Reopening framework - We are in Phase 3

The City has established a five-phase plan for the reopening of City buildings and services. The City Manager and EOC Executive Management Policy Team will decide when to change stages (forward or backward) based on the data and science.

View our current and next phases below or download the complete reopening framework.

Phase 3: Partial reopening Programs, services and field operations Remote service delivery is preferred, including new remote offering if practicable.

All services can restart in person if they can socially distance. Could require staggered schedules or re-arranged office spaces.

All field operations following Governor’s guidelines Public events Allowed in person, if can socially distance and LESS than 50 people. Public meetings Hybrid meeting set up (in person with a remote option for City Council, Council Committees, Planning Commission, UAC, Design Review and other boards and commissions). Public hearings that are non-COVID-19 related are permitted if less than 50 people and can socially distance, hand sanitizer, etc. Otherwise remote meetings must be for "necessary and routine business." Public facilities Reopen as needed based on department plans.

Common areas (conference rooms, break rooms, kitchens) are restricted to ensure social distancing.

High touch areas (microwaves, refrigerators, light switches) must be disinfected after use.

Remote meetings preferred with outside customers.

In-person meetings are allowed with social distancing and LESS than 50 people.

Increased cleaning and sanitation for city facilities.

Visitors are required to wear masks.

Follow recommended building flow paths.

Phase 4: Reopening pre-vaccine Programs, services and field operations Services should continue to use social distancing practice.

All field operations following Governor’s guidelines. Public events Allowed in person, if can socially distance and more than 50 people. Public meetings All boards and commissions are in operation, possibly in hybrid setting, but with more than 50 people (spaced chairs, hand sanitizer, etc.).

Consider longer-term remote offerings for some boards and commissions for “necessary and routine business.” Public facilities Reopen as needed based on department plans.

Minimize in person meetings.

No restriction on common areas but staff should continue to socially distance.

High touch areas (microwaves, refrigerators, light switches) should be disinfected after use.

Visitors are required to wear masks.

Follow recommended building flow paths.

Phase 5: Vaccine available Return to pre-COVID status quo

No restrictions

Potential for permanent changes to work practice and public meetings (i.e., remote options), consistent with the OPMA, which requires public meetings. Options may include offer for persons to attend remotely during a public meeting.

Program & service updates

City Hall Customer Service

City Hall will is open with limited hours for customer services. Doors will be open from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, until future notice.

Customers should expect to find doors clearly marked to enter and exit, and lobby floors marked to help with appropriate social distancing. In keeping with the Governor's order, masks will be required in the customer service areas of City Hall, which are public spaces. Masks will be available and offered to customers who enter City Hall without a mask, and hand sanitizer will also be available in the lobby.

Staff will service customers behind recently installed plexiglass shields, and counters and associated areas will be disinfected between customers.

The public is reminded that most common City tasks can be done online. Find them all on our Online Services page.

Olympia Fire Department

The Olympia Fire Department business office is open by appointment only for residents undertaking new construction or tenant improvements. Appointments can be scheduled for a fire inspection by calling, 360.753.8348.

Olympia Police Department

The Police Department customer service counter will be open to the public between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday-Friday. Customers should expect to find doors clearly marked to enter and exit, and lobby floors marked to help with appropriate social distancing.

Customers coming for Concealed Pistol Licenses will be required to wear masks (one can be provided, if necessary), sanitize their hands prior to fingerprinting, be scanned for fever and asked a set of COVID-19 symptom screening questions. Only one person will be fingerprinted at a time. The process of screening, sanitizing and fingerprinting will take some time. Customers should be prepared to wait.

To minimize the number of people in the lobby and reduce the spread of the virus, the Department asks customers to please avoid bringing others into the lobby with them on their visit.

Olympia City Jail

The City Jail lobby will be open to the public between 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Visitors must first call in on the yellow emergency phone in the lobby entry way. One person at a time will be allowed in. Visitors will be required to answer a set of COVID-19 symptom screening questions before allowed entry to the lobby. If not allowed entry, visitors will be able to conduct their business with the department over the emergency phone. Doors will be clearly marked to enter and exit. Counter tops and door handles will need to be disinfected between visitors.

Waste ReSources

The Saturday Yard Waste Drop-off Site, located at 1000 10th Ave SE, will reopen beginning June 27 at 9 a.m. The Drop-off Site is located at 1000 10th Ave SE.Learn more at olympiawa.gov/satdropoff.

City Council

City Council will continue to hold its regular meeting schedule during the coronavirus emergency. While in Phase 2, Council Chambers and City Hall will be closed to the public. Council meetings will be conducted remotely via Zoom and will accommodate public comment. Visit our City Council page to register.

Meetings are broadcast on Channel 3, and recordings of meetings can be found through the City’s online meeting management system.

Parks & Recreation

The Olympia Center is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. Customer service is available by phone, 360.753.8380, or in person during those hours.

Resources & assistance

Public Health Information

For the latest information, recommendations, and answers to specific questions about COVID-19, please visit the Thurston County Public Health website.

Mental Health & Wellness

On June 11, the City Council's General Government Committee convened a Virtual Town Hall on mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Utility Relief

City of Olympia utility customers affected by the COVID-19 emergency can fill out a simple self-certification form to have their utility payments deferred for 60 days without interest or penalties. Complete the form...

Utilities will not be shut off for non-payment for anyone who cannot make payments due to the impacts of the coronavirus. The declaration will be in effect until June 18, 2020.

Business Assistance & Economic Recovery

Olympia businesses can defer their first quarter, 2020 Business & Occupation (B&O) tax filings and payments until July 31. Filings and taxes are normally due at the end of April.

PBIA ratepayers affected by the COVID-19 emergency can fill out a simple self-certification form to have their PBIA assessments deferred until July 31. Complete the form...

In addition, the City is joining our regional partners to address the economic impacts of COVID-19. Small businesses hit by the loss of revenue because of the coronavirus outbreak can find a list of resources on the Thurston Economic Development Center website.

The City has also entered into contracts with several local non-profits to bolster the community’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.