally known to an election official though his/her name appears on the precinct register, or a voter who is questioned for good cause at the polls in writing." "Voter. Means any.person who presents .himself for the purpose of registering to vote, voting, either in person or by absentee ballot." "Election officials. Means the city clerk or the city clerk's designee, election judges, election clerks and canvassing boards." "Questioned voter. Means any person whose name does not appear on the register in the precinct where the voter attempts to vote, a voter who does not bear identification or is not personally known to an election official though such name appears on the precinct register, or a voter who is questioned for good cause at the polls in writing." "Voter. Means any person who presents oneself for the purpose of registering to vote, voting, either in person or by absentee ballot." 4.01.050.B. "time spent on his election duties" "time spent on the election board member's duties" 4.01.055.B. "State voter registration is prima facie evidence of a voter's qualification, but every election official shall question, and every watcher and other person qualified to vote in the precinct may challenge a person attempt- ing to vote if he believes the person is not qualified to vote. If the voter's polling place is in question, the voter shall be allowed to vote a questioned ballot. A person who frivolously, maliciously or in bad faith challenges a voter or questions his ballot is guilty of a misdemeanor." "State voter registration is prima facie evidence of a voter's qualification, but every election official shall question, and every watcher and other person qualified to vote in the precinct may challenge a person attempt- ing to vote if the election official believes the person is not qualified to vote. If the voter's polling place is in question, the voter shall be allowed to vote a questioned ballot. A person who frivolously, maliciously or in bad faith challenges a voter or questions the voter's ballot is guilty of a misdemeanor." 4.01.065 "Declaration of candidacy forms shall be provided by the clerk and shall include provision for a statement by the candidate affirming his qualifications to fill the office to which he is nominated and his willingness to do so." "Declaration of candidacy forms shall be provided by the clerk and shall include provision for a statement by the candidate affirming the candidate's qualifications to fill the office to which the candidate is nominated and their willingness to do so." 4.01.066.C.1 "The full name of the candidate and the manner in which he/she wishes his/her name to appear on the ballot; and" "The full name of the candidate and the manner in which the candidate wishes said name to appear on the ballot; and" 2 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality 4.01.070.A., B. "Any candidate may withdraw his nomination at any time during the period for filing a declaration of candidacy by appropriate written notice to the clerk." "If a candidate desires to file for a different seat, he shall request a new form from the clerk." "Any candidate may withdraw their nomination at any time during the period for filing a declaration of candidacy by appropriate written notice to the clerk." "If a candidate desires to file for a different seat, the candidate shall request a new form from the clerk." 4.05.015.A. "The city election boards shall be the election boards selected and appointed by the Kenai Peninsula Borough assembly, and each member shall be a qualified voter, unless no qualified voter is willing to serve, and a resident within the precinct for which he is appointed. In the case of an election for which an election board has not been appointed by the borough, the city council shall appoint at least three judges in each precinct to constitute the election board; one judge shall be designated as chairman and shall be primarily responsible for administering the election in that precinct." "The city election boards shall be the election boards selected and appointed by the Kenai Peninsula Borough assembly, and each member shall be a qualified voter, unless no qualified voter is willing to serve, and a resident within the precinct for which the member is appointed. In the case of an election for which an elec- tion board has not been appointed by the borough, the city council shall appoint at least three judges in each precinct to constitute the election board; one judge shall be designated as chairperson and shall be primarily responsible for administering the election in that precinct." 4.05.050.A. "The clerk shall have the ballots in his possession at least 15 days before each regular election and ten days before each special election. At that time, the ballots may be inspected by any candidate whose name is on the ballot, or by his authorized agent, and any discovered mistake shall be corrected immediately." "The clerk shall have the ballots in their possession at least 15 days before each regular election and ten days before each special election. At that time, the ballots may be inspected by any candidate whose name is on the ballot, or by the candidate's authorized agent, and any discovered mistake shall be corrected immediately." 4.05.060.B. "The clerk shall provide booths at each polling place with appropriate supplies and conveniences to enable each voter to mark his ballot screened from observa- tion." "The clerk shall provide booths at each polling place with appropriate supplies and conveniences to enable each voter to mark their ballot screened from observa- tion." 3 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality 4.05.070.A.,B., C.,D. "A. The election judges shall keep an original register in which each voter before receiving his ballot shall sign his name and give both his residence and mailing address. A record shall be kept in the registration book in space provided of the name of persons who offer to vote but who actually do not vote, and a brief statement of explanation. The signing of the register constitutes a declaration by the voter that he is qualified to vote. If any election official present believes the voter is not qualified, he shall immediately question the voter according to the procedure outlined in § 4.05.110.(b). If a voter's polling place is in question, a voter shall be allowed to vote, and any election official shall consider the ballot a questioned ballot. B. When the voter is qualified to vote, the election judge shall give him an official ballot. C. Each voter shall retire alone to a booth or private area to mark his ballot. If a voter is blind or otherwise physically unable to mark his ballot alone, he may request assistance and it may be permitted pursuant to AS 15.15.240. Immediately after the voter has marked the ballot, either the voter shall conceal the manner in which it is marked and deposit the ballot in the ballot box in the presence of an election official, or if the voter so requests the election official shall deposit the ballot in the ballot box in the presence of the voter. D. If a voter improperly marks or otherwise damages a ballot, he shall return it to the election officials, concealing the manner in which it is marked from view, and shall request a new ballot. The election officials shall destroy the damaged ballot after having recorded its number and shall issue a new ballot to the voter. A voter may request replacement of a damaged ballot no more than three times." "A. The election judges shall keep an original register in which each voter before receiving a ballot shall sign their name and give both residence and mailing address. A record shall be kept in the registration book in space provided of the name of persons who offer to vote but who actually do not vote, and a brief statement of explanation. The signing of the register constitutes a declaration by the voter that the voter is qualified to vote. If any election official present believes the voter is not qualified, the official shall immediately question the voter according to the procedure outlined in § 4.05.110.(b). If a voter's polling place is in question, a voter shall be allowed to vote, and any election official shall consider the ballot a questioned ballot. B. When the voter is qualified to vote, the election judge shall give the voter an official ballot. C. Each voter shall retire alone to a booth or private area to mark their ballot. If a voter is blind or otherwise physically unable to mark their ballot alone, the voter may request assistance and it may be permitted pursuant to AS 15.15.240. Immediately after the voter has marked the ballot, either the voter shall conceal the manner in which it is marked and deposit the ballot in the ballot box in the presence of an election official, or if the voter so requests the election official shall deposit the ballot in the ballot box in the presence of the voter. D. If a voter improperly marks or otherwise damages a ballot, the voter shall return it to the election officials, conceal- ing the manner in which it is marked from view, and shall request a new ballot. The election officials shall destroy the damaged ballot after having recorded its number and shall issue a new ballot to the voter. A voter may request replacement of a damaged ballot no more than three times." 