[Added 7-8-2025 by Ord. No. 1323]
The purpose of this chapter is to establish clear and uniform guidelines for the display of flags on municipal flagpoles, including but not limited to those located at City Hall, to ensure such displays represent official government speech.
A. 
Municipal flagpoles are not intended to serve as forums for free expression by the public.
B. 
All flag displays on municipal flagpoles constitute government speech.
C. 
It is the policy of the City of Pittsfield that flags should be displayed in conformance with Federal and State policies, as set forth in the Federal "Our Flag" publication of the Congress, House Document No.: 96-144; MGL. c. 2, § 6 and § 6A, MGL c. 264, § 5 and § 8, 950 CMR 34.00 et seq. and this article.
D. 
The City of Pittsfield, by and through its Mayor with City Council approval, retains sole discretion over the selection, scheduling, and duration of any flag displays on municipal flagpoles.
A. 
Flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
B. 
The official flag of the City of Pittsfield and any of its departments or affiliated bodies.
C. 
Flags of other nations recognized by the United States government.
D. 
Flags commemorating significant events or causes consistent with the City's values and mission.
A. 
When multiple flags are displayed on City flagpoles, the following order of precedence shall apply:
(1) 
The flag of the United States of America;
(2) 
The flag of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts;
(3) 
The flag of the City of Pittsfield;
(4) 
Any other flags authorized for display under this article.
B. 
The City shall follow applicable federal and state laws and guidelines for the proper display, positioning, and lighting of flags.
C. 
Nothing in this article shall be construed to require the City to display any particular flag or to consider or grant any requests from the public to display flags.
The Mayor may direct that flags of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the City of Pittsfield, or any other authorized flag be flown at half-staff in accordance with federal or state proclamations, or to commemorate the death of a present or former City official or employee, or other individuals of local, state, or national significance. Such directive may be issued at the Mayor's discretion, and in consultation with the City Council as appropriate.