Included in the latest federal guidelines of critical infrastructure sectors were construction of housing, especially affordable housing and housing for the homeless. Also allowed were to continue working were trade professionals, including plumbers, electricians and exterminators.
For commercial contractors and the construction industry, confusion and questions remain.
Santa Rosa will support inspections and permit reviews for housing under construction in rebuild areas, but is not supporting or accepting applications for permits for non-essential projects.
All the confusion has caused many contractors to shut down until this is over. However, a shutdown of even one or two weeks could mean penalties for missed deadlines.
The city is working on guidelines for handling permits if shelter orders become more stringent and for prioritization of deferred action on permits and inspections after the shutdown orders are lifted.