4.05.090 "Counters shall report to the election board at the polls at the time designated by the election supervisor or the chairman of the election board to assume their duties to assist the election board in counting the votes. Before undertaking the duties of office, each counter shall subscribe to an oath to honestly, faithfully, impartially and promptly carry out the duties of his position." "Counters shall report to the election board at the polls at the time designated by the election supervisor or the chairperson of the election board to assume their duties to assist the election board in counting the votes. Before undertaking the duties of office, each counter shall subscribe to an oath to honestly, faithfully, impartially and promptly carry out the duties of their position." 4 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality 4.05.100.A.1. "The voter may mark his ballot only by the use of cross marks, "X" marks, diagonal, horizontal or vertical marks, solid marks, stars, circles, asterisks, checks or plus signs that are clearly spaced in the square opposite the name of the candidate the voter desires to designate." "The voter may mark their ballot only by the use of cross marks, "X" marks, diagonal, horizontal or vertical marks, solid marks, stars, circles, asterisks, checks or plus signs that are clearly spaced in the square opposite the name of the candidate the voter desires to designate." 4.05.105.C. "As soon as all the votes are read and counted, a tally certificate shall be drawn upon each of the tally sheets or attached thereto stating the number of votes each person has received and designating the office for which he received the votes." "As soon as all the votes are read and counted, a tally certificate shall be drawn upon each of the tally sheets or attached thereto stating the number of votes each person has received and designating the office for which the person received the votes." 4.05.110.D. "A voter who casts a questioned ballot shall vote his ballot in the same manner as prescribed for other voters. After the election official or judge removes the numbered stub from the ballot, the voter shall insert the ballot into a small envelope and put the small envelope into a larger envelope on which the statement he previ- ously signed is located." "A voter who casts a questioned ballot shall vote the ballot in the same manner as prescribed for other voters. After the election official or judge removes the numbered stub from the ballot, the voter shall insert the ballot into a small envelope and put the small envelope into a larger envelope on which the statement the voter previously signed is located." 4.05.115.C.1., C.2. "No questioned or absentee ballot shall be counted if the voter has failed to properly execute the certificate, if the witness or the officer or other person authorized by law to administer the oath fails to affix his signature, or if the voter fails to enclose his marked ballot inside the small envelope provided." "Any person present may question the name of an absentee voter when read from the voter's certificate on the back of the large envelope if he has good reason to suspect that the voter is not qualified to vote, is disqualified, or has voted at the same election." "No questioned or absentee ballot shall be counted if the voter has failed to properly execute the certificate, if the witness or the officer or other person authorized by law to administer the oath fails to affix their signature, or if the voter fails to enclose their marked ballot inside the small envelope provided." "Any person present may question the name of an absentee voter when read from the voter's certificate on the back of the large envelope if the person has good reason to suspect that the voter is not qualified to vote, is disqualified, or has voted at the same election." 4.10.010 "Any qualified voter may vote an absentee ballot for the precinct in which he resides and is registered." "Any qualified voter may vote an absentee ballot for the precinct in which the voter resides and is registered." 4.10.015 "The clerk shall provide the form of and prepare the voter's certificate which shall include an oath, for use when required, that the voter is a qualified voter in all respects, a blank for the voter's signature, a certification that the affiant properly executed the marking of the ballot and identified himself, blanks for the attesting official or witnesses, and a place for recording the date the envelope was sealed and witnessed." "The clerk shall provide the form of and prepare the voter's certificate which shall include an oath, for use when required, that the voter is a qualified voter in all respects, a blank for the voter's signature, a certification that the affiant properly executed the marking of the ballot and identified as said affiant, blanks for the attesting official or witnesses, and a place for recording the date the envelope was sealed and witnessed." 5 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality 4.10.020.B., C. "On receipt of any absentee ballot in person, the voter shall proceed to mark the ballot in secret, to place the ballot in the small envelope, to place the small envelope in the larger envelope in the presence of the election official who shall sign as attesting official and date of his signature." "If the absentee voter improperly marks or otherwise damages a ballot, the voter may request, and the elec- tion official shall provide him with another ballot up to a maximum of three. Exhibited, improperly marked, or damaged ballots shall be destroyed. The numbers of all ballots destroyed shall be noted on the ballot statement. The clerk shall keep a record of the names and the signatures of voters who cast absentee ballots before him and the dates on which the ballots were cast." "On receipt of any absentee ballot in person, the voter shall proceed to mark the ballot in secret, to place the ballot in the small envelope, to place the small envelope in the larger envelope in the presence of the election official who shall sign as attesting official and date of said signature." "If the absentee voter improperly marks or otherwise damages a ballot, the voter may request, and the elec- tion official shall provide the voter with another ballot up to a maximum of three. Exhibited, improperly marked, or damaged ballots shall be destroyed. The numbers of all ballots destroyed shall be noted on the ballot statement. The clerk shall keep a record of the names and the signatures of voters who cast absentee ballots 'on hand' and the dates on which the ballots were cast." 4.10.025.C. "Upon receipt of an absentee ballot through a personal representative, the voter shall proceed to mark the ballot in secret, to place the ballot in the small envelope, to place the small envelope in the larger envelope and to sign the voter's certificate on the back of the envelope in the presence of the personal representative who shall sign as attesting witness and date his signature. The voter shall then return the absentee ballot to his personal representative who shall deliver the ballot to the clerk." "Upon receipt of an absentee ballot through a personal representative, the voter shall proceed to mark the ballot in secret, to place the ballot in the small envelope, to place the small envelope in the larger envelope and to sign the voter's certificate on the back of the envelope in the presence of the personal representative who shall sign as attesting witness and date said signature. The voter shall then return the absentee ballot to their personal representative who shall deliver the ballot to the clerk." 