FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 20, 2021
City Council repeals local COVID-19 ordinance to avoid confusion with Governor’s Executive Orders; Local State of Emergency remains in effect
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - At its regular meeting held Monday, Charlottesville City Council approved the repeal of the City’s local COVID ordinance originally enacted July 27, 2020. From July 2020 to the present Council modified the ordinance on several occasions to more closely conform with the Governor’s Executive Orders. In repealing its local ordinance, Council made clear the change was to limit confusion for the public as to which guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are in effect within the City. This action is consistent in almost all areas with adjustments recently made by Albemarle County.
The repeal of the local ordinance aligns the City of Charlottesville with Virginia Executive Order 72 and the state's Forward Virginia: Phase Three Guidelines.
While subject to change, the City of Charlottesville does not anticipate returning City Hall to normal operating status before Labor Day, September 6, 2021.
The City remains committed to servicing our residents and customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The offices of the Treasurer and Commissioner of Revenue will continue to schedule in-person appointments at City Hall for in-person services related to taxes and fees and for DMV Select services (drivers’ licenses and ID services are not available at this location). In addition, Neighborhood Development Services has recently added a second drop-off day each week to receive plans and permit applications. Our Parks & Recreation Department has begun implementing a phased re-opening plan for some facilities and programs, and the Voter Registration & Elections Office is open for business. City Hall and other City operations will continue to phase in additional in-person services as health conditions allow.
While much of City Hall remains closed to the public and limited, essential employees are at the office, all key staff are teleworking and remain available during regular business hours, via telephone, email and other virtual platforms, to ensure business continues as smoothly as possible.
In addition to the appointment options described above, the public is encouraged to use all available online and telephonic options for conducting business at City Hall. This includes using our payment drop boxes on both sides of City Hall and the drive through drop box located between the City Hall Annex and the Key Recreation Center.
Continuity of Governance Ordinance Updated
Charlottesville City Council also updated its Continuity of Governance Ordinance, to continue necessary emergency actions for the period from April 19, 2021 to October 19, 2021. This ordinance establishes procedures for public meetings and, while City Council maintains its locally-declared state of emergency, all meetings of City Council, its boards and commissions, and staff advisory bodies will remain all virtual, as the facilities where such meetings would take place in-person are closed to the public.
Media Contact
Brian Wheeler
Director of Communications
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3129
wheelerb@charlottesville.gov