Board of Appeals will allow parties to attend hearings remotely as hybrid sessions resume

The San Francisco Board of Appeals voted 4–0 on March 2 to permit parties and their representatives to participate remotely in hearings as the board prepares to resume hybrid, in‑person sessions on March 23.

Vice President Anne Lazarus moved the measure, saying the board should provide “maximum flexibility” and allow appellants and the public to decide whether to appear in person. The motion carried with commissioners Lazarus, Daryl Honda, Tina Chang and President Zwig voting in favor.

The decision came after weeks of discussion about how to balance accessibility and the board’s preference for in‑room deliberation. President Zwig and some commissioners said they find in‑person proceedings make it easier to exchange information and read nonverbal cues, while Lazarus and Commissioner Chang emphasized equity and access for people who cannot travel or who are in vulnerable categories.

Deputy City Attorney Bridal Russi told the board that the mayor’s orders permit remote attendance for commissioners and participants with COVID‑related reasons, and that any final rules should respect those executive directives.

Public commenters urged caution and flexibility. Ryan Patterson, who regularly appears before the board, thanked the board for its remote work over the past two years but said he would still prefer remote options for long hearings. “I personally really look forward to returning to in‑person hearings, but I do see an issue in that I don’t think it’s safe yet to sit in a public hearing room for hours at a time without masks,” Patterson said.

The board’s resolution applies to parties and their representatives; the public retains the option to attend either in person or remotely. Commissioners and staff said citywide mask, ventilation, and room‑capacity protocols remain subject to City Hall rules and the mayor’s guidance.

The board voted to adopt the remote‑participation approach for the foreseeable future and will implement procedures ahead of the March 23 hybrid sessions.