What to Expect at a Public Meeting

Introduction

There are several opportunities to get involved in the city’s planning process. Providing comment, either in writing or as public testimony at a hearing, is one way to share support or perceived challenges with a proposed project.

It is important to note that anyone who provides written or public testimony is considered a “Party of Record.” This qualifies them to appeal any decision or condition for a project to the next level of review.

Public Meeting Calendar

Public Hearing Process

There are a variety of items on the agenda; not all will be heard and discussed. If staff recommends approval of an item and there is no opposition, then the item will be placed on the consent agenda at the beginning of the hearing. All items on the consent agenda are approved with one motion and will not be discussed for the remainder of the hearing.

For other items that have opposition, the hearing will generally proceed as follows:

1. REVIEW BODY calls item to the floor
2. STAFF presents findings
3. APPLICANT presents application (up to 30 min. for applicant and staff presentations to be allotted by chair)
4. DESIGNATED NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION presents testimony (minimum of 10 min.)
5. GENERAL PUBLIC may provide oral testimony ( up to 3 min. each)
6. APPLICANT presents rebuttal
7. REVIEW BODY discusses and renders decision

Please Note: Public testimony is time reserved for individuals to share their support or concerns, not to ask the Review Body questions. In order to accommodate all participants, the hearing-body chair may determine the time allotted to each speaker and may be adjusted within the parameters above.

If you have questions about an item, please speak with the assigned planner or city staff prior to the hearing.

Providing Testimony

• In-Person testimony:
  • May occur by attending the public hearing at City Hall or participating online via zoom.
• Written testimony:
• May be accepted at the public hearing, at the chairperson's discretion, only if it is a copy of the oral testimony.
• All other written testimony and documents need to be submitted to the assigned city planner by 5 p.m. on the Thursday preceding the public hearing, in order to be included in the printed record presented to the review body.
• There is a 10-day appeal period following the decision made at the public hearing. No new information can be submitted after an appeal is filed. Any individual who provides testimony is considered a “Party of Record,” which qualifies them to appeal any decision or condition for a project to the next level of review. Signing up without providing testimony, however, does not qualify an individual as a Party of Record.
• Testimony, whether in-person or written, is a public record.

Providing Effective Testimony

• Provide comments that generally align with the approval criteria.
• Focus comments on facts and specific project details.
• If written testimony has been submitted, it is in the record and will be reviewed by the hearing body. Any additional oral testimony should be unique and not duplicative.
• If testifying as a neighborhood association, coordinate the presentation so that each person speaks to a specific section.
• The Planning Team is always available to explain their analysis and answer questions in advance of the public hearing.
• To provide written or electronic public comments, please contact the city planner assigned to the project.

Resources

The following resources may be helpful to further understand the review and approval process related to public hearings.

• Planning Process Overview
• Hearing-Level Review
• Public Meeting Calendar