Speakers will soon face time limits at public hearings.

Civic politicians endorsed a policy change Monday that would restrict speakers to 10 minutes for a first presentation and three minutes for a second address, provided they have new information to share.

The Garden City lands hearings, which lasted several nights and generated multiple complaints from the public, prompted the city clerk's office to review the policy.

"The advantage of a written policy on speaking time limits is that it provides clarity for the public and sets expectations for all in terms of how a typical hearing is to be conducted," said David Weber, director of the city clerk's office, in his report.

Weber noted as with any council policy, elected officials may change the rules in any situation by a majority vote. Council could also set special rules for an agenda item in advance of the meeting.

The majority on council favour the change. Coun. Ken Johnston suggesting some people "hijack" meetings, forcing some would-be speakers to walk out of long meetings and never return.

Coun. Bill McNulty said the new rules allow council to hear from the public while giving the chair flexibility to adjust rules if needed.

Councillors Harold Steves and Evelina Halsey-Brandt voted against the change.

"I think our current rules are adequate," said Halsey-Brandt, noting long hearings, such as the Garden City debate, are rare.

Existing rules specify no limit for a speaker's first presentation, and a 10-minute limit for a second. Most other Lower Mainland cities have time limits.

Richmond council is expected to take a final vote on the policy change Nov. 9.