4.10.030.A., D. "A voter may request that his name be placed on permanent absentee by mail status." "to place the small envelope in the larger envelope in the presence of an official and will date his signature." "A voter may request that their name be placed on permanent absentee by mail status." "to place the small envelope in the larger envelope in the presence of an official and will date their signature." [Title 5]Chapter 5.35, §5.35.065.A. "If a taxpayer pays sales and use taxes under protest, he may bring suit in the Superior Court against the City for recovery of the taxes within 30 days of denial of a timely filed claim for refund. If judgment for recovery is given against the City, the City shall refund the amount of the taxes to the taxpayer." "If a taxpayer pays sales and use taxes under protest, the taxpayer may bring suit in the Superior Court against the City for recovery of the taxes within 30 days of denial of a timely filed claim for refund. If judgment for recovery is given against the City, the City shall refund the amount of the taxes to the taxpayer." [Title 7]Chapter 7.05, §7.05.615 "Occupant means any person as defined herein, or his successor in interest," "Occupant means any person as defined herein, or the occupant's successor in interest," 6 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality §7.05.615 "Permit preference means the privilege of the upland owner to acquire first choice over other non -preference right claimants to a permit for like use and enjoyment of city owned tide or contiguous submerged lands abutting his property." "Permit preference means the privilege of the upland owner to acquire first choice over other non -preference right claimants to a permit for like use and enjoyment of city owned tide or contiguous submerged lands abut - ting the owner's property." §7.05.615 "Pierhead line means the line all stationary man-made structures (but shall not encompass any part of breakwaters, bridges, or piers used for vessel dockage which part extends beyond such a parallel line marking the seaward extremity of other man-made structures)" "Pierhead line means the line all stationary fabricated structures (but shall not encompass any part of breakwaters, bridges, or piers used for vessel dockage which part extends beyond such a parallel line marking the seaward extremity of other fabricated structures)" §7.05.620 "The upland owner shall be notified by certified mail or by a posting of a notice for three consecutive weeks of his right to exercise his preference." "The upland owner shall be notified by certified mail or by a posting of a notice for three consecutive weeks of the owner's right to exercise their preference." Chapter 7.10, §7.10.135 "Family member: Spouse, child, or same -sex partner in an established relationship." "Family member. Spouse, child, or same -gender partner in an established relationship." §7.10.135. "'Harbormaster' means the harbormaster for the City of Seward, the Deputy harbormaster, or any Assistant har- bormaster or other person designated by the harbormas- ter to act in his place." "'Harbormaster' means the harbormaster for the City of Seward, the Deputy harbormaster, or any Assistant har- bormaster or other person designated by the harbormas- ter to act in their place." §7.10.135. "Qualifying interest. A person who transfers title to a vessel or enters into a charter or lease of the vessel, and thereby relinquishes his exclusive control" "Qualifying interest. A person who transfers title to a vessel or enters into a charter or lease of the vessel, and thereby relinquishes their exclusive control" §7.10.215.B., C. "Unless the vessel or other property is formally impounded by the City, the vessel or other property shall at all times remain in the exclusive possession and control of the owner of said property and the City is not acting, and shall not be held liable in any manner, as a warehouseman or a bailee." "The City disclaims any and all other liability, whether for negligence or other tort, in contract or otherwise, and specifically disclaims any warranty of whatsoever kind or nature including, but not limited to, any warranty of workmanlike service or Per City Attorney, leave subsections 'as -is.' performance." 7 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality §7.10.320. "If an applicant refuses to accept a reserved moorage space when offered on two separate occasions, or fails to respond on two separate occasions, it shall be presumed that the applicant has voluntarily withdrawn his application and the applicant's name will be removed from the wait list and the applicant's annual fee pay- ment forfeited." "If an applicant refuses to accept a reserved moorage space when offered on two separate occasions, or fails to respond on two separate occasions, it shall be presumed that the applicant has voluntarily withdrawn their application and the applicant's name will be removed from the wait list and the applicant's annual fee pay- ment forfeited." §7.10.410.B.4 "When the assigned wharf area, or any part thereof, is not required for the use of the assignee or is unoccupied, the harbormaster may, at his discretion," "When the assigned wharf area, or any part thereof, is not required for the use of the assignee or is unoccupied, the harbormaster may, at their discretion," §7.10.825.4. "A statement to be signed by the applicant that if such permit shall be granted, the he will conduct the busi- ness" "A statement to be signed by the applicant that if such permit shall be granted, the applicant will conduct the business" Chapter 7.20, §7.20.015 "For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations will have the meaning given herein. Words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, words in the singular number include the plural number and words in the masculine gender include the feminine." "For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations will have the meaning given herein. Words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural number include the singular number, and words in the singular number include the plural number." §7.20.040.A. "Upon establishment of rules and procedures by city council resolution, burial sites may be reserved for an individual not yet deceased, on a first come, first served basis by any person for himself or" "Upon establishment of rules and procedures by city council resolution, burial sites may be reserved for an individual not yet deceased, on a first come, first served basis by any person for their self or" §7.20.040.B. "The city manager will not authorize the use of reserved burial sites by anyone other than the purchaser or his properly designated representative." "The city manager will not authorize the use of reserved burial sites by anyone other than the purchaser or their properly designated representative." §7.20.065 "The city manager or his designated representative will enforce all cemetery regulations." "The city manager or their designated representative will enforce all cemetery regulations." §7.20.070.B. "Vehicle operation limitations. Except as authorized by the city manager or his designee for the" "Vehicle operation limitations. Except as authorized by the city manager or their designee for the" §7.20.070.F. "Noise. It is unlawful for any person, except a city employee or contractor in the performance of his duty" "Noise. It is unlawful for any person, except a city employee or contractor in the performance of the employee or contractor's duty" 8 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality [Title 8]Chapter 8.05, §8.05.015(c), (2) "No exception to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be allowed without prior written approval granted by the chief of police or his/her designee." "A special event permit issued by the City Manager or his/ her designee." "No exception to the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be allowed without prior written approval granted by the chief of police or their designee." "A special event permit issued by the City Manager or their designee." §8.05.035(a), (b) "No person, by himself or another, shall sell, furnish, give or deliver any intoxicating liquor to any person:" "The burden shall at all times be upon the licensee and his employees to determine the age and sobriety of any patron." "No person, individually or through another, shall sell, furnish, give or deliver any intoxicating liquor to any person:" "The burden shall at all times be upon the licensee and the licensee's employees to determine the age and sobriety of any patron." 8.05.050 "The licensee and his employees are expressly permitted to evict any person" "The licensee and the licensee's employees are expressly permitted to evict any person" 8.05.070 "Lighting within licensed liquor establishments shall be such as to allow a clear view of all activities within the interior of such establishments by the licensee or his employees." "Lighting within licensed liquor establishments shall be such as to allow a clear view of all activities within the interior of such establishments by the licensee or the licensee's employees." 