A report released by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council this month indicates that virtual hearings have been a positive change for some local planning and zoning boards.

Of the 102 municipalities surveyed by the MAPC, about half reported that participation in public hearings increased under a virtual format. Roughly 20 percent reported that public participation in hearings had decreased, and 30 percent said they saw no difference in participation between live and virtual hearings.

Most communities are using Zoom for virtual hearings, according to the report, while about 39 percent are using a different online platform, and 8 percent are holding hybrid meetings with the option to participate in-person or online.

In survey comments, some respondents said they were surprised at how easily boards and the public adapted to virtual hearings. Overall, 16 respondents reported to the MAPC that the board had no issues using the technology, and nine respondents said the same of members of the public. Five said technology issues have made holding hearings impossible for boards, while two respondents said the same for public participation.

Using the responses, MAPC compiled a series of suggestions for overseeing virtual hearings, including setting a time limit for hearings, designating an official moderator and holding training sessions for board members, applicants and the public.

The council has also created a guide to hosting virtual meetings for municipalities.