SRBX on Stay at Home Orders and Construction Industry

A coalition of construction associations, including SRBX, determined a comprehensive response from the state was needed to address conflicting permissibility of construction operations in county public health orders/directives.

This coalition prepared and transmitted a policy recommendation which clearly established construction and related services as essential to the well-being of Californians to the Governor Newsom’s office the afternoon of March 19.

On the evening of March 19, Governor Newsom announced his statewide stay at home order. Unfortunately, that order did not provide the sought clarity on continuing of construction operations, and regrettably created more confusion. SRBX and representatives of the construction industry immediately engaged with the governor’s office, and a clarifying statement was put on the Governor’s COVID-19 website last night at 11:22 PM stating construction is exempt from the stay at home order.

Additional conversations with the Governor’s administration confirms ALL construction is exempt in the Governor’s order. However, our coalition has reports that some local jurisdictions have closed public counters. We are seeking a legal opinion that the Governor’s directive supersedes any order or directive from a County or Local Agency to ensure construction may proceed and is supported by necessary governmental functions (permitting, inspections, etc).

SRBX will continue to post updated information on our COVID-19 webpage. Please check the site regularly for news and information important to our industry.

Proceeding forward, there are several key points to remember:

• Controlling the spread of the coronavirus the Governor’s ultimate objective.
• Failing to observe recommended social distancing and provide adequate handwashing and hygienic services on construction site, the exemption for construction could be quickly rescinded or severely limited.
• If you encounter any jurisdictional issues with local planning departments, inspection officials, etc., please report it to me immediately at tmurphy@srbx.org.

Working with health and safety as the primary objective, our industry can continue to meet the objectives of our clients while providing for the economic well-being of our workers and the State of California. Build safe; Build healthy.

Tim Murphy, CEO
Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange