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Planning Commission narrows hearing rules, sets submittal deadlines and chair discretion on time limits
Summary
After public comment, the San Francisco Planning Commission revised its draft Appendix A procedures: submittals for DRs and standard cases now due one week before hearings, two weeks for complicated cases; revisions must be in by 5 p.m. Tuesday; chair may extend presentations to 15 minutes. The commission agreed to review the changes after the summer recess.
The San Francisco Planning Commission debated and narrowed a draft Appendix A of hearing procedures on May 15, 2008, updating how and when materials are submitted and setting clearer time limits for public testimony and presentations.
The commission, after listening to public commenters who urged “maximum public comment,” voted to require that materials for discretionary reviews (DRs) and standard cases be submitted at least one week prior to hearings, with the staff determining whether a case is “complicated” and thus requires two weeks’ lead time. Commissioners also combined two revision alternatives so that any changes must be submitted by 5 p.m. on the Tuesday before a Thursday hearing. Commissioner Sugaya moved the submittal timing motion, which passed unanimously.
Commissioners kept current practice—project sponsors and DR requesters typically receive five minutes for presentations—but added a formal limit allowing the commission president (chair) to extend time up to 15 minutes in special cases. Commissioner Antonini led that motion; it passed 5–1.
The commission also discouraged last-minute revisions and agreed to an administrative review after the summer recess to check whether the new deadlines are being abused. Staff told the commission they would record the agreed practice in the appendix draft and bring a revised document back at the first hearing after the break for formal review.
Public commenters and several commissioners framed the changes as an attempt to balance policy transparency and efficient hearings. Marilyn Amini, speaking during public comment, cited the Sunshine Ordinance and argued that members of the community “shall be permitted to be heard once for up to 3 minutes,” urging written staff responses be included in the public packet. Commissioners and staff agreed to carry forward the principle that the public should have meaningful access to the record while giving staff and opponents time to review substantial changes before hearings.
The commission’s actions were procedural; the revised appendix will be posted and returned for a follow-up review in September after a summer hiatus.
