(a) Submission of comments. During the comment period, any person may submit written comments on a filing to the appropriate OCC licensing office.

(b) Comment period—

(1) In general. Unless otherwise stated, the comment period is 30 days after publication of the public notice required by §5.8(a). If a new public notice is required under §5.8(g), the OCC may require a new comment period of up to 30 days after publication of the new public notice.

(2) Extension. The OCC may extend a comment period if:

(i) The applicant fails to file all required publicly available information on a timely basis to permit review by interested persons or makes a request for confidential treatment not granted by the OCC that delays the public availability of that information;

(ii) Any person requesting an extension of time satisfactorily demonstrates to the OCC that additional time is necessary to develop factual information that the OCC determines is necessary to consider the application; or

(iii) The OCC determines that other extenuating circumstances exist.

(3) Applicant response. The OCC may give the applicant an opportunity to respond to comments received.