How to make public comment at the San Diego County Board of Supervisors

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors offers multiple ways for residents to speak during its meetings: in person at the Board Chamber, by phone, or by registering in advance online. "First, hop online and look at the agendas," an introductory meeting recording said, explaining agendas include item descriptions, staff recommendations and links to board letters.

The county recommends registering early. To speak, users should go to publiccomment.sandiegocounty.gov, select the meeting (Tuesday legislative session or Wednesday land use session), choose in‑person or phone, and check the items they wish to address. A confirmation email is sent with dial‑in instructions for phone speakers; bring any documents to the deputy clerk when you speak.

Non‑agenda public comment covers issues not on the day's agenda but within the board's jurisdiction; the board cannot take immediate action on non‑agenda remarks and may refer concerns to the chief administrative officer. The meeting recording notes the board hears the first five in‑person and five by‑phone non‑agenda speakers at the beginning of the session; the remaining non‑agenda speakers are heard after substantive discussion items.

Time limits: speakers typically get two minutes, but the clerk may reduce time to one minute when many people wish to speak. A countdown clock at the podium indicates remaining time. Speakers should state their name for the audio record, stick to the current agenda item, and address remarks to the board rather than to staff or other members of the public. The board enforces decorum: disruptive conduct can draw a warning and possible removal by deputies.

If you plan to show images or videos, check rules about privacy and permissions in advance; staff asked speakers during the meeting to avoid displaying children's faces without family permission. Written materials should be handed to the deputy clerk when you approach the podium.

Why register early: once public comment begins on a specific agenda item, the clerk can no longer accept additional requests to speak on that item. If you cannot attend, you may submit an e‑comment through the county's comment portal; staff noted the SECP item received 83 e‑comments before the hearing (57 in favor, 21 opposed).