8.05.080 "No person under the age of 21 years shall attempt to purchase or otherwise secure, consume or have in his possession any alcoholic beverages" "No person under the age of 21 years shall attempt to purchase or otherwise secure, consume or have in their possession any alcoholic beverages" Chapter 8.10, 8.10.015.A. "The solicitation of funds or sales on property owned or controlled by the City is prohibited without proper authorization by the City Manager or his/her designee." "The solicitation of funds or sales on property owned or controlled by the City is prohibited without proper authorization by the City Manager or their designee." §8.10.020.D.4. "Solicit or continue to solicit where the owner, lessee, tenant, agent or occupant of the private property has notified the solicitor that he or she is not allowed on the private property; or" "Solicit or continue to solicit where the owner, lessee, tenant, agent or occupant of the private property has notified the solicitor they are not allowed on the private property; or" Chapter 8.15, §8.15.125.B. "All such complaints shall be properly recorded and immediately investigated by the appropriate City official who shall report his findings to the City Manager." "All such complaints shall be properly recorded and immediately investigated by the appropriate City official who shall report their findings to the City Manager." 8.15.225.B. "If all findings are favorable, the City Clerk shall issue the permit, otherwise the application shall be referred to the City Manager for a decision, and he shall either authorize its issuance or deny it." "If all findings are favorable, the City Clerk shall issue the permit, otherwise the application shall be referred to the City Manager for a decision, and the City Manager shall either authorize its issuance or deny it." 9 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality 8.15.425.A, B.2 "A. Separate sanitary facilities shall be provided for each sex. B.2. Basic facilities shall consist of not less than one flush toilet, one shower or bathtub and open lavatory for each sex. These items are to serve up to the first eight tourist spaces. Toilet and lavatory facilities shall be provided for each sex at the rate of one set for every additional eight tourist spaces or fractional number thereof. Bathtub or shower facilities shall be provided for each sex at the rate of one for every ten additional tourist spaces." "A. Separate sanitary facilities shall be provided for each gender. B.2. Basic facilities shall consist of not less than one flush toilet, one shower or bathtub and open lavatory for each gender. These items are to serve up to the first eight tourist spaces. Toilet and lavatory facili- ties shall be provided for each gender at the rate of one set for every additional eight tourist spaces or fractional number thereof. Bathtub or shower facilities shall be provided for each gender at the rate of one for every ten additional tourist spaces." 8.15.425.B.1., 4. "1. The toilet and other sanitation facilities for males and females shall be either in separate buildings or shall be in separate rooms if in the same building. 4. Every male toilet room shall contain also at least one urinal, and sufficient urinals in total to provide a ratio of one for each 15 tourist spaces served by the same service building." Per City, no change is required at this time, as this whole section will be updated at a later date. 8.20.020.A. "No person may provide a vehicle for hire as provided by this chapter unless that person is a permit holder in possession of a valid vehicle for hire permit issued to him under this chapter." "No person may provide a vehicle for hire as provided by this chapter unless that person is a permit holder in possession of a valid vehicle for hire permit issued to the person under this chapter." 8.20.050.B. "All applications for a chauffeur's license shall be made on forms furnished by the police department and shall include the necessary fees, a photograph of the applicant, and a full set of his fingerprints to be taken by the police department." "All applications for a chauffeur's license shall be made on forms furnished by the police department and shall include the necessary fees, a photograph of the applicant, and a full set of the applicant's fingerprints to be taken by the police department." 8.20.055.A. "Every permittee shall maintain a current and accurate daily list for the vehicle for hire operated pursuant to his permit." "Every permittee shall maintain a current and accurate daily list for the vehicle for hire operated pursuant to the permit." 8.20.085.A.2. "The holder, or his employee or agent, being charged with or found guilty of a violation of any provision of this code or any other law of the state or the United States;" "The holder, or the holder's employee or agent, being charged with or found guilty of a violation of any provi- sion of this code or any other law of the state or the United States;" 10 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 / 19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality 8.30.035.B. "The City Clerk shall notify a licensee of his intent to consider revocation, suspension or any other limitation or restriction of a license application, specifying a date and time for a hearing. At the hearing, all parties may be represented by counsel and may offer witnesses and exhibits." "The City Clerk shall notify a licensee of the clerk's intent to consider revocation, suspension or any other limitation or restriction of a license application, specify - ing a date and time for a hearing. At the hearing, all parties may be represented by counsel and may offer witnesses and exhibits.'s permit." 8.30.035.C. "At the conclusion of the hearing, the City Manager shall issue his final written decision within two working days." "At the conclusion of the hearing, the City Manager shall issue a final written decision within two working days." 8.30.040.C. "After the appeal has been filed, the City Manager will forward his written decision to the City Council outlin- ing the reasons supporting the adverse action." "After the appeal has been filed, the City Manager will forward a written decision to the City Council outlining the reasons supporting the adverse action." [Title 9]Chapter 9.05, §9.05.110 "License collector. The license collector shall be the chief of police, and shall include the person designated by him to act in his behalf." "License collector. The license collector shall be the chief of police, and shall include the person designated by the chief of police to act in the chief of police's behalf." §9.05.115 "No person shall interfere with, oppose or resist the chief of police in the performance of his duties as herein provided." "No person shall interfere with, oppose or resist the chief of police in the performance of the chief of police's duties as herein provided." §9.05.135.B. "the chief of police or animal control officer shall determine that any dog or any animal is afflicted with rabies, he may cause such dog or other animal to be immediately destroyed;" "the chief of police or animal control officer shall determine that any dog or any animal is afflicted with rabies, such dog or other animal may be immediately destroyed;" §9.05.135.F. "If the chief of police determines that such animal can be best observed in quarantine by being placed in the city animal control shelter, he may transfer" "If the chief of police determines that such animal can be best observed in quarantine by being placed in the city animal control shelter, the chief of police may transfer" §9.05.135.G. "The chief of police or his deputies are hereby empowered" "The chief of police or the chief of police's deputies are hereby empowered" §9.05.140 "No person, either by himself or agent, shall remove from the city animal control shelter or any veterinary hospital, or from any other place, any animal which has been quarantined without consent of the chief of police" "No person, either by oneself or agent, shall remove from the city animal control shelter or any veterinary hospital, or from any other place, any animal which has been quarantined without consent of the chief of police" §9.05.216.A. "The license collector shall, and it is hereby made his duty to, see that the licenses from every owner of dogs required to be licensed are paid." "The license collector shall, and it is hereby made the license collector's duty to, see that the licenses from every owner of dogs required to be licensed are paid." 11 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality §9.05.216.B. "The license collector shall keep a register in which he shall enter the name of the owner" "The license collector shall keep a register which contains the name of the