506. PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES

PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURES Any individual or organization representative may appear at a hearing in a rulemaking case proceeding, and may present, within the time limits determined by the Commission, evidence, testimony, or argument that is relevant and not unduly repetitious pursuant to Subtitle Z § 408.3. There are no parties in a rulemaking case proceeding. The presiding officer shall have authority to: Call the hearing to order; Consider preliminary matters, including, but not limited to, motions, and qualifying expert witnesses; Conduct the hearing; Rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence; Exclude unduly repetitious or irrelevant testimony, and permit a witness to adopt the prior testimony of another witness; Adjourn a hearing and establish the date when the hearing will be continued; Close the hearing and record; Take action to maintain decorum and order; and Take any other action authorized by this title or necessary under this subtitle. The order for presenting evidence and arguments at the public hearing for a rulemaking case proceeding shall be as follows: Call to order and opening statement by the presiding officer; Consideration of preliminary matters, including, but not limited to, motions and qualifying expert witnesses; Petitioner’s case; Reports or statements by the Office of Planning and other government agency representatives, as needed; Affected ANC(s); Individuals and organization representatives in support of the petition; Individuals and organization representatives in opposition to the petition; and Individuals and organization representatives who are undeclared with respect to the petition. The Commission may close the record at the end of a hearing and vote either to deny the petition or take proposed action to grant the petition. Alternatively, the Commission may schedule the case for proposed action at a public meeting. No decision or order of the Commission on a petition shall be made except upon the exclusive record of the proceedings before the Commission. All testimony shall be provided under oath or affirmation. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 2447, 3573 (March 4, 2016 – Part 2). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Zoning Regulations of 2016: Zoning Commission Rules of Practice and Procedure 11-Z DCMR § 506