For the safety of all those attending, the Fire Marshal does not permit us to exceed the legal capacity of our hearing rooms. Corridors and exits must be kept clear. In the Council Office Building (COB) we provide television monitors in the 2nd floor cafeteria for the convenience of overflow crowds. (Because it is reserved as an emergency egress, we are not permitted to use the COB 3rd floor conference room for overflow seating.) For the safety of all those attending a hearing, whether it is held in the COB or some other location, we are required to defer to the authority of the Fire Marshal. This will mean that access to the hearing room or even the building itself will be closed off when the legal capacity has been reached and when public safety is compromised.

If the building or the hearing room has been closed because of overcrowding, speakers should identify themselves to the Fire Marshals or Council staff at the doors. We will make sure that you can give your testimony as scheduled.