Commission debates remote public-comment limits and opts to keep current access

Commission staff told the Historic Preservation Commission that the city administrator's office recommended continuing remote public comment but setting a consistent per-item time limit for remote callers as jurisdictions lift COVID restrictions. Staff outlined an example — 20 minutes of remote call-in per item — and explained that once the remote time cap is reached, callers waiting remotely would not be allowed to submit testimony (in-person speakers would still be heard).

Commissioner Black pushed back on uniform limits, saying the public process should allow access by those with mobility or transportation barriers: "As long as we specify a limited time for each person to speak, I don't really care whether they're here at the lectern or they're calling," she said. Commissioner Wright and others argued that remote access is equitable and should remain available; Wright said the commission should "extend the public process to the greatest extent possible."

Staff noted that the mayor's office and the Board of Supervisors would be reevaluating remote-comment recommendations in coming months. The commission ultimately expressed a preference to maintain the status quo without adopting a formal remote time cap at this time and asked staff to monitor city guidance and return with recommendations if needed.

The exchange clarified that any decision to curtail remote comment would still require accommodations for people with disabilities and advance notice if remote access were reduced.

The commission moved on to its regular calendar.