City of Bellevue issued the following announcement.
The City of Bellevue is receiving numerous inquiries about Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order and how it impacts private and public construction projects in Bellevue. The following questions and answers best reflect the current directives contained in the governor’s order. Information is changing rapidly, and we will continue to monitor and share updates.
Under the Governor’s March 23 “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, are public and private construction projects and construction workers considered “essential?”
Per the Governor’s order, Washington residents are to stay at home or at their place of residence except to participate in or conduct “essential activities” and/or for “essential employees” to perform work for an “essential business”.” As part of the order, essential businesses and workers were identified, including most services and employees that sustain water, wastewater, stormwater and transportation - four key services provided by the city.
On March 25, the Governor clarified the intent of his original order as it relates to construction. The clarification states, “in general, commercial and residential construction is not authorized” and “not considered to be an essential activity.” The Governor clarified that his order allows for some construction in the following limited circumstances:
- Construction related to essential services described in the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order;
- Construction to further a public purpose related to a public entity or governmental function or facility, including but not limited to publicly financed low-income housing; or
- Construction to prevent and avoid damage, unsafe conditions and spoliation and to address emergency repairs at both non-essential businesses and residential structures.
Private development is not funded by the city’s budget. Private developers obtain permits from the city as permission to build their projects. Private development is inspected by various city departments. City inspection services have been reduced; please read more on the Development Services webpage.
How long is the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order in effect?
The Governor’s order took effect at midnight March 25, 2020. The prohibition on non-essential businesses remaining open is in effect until midnight April 8. However, the Governor may extend the order.
Under the Governor’s March 23 “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, will construction of publicly funded transportation and utilities projects continue?
Some transportation, utilities and other capital investment projects funded by the city will continue; others are delayed. These types of projects are publicly funded, and the city hires its own contractor. Currently, there are projects that are essential to the city’s transportation and water and sewer (utilities) networks that will continue.
At the time of the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, some projects were far along in their critical construction schedules. For questions about specific projects, contact the appropriate department.
For city-managed (and funded) projects, project managers and inspectors are considered essential employees and are conducting their responsibilities under the guidance of the order. City inspection services have been reduced; please read more on the Development Services webpage.
How can I find out if the construction of a project in Bellevue is allowed?
- Get the facts first about the project. If it is a road improvement/repair project or water/sewer/stormwater improvement/repair project, then it’s likely a publicly funded project. However, not all these projects are funded and managed by the city but by other agencies (King County, Sound Transit, Washington State Department of Transportation, etc). Contact the appropriate city department to learn more about the project. You may be directed to another agency.
- Follow up with the appropriate responsible party. Just as the city is determining which of its public projects are essential, so should private development builders. Some private developers have suspended their work in Bellevue. Contractors working on private development sites are to follow the Governor’s orders. Contractors and city staff working on essential projects will conduct themselves in the safest manner possible and in accordance with the order.
- City of Bellevue
- Public Health – King County & Seattle
- Washington State Department of Health
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control
Original source can be found here.
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