Colton’s Remote Public-Comment Option Is Available for City Council Meetings

Colton residents and other members of the public who cannot attend City Council meetings at City Hall now have a remote way to watch proceedings and provide live public comment.

The City of Colton says the hybrid participation option began July 1, 2026, as part of the city’s implementation of California Senate Bill 707. Remote speakers must register before the meeting, receive access instructions by email and call in on the meeting day to participate.

How to register

People who want to use the remote public-comment option must register through Colton’s public-comment portal before the meeting. The registration form asks participants to select the agenda item they want to address.

Someone who wants to discuss a consent-calendar item or a subject not listed on the agenda must select the option labeled “Consent Calendar item or Non-Agenda Public Comment.” The city encourages members of the public to review the agenda before registering.

After the form is submitted, the confirmation email provides meeting information and instructions for calling in. Watching a meeting remotely and speaking during public comment are separate steps: remote viewing alone does not place someone in the public-comment queue.

What remote speakers need to do

On the meeting day, registered speakers must call the number provided by the city and enter the meeting code. Colton’s public-meeting page currently lists (909) 639-4194 as the call-in number and 8444 as the meeting code.

Those details should be treated as subject to change. Participants should rely on the confirmation email and the city’s current meeting materials for the instructions tied to a specific meeting.

Public comments are limited to three minutes. Speakers must begin by stating their name and city of residence. The city also says the City Council cannot respond to or take action on a matter raised during public comment if that matter is not already on the agenda.

When City Council meets

Colton City Council meetings are generally scheduled for the first and third Tuesday of each month. Closed session typically begins at 5 p.m., followed by open session at 6 p.m., although the current agenda controls the schedule.

The city says agendas are generally posted at least 72 hours before a regular meeting and 24 hours before a special meeting. Residents should check the current agenda before registering because it identifies the subjects scheduled for council consideration and may contain meeting-specific instructions.

Where to check the latest information

Current meeting dates, agendas and available meeting documents are posted on Colton’s Agendas & Minutes page. The city’s public-meeting information page also provides the registration procedure and general speaking rules.

What the change means for residents

The remote option gives Colton residents a way to observe and address the City Council without traveling to City Hall. It may help people managing work schedules, transportation limits, caregiving responsibilities or accessibility concerns, while leaving the city’s existing public-comment rules in place.

Residents who plan to speak should register in advance, identify the subject they want to address and keep the confirmation email available on the meeting day. The city’s current agenda and meeting-specific instructions should be treated as the final authority for dates, access details and participation procedures.

Sources

• City of Colton: Public Meeting Information (SB707)
• California Legislative Information: SB 707