OAR 345-015-0003: Remote and Electronic Public Meeting and Hearings

(1) The Council or Chair may waive any provision of OAR chapter 345 requiring that a public meeting or public hearing be held in person or in a specific geographical area, if: (a) The Council or Chair finds that in-person attendance at the meeting or hearing would present a risk to public health or safety or the health and safety of the participants; (b) The public meeting or public hearing is held through the use of telephone or other electronic communication in accordance with ORS 192.610 to 192.690; and (c) For public hearings, the Council provides an opportunity for submission of testimony by telephone, video, or through some other electronic or virtual means, or provides a means of submitting written testimony, including by email or other electronic methods, that the Council may consider in a timely manner. (2) This rule does not apply to: (a) Any meeting or hearing otherwise required to be held in-person or in a specified geographic location by ORS chapter 469; or (b) A contested case hearing held pursuant to ORS chapter 183 and OAR chapter 345.