Neighbors press Planning Commission to extend housing‑element EIR comment period; staff asked to seek 60‑day extension

The Planning Commission’s hearing on the recirculated portions of the 2004/2009 housing‑element draft Environmental Impact Report produced extensive public comment and repeated calls for more time to review the documents.

Steven Smith of the Planning Department opened the hearing noting that, per a court order, comments should be limited to revised sections circulated with the EIR. Numerous speakers representing neighborhood associations and community groups said the December 18 notice was inadequate because it came during holidays and did not make clear that incorporated reference sections must also be reviewed. Several organizations asked for a continuance or extension of the written comment deadline, and many urged the commission to more fully analyze transportation, infrastructure, historic resources and the protection of single‑family RH1 neighborhoods.

Commissioners discussed the legal bounds for comment periods under the administrative code and CEQA; staff reminded the commission that a 45‑day comment period is standard and that CEQA allows up to 60 days in particularly complex cases. Commissioner Sugaya moved, and another commissioner seconded, to ask the Environmental Review Officer to extend the comment period to 60 days. Commissioners expressed varying views on length but agreed to advise staff to request the longer period. The ERO retains discretion on final timelines.

No certification or policy decisions were made at the hearing; written comments will be accepted and staff will prepare written responses and any necessary revisions to the recirculated material.