Public Participation in Planning Board Meetings

Public Participation (Open Comment)

The public is welcome to address the Board (3 minutes maximum per speaker) during the Public Participation (also referred to as "Open Comment") portion of the meeting regarding any item not scheduled for a public hearing. The only items scheduled for a public hearing are those listed under the category PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS on the Agenda.

Public Hearing Items

Members of the public that wish to comment on an item that is scheduled for a public hearing on the agenda will be given an opportunity to do so during the public hearing portion of that agenda item under the following rules and guidelines:

  1. Members of the public can email written comments to the board at boulderplanningboard@bouldercolorado.gov, up to 24 hours prior to the Planning Board meeting to be included as a part of the record.
  2. Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak during the Public Hearting portion either in person or virtually. In-person speakers are asked to sign up to speak using the forms provided in the meeting room. Virtual attendees can use the "raise hand" function in the virtual meeting to be called upon. In-person attendees will speak first before moving to virtual attendees.
  3. Each speaker will be allowed an oral presentation of 3 minutes maximum. The board chair may reduce this time if more than fifteen persons sign up to speak. Three or more people can pool time so one speaker can speak for five minutes if all the people pooling time are present in-person in the meeting room or present electronically when the speaker is called.
  4. All speakers wishing to pool their time must be present (either in person or virtually). The speaker must identify the individuals pooling time by first and last name. The board chair may reduce the five minutes of pooled time if the time for individuals has been reduced. The chair may lengthen or shorten allotted speaking time, as appropriate.
  5. The time for speaking or asking questions is limited to facilitate the purpose of the hearing. No person shall speak except when recognized by the person presiding and no person shall speak for longer than the time allotted. Each person shall register to speak at the meeting using that person’s real name. Any person believed to be using a pseudonym will not be permitted to speak at the meeting.
  6. For electronic participants, only audio participation will be permitted except for city officials, employees and invited speakers. All other electronic participants will participate by voice only (no video).
  7. Any exhibits or slides that speakers wish to display at the hearing must be provided to the Secretary (remket@bouldercolorado.gov) 24 hours prior to the meeting.
  8. The person presiding at the meeting shall enforce these rules by muting anyone who violates any rule.
  9. Speakers should introduce themselves, giving name and address. If officially representing a group, homeowners' association, etc., please state that for the record as well.
  10. The board requests that, prior to offering testimony, the speaker disclose any financial or business relationship with the applicant, the project, or neighbors. This includes any paid compensation. It would also be helpful if the speaker disclosed any membership or affiliation that would affect their testimony.
  11. Speakers are requested not to repeat items addressed by previous speakers other than to express points of agreement or disagreement. Refrain from reading long documents and summarize comments wherever possible.
  12. Speakers should address the Land Use Regulation criteria and, if possible, reference the rules that the Board uses to decide a case.
  13. Applicants will be provided the opportunity to speak for up to 3 minutes prior to the close of the public hearing. The board chair may allow additional time.
  14. No participant shall make threats or use other forms of intimidation against any person.
  15. Obscenity, racial epithets, and other speech and behavior that disrupts or otherwise impedes the ability to conduct the meeting are prohibited.

The general schedule for a Public Hearing Item is as follows:

  1. Presentations
    1. Staff presentation
    2. Planning Board questions to staff
    3. Applicant presentation
    4. Planning Board questions to applicant

2. Public Hearing

3. Board Action