Planning Commission extends remote hearings for 30 days amid access concerns

The San Francisco Planning Commission voted unanimously Nov. 4 to adopt a resolution extending remote hearings for another 30 days, citing ongoing public-health and logistical uncertainties and citywide coordination on hybrid arrangements.

The resolution, presented by staff as case 2020-19977 CRV, comes after members of the public described trouble accessing teleconference comment lines and urged restoring the traditional three-minute public-comment allotment. "Please allow the traditional time for the public to speak — three minutes, not two," said Georgia Shutish during public comment, arguing remote format shortens organized-opposition time.

Commissioners debated technical and legal constraints. Commissioner Tanner said continuing remote hearings was a prudent, cautious step and urged staff to pursue a hybrid solution for January. Secretary Jonas responded that the City Administrator and Mayor's Office have told commissions not to expect in-person hearings before January 2022 and that staff are investigating a hybrid model citywide. Staff also said language-access accommodations remain in place: non-English speakers continue to receive double time and access to translators and breakout rooms when requested.

Commissioners noted trade-offs between access and fairness. Staff explained a legal concern raised by the City Attorney: when public-comment time is limited for individuals, an "organized opposition" cannot be given preferential extra time beyond what individuals receive. "It’s a Brown Act issue — the City Attorney’s advice is that we must provide equal time to each person," staff said.

The commission approved the resolution with a 7-0 vote. The decision maintains remote hearings for 30 days; staff said they will continue coordinating with SFGovTV and the Mayor’s Office on a consistent hybrid approach for all commissions.