Emergency Repairs

Emergency Repair Guidelines for Plumbing and HVAC Systems

The Business Activity and Stay at Home Order affects construction work as follows:

1. Except as described in #2, #3, and #4 below, all construction work must stop by Friday, March 27th at 5 p.m.

• The additional time is provided in the interest of public safety and protection against unnecessary property damage.
• Construction sites must be made safe and secure by March 27 at 5 p.m.
  • Contractors are directed to take proper measures to protect adjacent properties. Remove or fasten items that are or could become loose. Secure sites against trespass and complete work necessary to protect. Ensure the structural integrity of buildings under construction.
• In addition to providing safe and secure job sites. Contractors must leave occupied residential properties  in safe and habitable condition.

2. Non-emergency construction may continue on the following facilities and infrastructure only:

• Medical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare facilities
• City essential infrastructure projects deemed necessary to ensuring that the City can continue delivering critical infrastructure services.

3.  The following repair and maintenance work may continue:

• Emergency repairs to both residential and non-residential properties.
• Examples of authorized work include:
  • Roof repair
  • Plumbing leak repair
  • Water heater replacement
  • Testing, maintenance, certification and repair of life safety systems (ex. fire alarms and sprinklers)
  • Heating or air conditioning system repair
• For occupied residential properties only:
  • non-emergency repairs and maintenance necessary for the safety, sanitation, and functional operation of the household.
•  Contractors must obtain permits within 3 days of the emergency repair or replacement. At this time new permit applications must be filed using the online system.

4. “Make-safe” work to address violations for imminently dangerous or unsafe properties is authorized.

• You must obtain a “make-safe” permit in person.
• You must make an advance appointment through the online form.

    NOTES:

1.  For work that requires permits and must be performed by licensed plumbing or HVAC contractors:
   • Contractors must obtain the permits within 3 days of beginning the work.
     • New permit applications must be filed using online permit.
   • Contractors must document the repairs through photograph or video. They must upload all documentation and required certifications through the online form within 7 days of completion of the repair.
2. These conditions must be followed for work at occupied residences:
   • Work area cleaned and sanitized by occupants and by workers
   • Workers keep occupants at least 10-feet away
   • No more than one worker unless 2 workers are necessary to accomplish the task may enter the residence.