owner" §9.05.228 "At the expiration of five days from the time the animal is impounded, unless it has been redeemed as herein provided, it shall be humanely destroyed by the chief of police or person designated by him;" "At the expiration of five days from the time the animal is impounded, unless it has been redeemed as herein provided, it shall be humanely destroyed by the chief of police or person designated by the chief of police;" §9.05.232.A. "Whenever a dog suspected of being vicious is reported, the chief of police shall investigate the conditions of the dog's behavior, and if he finds that such dog has done any of the acts or shown a disposition or propensity to do any of the acts declared in this chapter to constitute a vicious dog, he shall deliver in writing to the person in possession of such dog a statement of the facts and circumstances concerning the dog's behavior. He shall also order the person in possession of such dog to keep such dog in a substantial enclosure or securely" "Whenever a dog suspected of being vicious is reported, the chief of police shall investigate the conditions of the dog's behavior, and if it is found that such dog has done any of the acts or shown a disposition or propensity to do any of the acts declared in this chapter to constitute a vicious dog, the chief of police shall deliver in writing to the person in possession of such dog a statement of the facts and circumstances concerning the dog's behavior. The chief of police shall also order the person in possession of such dog to keep such dog in a substantial enclosure or securely" §9.05.232.B. "If the owner shall fail to make provisions for adequate restraint or control of the dog within a reasonable time, such dog may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of in a manner so that he will not be a menace within the city." "If the owner shall fail to make provisions for adequate restraint or control of the dog within a reasonable time, such dog may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of in a manner so that the dog will not be a menace within the city." §9.05.234 "No person in possession of any vicious dog shall permit such dog to be at large after he has been notified by the chief of police that the dog is vicious, or when he knows, or by the exercise of reasonable care should know, that such dog is a vicious dog." "No person in possession of any vicious dog shall permit such dog to be at large after the person has been noti- fied by the chief of police that the dog is vicious, or when they know, or by the exercise of reasonable care should know, that such dog is a vicious dog." §9.05.238 "In the event that any person owns or harbors any dog which bites or attacks, or threatens to bite or attack, any meter reader, inspector, officer or employee of the city while in the performance of his duties as such" "In the event that any person owns or harbors any dog which bites or attacks, or threatens to bite or attack, any meter reader, inspector, officer or employee of the city while in the performance of the meter reader, inspector, officer or employee's duties as such" §9.05.248 "the chief of police shall be deemed to have acquired jurisdiction over such animal, and he is hereby authorized to destroy" "the chief of police shall be deemed to have acquired jurisdiction over such animal, and the chief of police is hereby authorized to destroy" 12 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality §9.05.250 "If such citation is issued as a result of a complaint made by any person against the owner of any dog or animal, a notice in writing may also be given to the person making such complaint, notifying him to appear at the time and place stated in the citation, to verify the complaint." "If such citation is issued as a result of a complaint made by any person against the owner of any dog or animal, a notice in writing may also be given to the person making such complaint, notifying such person to appear at the time and place stated in the citation, to verify the complaint." §9.05.254 "No person, without the consent of the owner thereof, shall hold or retain possession of any dog or animal of which he is not the owner, for a longer period than 24 hours, unless such person shall within such 24 hour period report the possession of such dog or animal to the chief of police, giving his name and address, and a true description of the dog or animal." "No person, without the consent of the owner thereof, shall hold or retain possession of any dog or animal of which the person is not the owner, for a longer period than 24 hours, unless such person shall within such 24 hour period report the possession of such dog or animal to the chief of police, giving such person's name and address, and a true description of the dog or animal." §9.05.310 "Hunting, trapping, or capturing of animals or birds by city, state or federal law enforcement, game department or animal control personnel while engaged in the performance of their official duties or any person authorized by the city manager or his designee for purposes of animal control or research;" "Hunting, trapping, or capturing of animals or birds by city, state or federal law enforcement, game department or animal control personnel while engaged in the performance of such personnel's official duties or any person authorized by the city manager or such person's designee for purposes of animal control or research;" Chapter 9.10, §9.10.015 "The declared purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the civil defense of persons and property within this city, in the event of a disaster from natural or man-made causes or acts of war" "The declared purposes of this chapter are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the civil defense of persons and property within this city, in the event of a disaster from natural or human -made causes or acts of war" §9.10.025.C. [This relates to the director, from the opening paragraph of the section:] "To require emergency services of any city officer or employee, and in the event of a proclama- tion of a state of disaster or state of extreme emergency by the governor in the region in which the city is located, to command the aid of as many citizens of this community as he thinks necessary in the execution of his duties." "To require emergency services of any city officer or employee, and in the event of a proclamation of a state of disaster or state of extreme emergency by the governor in the region in which the city is located, to command the aid of as many citizens of this community as the director thinks necessary in the execution of their duties." §9.10.025.E. "In the event the city manager is appointed civil defense director, he is to execute all of his ordinary powers as city manager, and all of the special powers conferred upon him by this chapter, or by resolution adopted pursuant thereto, and all powers conferred upon him by any statute, or agreement" "In the event the city manager is appointed civil defense director, the city manager is to execute all of their ordinary powers as city manager, and all of the special powers conferred upon the city manager by this chapter, or by resolution adopted pursuant thereto, and all powers conferred upon the city manager by any statute, or agreement" 13 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality Chapter 9.15, §9.15.112.D. "The administrative official shall attach to his report copies of all applications" "The administrative official shall attach to such report copies of all applications" §9.15.112.E. "It is the burden of the appellant to submit such evidence, including engineering and other technical studies, in support of his appeal, as may be necessary to enable the council to reach a decision." "It is the burden of the appellant to submit such evidence, including engineering and other technical studies, in support of such appeal, as may be necessary to enable the council to reach a decision." §9.15.120 "The fire chief, or his appointed representative, shall be permitted access to any building" "The fire chief, or their appointed representative, shall be permitted access to any building" §9.15.130 "It shall be the responsibility of the fire chief to further inspect the premises on the date specified and if the hazardous or unsafe condition has not been corrected he shall issue a violation citation without further delay." "It shall be the responsibility of the fire chief to further inspect the premises on the date specified and if the hazardous or unsafe condition has not been corrected the fire chief shall issue a violation citation without further delay." §9.15.140 "Any building which has been damaged by fire, natural or man-made disaster, weather -related event, or that is otherwise structurally compromised shall be immediately boarded up or fenced around so that the public cannot have access to the same." "Any building which has been damaged by fire, natural or human -made disaster, weather -related event, or that is otherwise structurally compromised shall be immediately boarded up or fenced around so that the public cannot have access to the same." §9.15.145 "When a permit is requested the fire chief or designee shall make a thorough inspection of the immediate area and shall determine whether or not, in his opinion, it is safe to allow burning in the area." "When a permit is requested the fire chief or designee shall make a thorough inspection of the immediate area and shall determine whether or not, in the fire chiefs or designee's opinion, it is safe to allow burning in the area." §9.15.150.D. "The fire chief or his/her designee, may delay the imposition of the false alarm" "The fire chief or their designee, may delay the imposi- tion of the false alarm" §9.15.225 "The fire chief or his representative shall report any fire hydrant which is not operating properly or that has in any way caused the department trouble during a fire or drill. This report shall be filed with the public works department for immediate attention and correction. The fire chief may recommend, in writing, the installation of additional hydrants in any area that he deems has inadequate facilities. This recommendation shall point out the specific area to be covered by the installation and other information he believes should be considered." "The fire chief or the fire chiefs representative shall report any fire hydrant which is not operating properly or that has in any way caused the department trouble during a fire or drill. This report shall be filed with the public works department for immediate attention and correction. The fire chief may recommend, in writing, the installation of additional hydrants in any area that the fire chief deems has inadequate facilities. This recommendation shall point out the specific area to be covered by the installation and other information the fire chief believes should be considered." 14 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality §9.15.310.A. "The fire chief shall be authorized to issue any explosives handling permit upon such terms and condi- tions as he/she may deem appropriate in the public interest." "The fire chief shall be authorized to issue any explosives handling permit upon such terms and condi- tions as they may deem appropriate in the public inter - est." §9.15.315.B.2. "Workmen's compensation insurance in accordance with the laws of the state, required whether hazard is covered by bond or insurance." "Worker's compensation insurance in accordance with the laws of the state, required whether hazard is covered by bond or insurance." §9.15.330.A. "In the discretion of the captain of the port or his designee any of the foregoing provisions of this section may be modified or suspended, or additional provisions devised and enforced." "In the discretion of the captain of the port or the captain's designee any of the foregoing provisions of this section may be modified or suspended, or additional provisions devised and enforced." §9.15.335 "Before any such permit is issued, the applicants therefor shall comply with the provisions of § 9.15.315 as to bonding or insurance, furnishing evidence of workmen's compensation coverage and execution of the document of indemnity. In addition to the above requirements, the fire chief, or his designee who is knowledgeable as to the hazards and safety requirements of explosives handling, shall be provided a blasting operation plan which will cover all aspects of the operation. This plan must be approved by the fire chief, or his designee, prior to any blasting operation being conducted. The fire chief, or his designee may be in attendance at the scene of opera- tions while blasting is being performed, and the applicant shall reimburse the city for the cost of provid- ing such safety inspection and supervision." "Before any such permit is issued, the applicants therefor shall comply with the provisions of § 9.15.315 as to bonding or insurance, furnishing evidence of worker's compensation coverage and execution of the document of indemnity. In addition to the above requirements, the fire chief, or the fire chiefs designee who is knowledgeable as to the hazards and safety requirements of explosives handling, shall be provided a blasting operation plan which will cover all aspects of the operation. This plan must be approved by the fire chief, or the fire chiefs designee, prior to any blasting operation being conducted. The fire chief, or the fire chiefs may be in attendance at the scene of operations while blasting is being performed, and the applicant shall reimburse the city for the cost of providing such safety inspection and supervision." Chapter 9.20, §9.20.015.A.2. "The police chief shall order the placing of such signs calling for special attention against noise he deems necessary within 150 feet" "The police chief shall order the placing of such signs calling for special attention against noise the police chief deems necessary within 150 feet" §9.20.015.A.3. "The city manager shall have the authority, on written application to him, to permit the broadcast by use of sound amplifying devices under conditions prescribed by him" "The city manager shall have the authority, on written application to the city manager, to permit the broadcast by use of sound amplifying devices under conditions prescribed by the city manager" §9.20.015.A.7. "Dumping, abandoning, throwing, scattering or transporting anything in such manner as to cause the littering of any street, alley or public place, or of any private property not his own" "Dumping, abandoning, throwing, scattering or transporting anything in such manner as to cause the littering of any street, alley or public place, or of any private property not their own" 15 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality §9.20.020.B. E. "It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee, agent, tenant or occupant to allow or permit to remain on any property owned or controlled by him, except licensed junk yards, any wrecked, junked or abandoned vehicle." "A person having upon his premises an abandoned vehicle which is in need only of reasonable repairs" "It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee, agent, tenant or occupant to allow or permit to remain on any property owned or controlled by such person, except licensed junk yards, any wrecked, junked or abandoned vehicle." "A person having upon their premises an abandoned vehicle which is in need only of reasonable repairs" §9.20.040 "Whenever the abatement official has inspected any activity, condition or property and has found and determined that such activity, condition or property constitutes a public nuisance, he shall commence proceedings to have the public nuisance abated by rehabilitation, demolition, repair or other appropriate action." "Whenever the abatement official has inspected any activity, condition or property and has found and determined that such activity, condition or property constitutes a public nuisance, such official shall com- mence proceedings to have the public nuisance abated by rehabilitation, demolition, repair or other appropriate action." §9.20.045.B.3., C. "The failure of the abatement official to serve any person required to be served shall not invalidate any proceedings herein as any other person duly served or relieve any such person from any duty or obligation imposed on him by the provisions of this chapter." "Service of the notice and order shall be made upon all persons entitled thereto either personally or by mailing a copy of such notice and order by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to each such person at his address as it appears on the last equalized assessment" "The failure of the abatement official to serve any person required to be served shall not invalidate any proceedings herein as any other person duly served or relieve any such person from any duty or obligation imposed on such person by the provisions of this chapter." "Service of the notice and order shall be made upon all persons entitled thereto either personally or by mailing a copy of such notice and order by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to each such person at their address as it appears on the last equalized assessment" §9.20.075 "Upon receipt of an application from the person required to conform to the order and agreement in writing by such person that he will comply with the order if allowed additional time, the abatement official may, at his discretion, grant an extension of time within which to abate the public nuisance, if the abatement official determines that such an extension of time will not create or perpetuate a situation dangerous to life or property. The abatement official's authority to extend time is limited to the abatement of the public nuisance and will not in any way affect or extend the time to appeal his notice and order." "Upon receipt of an application from the person required to conform to the order and agreement in writing by such person that they will comply with the order if allowed additional time, the abatement official may, at the official's discretion, grant an extension of time within which to abate the public nuisance, if the abate - ment official determines that such an extension of time will not create or perpetuate a situation dangerous to life or property. The abatement official's authority to extend time is limited to the abatement of the public nuisance and will not in any way affect or extend the time to appeal the official's notice and order." 16 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality §9.20.085.A. "When any abatement or a public nuisance is to be done pursuant to section 9.20.070(C) of this chapter, the abatement official shall issue his order therefor to the director of public works" "When any abatement or a public nuisance is to be done pursuant to section 9.20.070(C) of this chapter, the abatement official shall issue the abatement official's order therefor to the director of public works" Chapter 9.25, §9.25.020.B.4. "The city manager shall have the authority, on written application to him or her, to permit the broadcast by use of sound -amplifying devices under conditions prescribed by him or her" "The city manager shall have the authority, on written application to the city manager, to permit the broadcast by use of sound -amplifying devices under conditions prescribed by city manager;" Chapter 9.35, §9.35.025.B. "Food vendors will be exempted from the provisions of this chapter for specific items or types of disposable food service ware if the city manager or his/her designee finds that a suitable affordable biodegradable or com- postable alternative does not exist" "Food vendors will be exempted from the provisions of this chapter for specific items or types of disposable food service ware if the city manager or their designee finds that a suitable affordable biodegradable or compostable alternative does not exist" Chapter 10.10, §10.10.040.A. "The city manager or his designee may issue a firework use permit" "The city manager or their designee may issue a firework use permit" Chapter 10.15, §10.15.015.A., B "Any finder who fails to make his request as so provided shall forfeit all right, title and interest to any found property.;" "The city manager or his deputy shall first determine whether or not the property is in fact abandoned property." "Any finder who fails to make their request as so provided shall forfeit all right, title and interest to any found property.;" "The city manager or their deputy shall first determine whether or not the property is in fact abandoned property." Chapter 11.15, §11.15.065.A. "The chief of police is hereby authorized to erect signs indicating no parking upon either or both sides of any street or highway adjacent to any school property when such parking would, in his opinion, interfere with traffic or create a hazardous situation" "The chief of police is hereby authorized to erect signs indicating no parking upon either or both sides of any street or highway adjacent to any school property when such parking would, in their opinion, interfere with traf- fic or create a hazardous situation" §11.15.087.C. "Whenever any police officer finds, or is notified by the public works director or his designated representative" "Whenever any police officer finds, or is notified by the public works director or their designated representative" §11.15.140.A., B. "When the owner or authorized representative of the owner of the vehicle claims the same, he shall be informed of the nature" "If the operator or owner of the vehicle, upon hearing before the municipal magistrate, is found not guilty of the violation of which he is charged" "No person shall allow, permit or suffer any vehicle registered in his name to stand or park" "When the owner or authorized representative of the owner of the vehicle claims the same, they shall be informed of the nature" "If the operator or owner of the vehicle, upon hearing before the municipal magistrate, is found not guilty of the violation of which they are charged" "No person shall allow, permit or suffer any vehicle registered in their name to stand or park" 17 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality Chapter 12.01, §12.01.020.A., C. "The city manager, or his designee, shall assign an address to each lot or building within the city limits." "Buildings situated a considerable distance from their street frontage or obscured by trees, shrubs, etc., shall have the address number posted on a plainly visible man-made feature" "The city manager, or their designee, shall assign an address to each lot or building within the city limits." "Buildings situated a considerable distance from their street frontage or obscured by trees, shrubs, etc., shall have the address number posted on a plainly visible human -made feature" §12.01.025 "Before a building, electrical or plumbing permit is issued for a building or structure requiring a water or sewer connection, the applicant shall submit with his application for such building, electrical or plumbing permit a receipt from the water or sewer department for the required water or sewer connection." "Before a building, electrical or plumbing permit is issued for a building or structure requiring a water or sewer connection, the applicant shall submit with their application for such building, electrical or plumbing permit a receipt from the water or sewer department for the required water or sewer connection." Chapter 13.01, §13.01.025.E. "Any person in violation of this section who by his failure to perform as required hereunder maintains or allows to be maintained any sidewalk in nonconforming condition shall be deemed guilty of gross neglect of the public safety." "Any person in violation of this section who by their failure to perform as required hereunder maintains or allows to be maintained any sidewalk in nonconforming condition shall be deemed guilty of gross neglect of the public safety." Chapter 14.01, §14.01.045 (F)(2). "the customer may request an opportunity to present his case to the city council for final resolution." "the customer may request an opportunity to present their case to the city council for final resolution." §14.01.050.(B) "If the customer fails to provide the required written notice, he will be charged for utility service furnished to the premises until the city is provided with notice of change of occupancy." "If the customer fails to provide the required written notice, they will be charged for utility service furnished to the premises until the city is provided with notice of change of occupancy." §14.05.010.(B) "Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to prohibit an occupant and/or owner from removing or causing the removal of refuse accumulated on the premises occupied by him and disposing of the same in a lawful manner." "Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be deemed to prohibit an occupant and/or owner from removing or causing the removal of refuse accumulated on the premises occupied by such occupant/owner and disposing of the same in a lawful manner." §14.10.020.