San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission delays decision on ending remote public comment to Jan. 17

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on Nov. 15 voted to delay action on a mayoral instruction to end routine remote public comment, setting the matter for further consideration on Jan. 17, 2024.

Hearing staff read an email from the mayor’s office instructing all commissions to adopt the Board of Supervisors’ rule limiting remote public comment ‘‘except when necessary to accommodate a disability’’ and requiring departmental presenters to attend meetings in person. Staff emphasized the mayor’s email is an instruction, not a law, and recommended the commission take a formal vote on how to proceed.

Public callers urged the commission to retain remote access at least while winter illness raises barriers. Georgia Shudisch, calling into the hearing, asked the commission to “consider at least delaying this until the spring,” saying remote participation widened access for working people and those who cannot travel to City Hall.

Commissioners were divided. Commissioner Foley moved to end remote public comment except for people with disabilities or seniors with mobility challenges; Campbell seconded that motion. Commissioners Nagas Warren, Wright and others argued remote access broadens participation for workers and caregivers and suggested the commission wait to see what other commissions do. Deputy City Attorney Peter Mlynich told the commissioners there are no legal penalties for continuing remote comment; commissions may choose differing procedures.

Procedurally, the commission took up and voted on a motion to continue discussion rather than immediately adopting the elimination motion. On the continuance vote, Commissioners Campbell, Wright, Foley, Nagas Warren and President Matsuda voted in favor; Commissioner Vergara voted no. The motion to continue passed 5–1.

The commission instructed staff to return the item on Jan. 17 for further consideration. In the meantime, the commission’s staff said reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities will continue: residents may contact staff in advance to request unmuting and live testimony during hearings.

Next steps: The commission will reconsider the remote-comment question at its Jan. 17 meeting; staff said the Planning Commission and other city boards will also be taking up similar policies in coming weeks.