Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Planning Presentation Rules topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rules Committee adds presentation rules for Planning & Development: group presenters forfeit duplicate speaking time
Summary
The committee adopted a rule limiting duplicate speaking time when an organization presents to Planning & Development; the chamber debated applicant/community time limits but made no substantive change.
The Rules Committee adopted new draft language clarifying presentation procedures for the Planning & Development Committee and similar hearing bodies.
Under the new language committee members adopted unanimously an approach that prevents double‑counting of speaking time: if an individual is listed as representing an organization during a presentation, that individual forfeits separate individual speaking time on the same matter so the group’s presentation is not effectively doubled by individual members also speaking for themselves. Staff said the intent is to avoid lengthy duplicative testimony while preserving members’ ability to speak on matters that are not represented by the group.
Council members discussed time limits for applicants and community groups. Some members argued 10 minutes for applicants and 5 minutes for community organizations was sufficient and noted chairs often exercise discretion; others asked for more flexibility for complex projects. No change to the draft numeric time limits was adopted at the meeting; chairs retain discretion in practice, and staff noted practical experience in recent hearings where chairs allowed modest overruns to accommodate evidence and slides.
Ending: The Planning & Development presentation rule will be included in the next draft of council rules; staff will circulate the final wording to be used by P&D and other committees.