(A) "The customer is responsible to know the location of his key box and thaw wire, and will be liable for any costs incurred in locating or repairing them when damage is caused by the negligence of the customer or those acting on his behalf." "The customer is responsible to know the location of their key box and thaw wire, and will be liable for any costs incurred in locating or repairing them when damage is caused by the negligence of the customer or those acting on their behalf." §14.10.060. "the party owning the premises adjacent to the curb cock shall be responsible for all charges as though he were the owner of all properties" "the party owning the premises adjacent to the curb cock shall be responsible for all charges as though the party were the owner of all properties" 18 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality §14.10.065. "Only the city shall turn on or off any water service or open or close any fire hydrant; except, that a licensed plumber may turn on a water service for testing his work" "Only the city shall turn on or off any water service or open or close any fire hydrant; except, that a licensed plumber may turn on a water service for testing their work" Chapter 14.15, §14.15.230. "The city may require, as a condition of service, that a customer install, at his own expense" "The city may require, as a condition of service, that a customer install, at their own expense;" §14.15.250. "The customer is responsible for overload, short circuit, and phase failure protection of his own equipment." "The customer is responsible for overload, short circuit, and phase failure protection of their own equipment." §14.15.325.C. "The customer shall, at his own expense, extend his wiring for a new and approved meter location whenever the existing meter has become inaccessible or potentially inaccessible for inspection, reading and test- ing." "The customer shall, at their own expense, extend their wiring for a new and approved meter location whenever the existing meter has become inaccessible or potentially inaccessible for inspection, reading and test- ing." §14.15.330. "If primary service is required, the customer will be required to provide space on his property at no cost to the city for the transformers, switches, regulators and other equipment necessary to serve the load." "If primary service is required, the customer will be required to provide space on their property at no cost to the city for the transformers, switches, regulators and other equipment necessary to serve the load." §14.15.417(B) (2)b. "It is the burden of the appellant to submit such evidence in support of his appeal, as may be necessary to enable the commission to reach a decision." "It is the burden of the appellant to submit such evidence in support of their appeal, as may be necessary to enable the commission to reach a decision." §14.15.435.A., B. "The customer shall be solely responsible for all accidents or injuries to persons or property caused by the operation of the customer's equipment, or by any failure of the customer to maintain his equipment in a satisfactory and/or safe operating condition" "The customer or his contractor shall not use mechanized equipment within two feet of any located utility." "The customer shall be solely responsible for all accidents or injuries to persons or property caused by the operation of the customer's equipment, or by any failure of the customer to maintain their equipment in a satisfactory and/or safe operating condition" "The customer or their contractor shall not use mechanized equipment within two feet of any located utility." §14.15.510(B), (1), (4) "Customer participation in a service extension shall be limited to activities on his own property" "The customer may dig his own secondary trench up to ten feet from city equipment. He may not backfill this trench." "Customer participation in a service extension shall be limited to activities on their own property:" "The customer may dig their own secondary trench up to ten feet from city equipment. The customer may not backfill this trench." §14.20.060(B) "In forming his opinion as to the acceptability of these wastes, the city engineer will give consideration" "In forming their opinion as to the acceptability of these wastes, the city engineer will give consideration" 19 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 /19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality Chapter 15.01, §15.01.015 "The City Manager or his designee is hereby named as the administrative official (hereinafter referred to as "administrative official") relating to all actions taken by the Seward planning and zoning commission. The City Manager or his designee shall be responsible for:" "The City Manager or their designee is hereby named as the administrative official (hereinafter referred to as "administrative official") relating to all actions taken by the Seward planning and zoning commission. The City Manager or their designee shall be responsible for:" §15.10.140(31)b. (50)d.9. ,"Any portion of a building which is designed, built, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied or which is occupied as the home or residence of an individual for daily living and doing his own cooking independently of any other individual or family in the same building." "In the case of a corner lot, the owner may choose which street he shall designate as the front of the lot." "Any portion of a building which is designed, built, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied or which is occupied as the home or residence of an individual for daily living and doing their own cooking independently of any other individual or family in the same building." "In the case of a corner lot, the owner may choose which street they shall designate as the front of the lot." §15.10.245(C) "The Building Official shall grant approval if he or she is satisfied that the standards of this section have been met" "The Building Official shall grant approval if they are satisfied that the standards of this section have been met" §15.10.315(F) (2) "Should a nonconforming nonresidential structure or nonconforming portion thereof be damaged by any means to an extent of more than 50 percent of its replacement cost at time of destruction, as determined by the City Manager or his designee" "Should a nonconforming nonresidential structure or nonconforming portion thereof be damaged by any means to an extent of more than 50 percent of its replacement cost at time of destruction, as determined by the City Manager or their designee" §15.10.325(A) "When the literal enforcement of this chapter would deprive a property owner of the reasonable use of his real property" "When the literal enforcement of this chapter would deprive a property owner of the reasonable use of their real property" Chapter 15.25, §15.25.020 "Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate" "Any human -made change to improved or unimproved real estate" §15.25.030(G) "Flood heights may be increased by man-made or natural causes." "Flood heights may be increased by human -made or natural causes." §15.25.050(A) (4)(2)(vi.) "Prohibit man-made alteration of sand dunes and mangrove stands." "Prohibit human -made alteration of sand dunes and mangrove stands." Chapter 16.01, §16.01.020 "Except as provided in section 16.05.030, no owner of record as of October 1, 1977, of undeveloped lots located within an area covered by a valid plat recorded prior to November 28, 1977, shall convey any such lots to any other person unless he first provides for such lots the public improvements required by section 16.05.010 in the manner described in section 16.05.015." "Except as provided in section 16.05.030, no owner of record as of October 1, 1977, of undeveloped lots located within an area covered by a valid plat recorded prior to November 28, 1977, shall convey any such lots to any other person unless the owner first provides for such lots the public improvements required by section 16.05.010 in the manner described in section 16.05.015." 20 SEWARD, ALASKA GENDER -NEUTRAL UPDATE JANUARY 20, 2026 Section in Code Gender Specific Words/Phrases Currently in the Code (11 / 19/25) City -Approved Change(s) for Gender Neutrality §16.01.030(2), (3) "Where the subdivider, owner, proprietor or developer of the undeveloped lots conveys all of his lots to a single person" "Where the subdivider, owner, proprietor or developer of such undeveloped lots serves upon the city manager written notice of his intent to convey or construct" "Where a subdivider, owner, proprietor or developer of the undeveloped lots conveys all of their lots to a single person" "Where a subdivider, owner, proprietor or developer of such undeveloped lots serves upon the city manager written notice of their intent to convey or construct" §16.01.035 "The City Manager or his designee is hereby named as the administrative official (hereinafter referred to as "administrative official") relating to all actions taken by the Seward planning and zoning commission. The City Manager or his designee shall be responsible for:" "The City Manager or their designee is hereby named as the administrative official (hereinafter referred to as "administrative official") relating to all actions taken by the Seward planning and zoning commission. The City Manager or their designee shall be responsible for:" Chapter 16.05, §16.05.015(A) "The subdivider, owner, proprietor or developer is deemed to have satisfied the requirements of this title when he has entered into the subdivision agreement with the city." "A subdivider, owner, proprietor or developer is deemed to have satisfied the requirements of this title when they have entered into the subdivision agreement with the city." 21