A public hearing is a designated part of a public meeting when a decision-making body receives public comment on a pending application or other matter under consideration. It provides an opportunity for members of the public to express support, opposition, or a neutral position before a decision is made.

Public hearings are required for quasi-judicial matters. Quasi-Judicial matters are those in which the decision-making body is acting as a judging body and applying the law to individual properties and applications. This differs from legislative matters in which decision-makers are creating or amending the law. Most land use applications, including subdivisions and zone changes, are quasi-judicial matters and require a public hearing.

The City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, or other relevant decision-making body evaluates each matter based on the applicable criteria, standards, and other governing requirements. Public comments can help inform the decision by providing relevant information and perspectives for consideration under those applicable approval criteria, standards, and requirements.

Public hearings provide an opportunity for the decision-making body to hear public input before making a decision. Members of the public may submit written comments or provide verbal comments during the scheduled hearing.

Use the following resources to find information about applications and proposals, applicable requirements, and the criteria decision-makers may consider at a public hearing.

Review the public notice and related materials. The public notice explains what is being considered, when public comments are due, and where to find additional information, such as application materials and review criteria. Reviewing these materials can help you understand the proposal or issue and what the City will consider when making its decision.

Understand the review criteria. Review applicable City Code requirements, Land Development Code , Comprehensive Plan, state laws, relevant legislation, and any other standards or criteria that apply to the matter being considered. Comments that address what the City must consider when making its decision can help inform that decision.

Read the staff report. Almost every meeting item has a staff report prepared by a member of the City Staff. The report explains the application and its background, the requirements and standards that apply, the review criteria and process, key issues to consider, and the options available to the City Council or Planning & Zoning Commission. Staff reports are usually available a few days before the meeting.

Gather relevant Public Record information: State law ensures public access to records. In addition to the staff report, you may find that other City records that will aid your analysis of a project, such as engineer reports or building files. These records can be obtained by filing a Public Records Request .

Contact City staff before the hearing. City staff is available and happy to help the public understand an application, pertinent City Code or state statute requirements, applicable review and decision criteria, planning documents, or answer any other questions you may have.

A public hearing generally follows this sequence:

1. The presiding officer introduces the agenda item and opens the public hearing.
2. City staff presents its report about the matter being considered, including applicable requirements and review criteria. The Council or Commission may ask questions during or after the presentation.
3. The applicant presents the proposal The applicant's presentation is limited to 15 minutes. The Council or Commission may ask questions during or after the presentation.
4. The Council or Commission has the opportunity to ask additional questions of City staff or the applicant before the public comment portion begins.
5. The presiding officer opens the public comment portion of the hearing. Members of the public may speak when called by position in the order of: for, neutral, or opposed to the proposal. Verbal comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.
6. The applicant has the opportunity to respond to public comments. The response should address issues raised in the comments.
7. The presiding officer closes the public comment portion of the public hearing. Members of the public may not provide further comments unless the public comment portion is reopened.
8. The Council or Commission deliberates. Members may ask clarifying questions of City staff or the applicant.
9. The Council or Commission takes action or continues the matter to a future meeting, as applicable.

During the Meeting
Please do not interrupt, call out, or speak out of turn while City staff, the applicant, Council or Commission members, or other speakers are speaking. Follow the presiding officer’s instructions and wait to be recognized before speaking.

How to submit written comments or a voicemail in advance of a public hearing.

Submitting Comments Before a Hearing

Written comments and voicemails must be received by the deadline listed in the public notice in order to be included in the associated staff report. Comments received after the deadline will not be included in the staff report.

Important: To ensure comments are properly routed for inclusion in the staff report, use one of these designated submission methods.
                   Comments submitted through other channels may not be received or included in the staff report by the deadline.

Comments must be submitted through one of the following methods:
• Online: Submit comments using the Public Comment Form at the bottom of this webpage.
• Email: PublicHearingComments@driggsidaho.org
• Voicemail: Call 208-354-2362, ext. 1007
• Mail: City of Driggs, Attn: Public Hearing Comments, P.O. Box 48, Driggs, ID 83422
• In person: Deliver written comments to Driggs City Hall, 60 S. Main St., Driggs, ID.

Comments must include:
• Project name or file number (found on the public notice and/or on the Active Projects page)
• Your name, address and city
• Your position: for, neutral, or opposed

The City of Driggs will not accept written materials or handouts during any public hearing. Written comments were due by the deadline listed in the public notice.

All public meeting agendas and information can be accessed at Boards, Commissions & Committees

How to provide verbal comments during the public hearing.

Providing Verbal Comments During a Public Hearing

Verbal comments are heard at the appropriate time during the public hearing from in-person attendees and those participating via Zoom.
Verbal public hearing comments are limited to 3 minutes per speaker.

How to Participate
The Chair will call for comments by position: for, neutral, or opposed.

        • In person: Attend at the location and time listed in the public notice. When the Chair calls for your position, sign the Public Comment sign-in sheet, and approach the podium when invited to speak.
        • Via Zoom: Use the Zoom link provided on the meeting webpage. When the Chair calls for your position, raise your hand using the Raise Hand ✋ icon, or press *9 if calling in by phone. Wait to be recognized and unmute when prompted. The City is not responsible for technical difficulties.

When You Speak
1. State your name, residential address, and position on the application for the record.
2. Explain your reasons clearly and concisely. Address the Chairperson or governing body. Comments should focus on the application and remain relevant to the hearing.
3. Limit your comments to 3 minutes.

The City of Driggs will not accept written materials or handouts during any public hearing. Written comments were due by the deadline listed in the public notice.

All public meeting agendas and information can be accessed at Boards, Commissions & Committees

These tips cover the public comment process and how to participate effectively in a public hearing.

• Wait for the public comment period. Do not speak, interrupt, or call out while City staff, the applicant, Council or Commission members, or other speakers are speaking.
The presiding officer will indicate when public comment begins and call for comments by position.

• Follow the presiding officer's instructions. Wait to be recognized before speaking. Do not interrupt, make outbursts, or speak from the audience outside the public comment period.

• Focus on relevant information. Share facts, personal observations, and perspectives related to the matter being considered.

• Address the decision-making body. Direct comments to the City Council or Planning & Zoning Commission, as applicable.

• Distinguish facts from opinions. Clearly identify personal perspectives and avoid presenting unverified information as fact.

• Keep comments focused. Organize your main points around the issues you want the decision-making body to consider.

• Respect the public hearing process. Verbal public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Understand how public comments are considered. The decision-making body considers public comments along with the applicable criteria, standards, and other information in the record. The final decision may differ from your position.