is there a setting on admin or do we still have to use this option?

tpl_checkout_payment_default.php
tpl_checkout_shipping_default.php

and move them to my custom overrides directory.

the code i changed was as follows:

tpl_checkout_payment_default.php:

Comment out lines 178 - 182

<fieldset>
<legend><?php echo TABLE_HEADING_COMMENTS; ?></legend>
<?php echo zen_draw_textarea_field('comments', '45', '3'); ?>
</fieldset>

tpl_checkout_shipping_default.php:

Comment out lines 117 - 120

<fieldset class="shipping" id="comments">
<legend><?php echo TABLE_HEADING_COMMENTS; ?></legend>
<?php echo zen_draw_textarea_field('comments', '45', '3'); ?>
</fieldset>