City Names on Segments
All segments within an incorporated city should use the city name as the primary on all segments within city limits.
All segments within a township should use the township name as primary except when meeting the CDP criteria outlined below.
All USPS ZIP cities that differ from the primary name should be added as alternate names on all applicable segments.
Exceptions: Freeways and numbered State Highways should be named as found in https://wazeopedia.waze.com/wiki/USA/Michigan#State_Numbered_Highway_Naming
For CDPs (Census Designated Places): CDPs are populated areas that generally include one officially designated but currently unincorporated community, for which the CDP is named. In some cases, these communities should be used as the primary name, based on the following criteria:
- If a CDP has a post office and is used for addressing within the area, it should be used as the primary name within the boundaries of the CDP. Any additional USPS/ZIP cities recognized in parts of the CDP should be added as alt city names.
- If a CDP meets at least 3 of the following 6 points, including Addressing and Local Usage, it should be used as the primary city name.
- Addressing: Does the USPS recognize the CDP name for addressing as an alternate usage to the township name?
- Local Usage: If possible, determine if the name is used locally to refer to the area. Is it generally used to refer to the area more than the Townships in which it is located? Is the name used in businesses and/or religious centers within the area? Is the name used in real estate listings for the area?
- Schools:
- a) Does the CDP have its own school district?
- b) If no school district, is the CDP name used on a school within the CDP?
- Is the CDP a place of historical signifigance, with documented usage of the CDP name to refer to the area?
- Does the CDP have its name on official signage in the area (i.e. highway or freeway exit signs, roadside signage of "Entering [CDP]" or "Welcome to [CDP]")
- Is there an association or organization associated with promoting the CDP as a destination for travel, shopping, or residence? (i.e. https://canadianlakes.org)
Within CPDs used as primary cities, all segments should have the recognized USPS name as an alternate city (where different from the CDP name).