San Francisco Planning Commission votes to end routine remote public comment starting Jan. 1

The San Francisco Planning Commission voted 4 to 3 on Dec. 7 to end routine remote public comment at its hearings beginning Jan. 1, 2024, following a request from Mayor London Breed's office for consistent practices across city boards and commissions.

Commissioner Megan Coppell moved the measure, saying she intended to "honor Mayor Breed's request to cease public comment after the first of the year." The motion was seconded and, after debate about accommodations for people with disabilities and the ability of callers to listen by phone, passed with Commissioners Braun, Ruiz and Moore opposed.

Supporters of keeping remote lines said the change will reduce participation by seniors, people with disabilities and low-income residents who lack reliable internet. "Allowing remote public comment has greatly increased accessibility for the public," said Lorraine Petty, an affordable-housing advocate who testified that telephone access is the only way many San Franciscans can follow hearings. Dozens of callers and advocates urged the commission to maintain remote access to preserve equity and public scrutiny.

Commissioners in favor of the change said their vote reflected the mayor's request for uniformity across commissions and the value of in-person engagement for governance. Several suggested compromise steps: keep a primary planner in chambers while allowing secondary staff to participate remotely, and provide ADA accommodations with advance notice.

The commission's chair said the department's practice will be for lead staff to appear in person, while secondary staff may continue to assist remotely when necessary. Staff also confirmed that callers could still be provided call-in information for listening if they requested accommodations in advance.

The decision does not immediately halt all remote access options for members of the public who need ADA accommodations; staff said they would provide call-in information when requested 48 hours ahead. Commissioners who opposed the change said they would push for flexibility to avoid creating new barriers to public participation.

The commission's decision will take effect Jan. 1, 2024, and the department has been asked to clarify procedures for ADA accommodations and staff participation in coming weeks.