On Monday, July 6, the City of Richmond government facilities and offices will enter Phase Three of the city’s operating plan. 
 
The City of Richmond workforce has been operative throughout the State of Emergency, providing essential services to residents and businesses despite the public health crisis.
 
The city continues to urge residents to use available e-services. For questions about available city services, view this updated list.
 
First floor public access for walk-in services is provided in the following buildings for in-person payments:
City Hall;
Southside Plaza; and
East District Center.
Non-cash payments can be submitted in the drop boxes at the East District Center and City Hall. If requested, receipts will be mailed.
 
Please note that not all departments or agencies in each building will be open for walk-in services. For departmental specifics, visit this updated list.
  
In Phase Three, the maximum capacity in City Hall will increase to 200 members of the public. Public bathrooms on the first floor of City Hall and the Observation Deck will remain closed. 
 
Everyone entering City Hall must wear a face covering. A limited number of face-coverings will be available in city hall for customers who do not have them, as supplies allow. It is strongly recommended that members of the public bring their own face coverings. Scarves, bandanas, handkerchiefs are all acceptable face coverings as long as the garment covers the mouth and nose.
 
Residents must schedule appointments to access floors 2-17 in City Hall. All residents must check in at the security desk on the first floor. Building security will allow entry to public areas based upon the number of persons seeking services.
 
As a result of capacity limitations, some customers may be asked to wait outside of city facilities until sufficient space is available. City staff will do everything possible to expedite potential wait times and appreciates the public’s patience at this time.
   
Residents are encouraged to conduct business with the city electronically whenever possible.
 
City facilities and offices will be open to all employees, though capacity will be reduced to allow for adequate social distancing. City operational plans provide for staffing levels to meet anticipated demands for in person services.  
   
The following is a list of changes from Phase One operating procedure that will go into effect July 6:
 
The Office of the General Registrar is now keeping regular business hours. All services are provided in room 105. Lobby capacity is limited to two residents.
 
All Richmond Public Libraries will be open to the public on a reduced schedule at 50 percent capacity. Strict social distancing will be adhered to. To facilitate this, study rooms will be closed, and computer usage will be limited to 50 percent capacity. The curbside borrowing and return service will be discontinued. Visit https://rvalibrary.org/about/hours/ to see individual branch hours.
 
Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities continues to phase in the use of public facilities. Starting July 6, athletic Fields are available for rentals provided that practices are in line with the governor’s guidelines. There will no longer be any parking restrictions at Ancarrow’s Landing or Pony Pasture.
 
Please note that all parks remain open for recreational use. Social distancing in parks is required, and face-coverings are recommended in busier spaces where consistent social distancing is challenging. A complete list of PRCF facilities open in Phase Three is available on the available city services list.
 
The Department of Planning and Development Review is accepting business at the Permit Center in City Hall. However, all permit submission must still be done electronically through the online permit portal or OneDrive. The Permit Center lobby will reopen to the public July 6 but will no longer accept walk-in applications or payment for services in order to limit interactions between staff and the public.
 
Payment for all fees in EnerGov can be made electronically.
 
Submit the following applications via the online permit portal: BLD-R, ELE-R, GAS-R, MEC-R, PLB-R, CZC and Plan of Development.
 
Submit the following applications via OneDrive: WISP, Encroachment, ESMP, Land Disturbance, ZCL, BLD-C, BZA, SUP, all commercial trade and miscellaneous construction permits, and any auxiliary forms that may be needed for these submission types. 
 
The Department of Social Services will remain closed to the general public with services available as listed on the updated city services list.
 
For a list of available city services, click here.

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