As small businesses around the country begin to reopen following months of closure due to coronavirus, business owners are navigating a new world of safety precautions, rules and regulations. It can be confusing to know what’s allowed and what isn’t, especially as things are changing so quickly. You might be wondering if you need a permit or permissions from the city to reopen your business and how protocols are being enforced. Although things vary by municipality, we researched cities around the country to see trends of how reopening is being managed. Let’s dive in!

Does My City Require a Reopening Permit?

From our research, it does not appear that a permit is required to reopen in most cities and states, as long as your business falls under the categories of businesses allowed to operate. Most cities and states are reopening in phases,and each phase includes certain businesses.

However, in some places in order to reopen your business, you need to document creating a reopening plan and training your staff on procedures, or affirm that you have read and understood protocols. In San Francisco, businesses are required to create and post a Social Distancing Protocol at every facility that they utilize. Certain businesses are also required to document health checks with their employees daily. The same is true in Alameda County, also in the Bay Area.

In Connecticut, businesses are required to self-certify that they understand and will follow protocols online. In New York, businesses must fill out an affirmation form online to affirm that they understand and will follow distancing procedures to keep people safe.

Generally speaking, local guidance will trump state guidance (for example, the state of California has allowed offices to resume work, but many local cities have not). You should follow your local ordinance’s requirements.

Where Can I Find Info on Reopening Businesses?

It can be difficult to sort through government resources to find the information that you need about reopening. However, in most cities the local public health website will have the most up to date information. You can find the public health website from your city’s main site. Once you’re there, there will likely be a section geared towards businesses specifically.

Some cities also have a COVID-19 website, which will be linked on the main city page. For example, New York City has a COVID resources page which includes a section specifically for nonprofits and businesses. We recommend that you check your local municipality’s government websites regularly and also follow your local health department and city government’s updates on social media. For national COVID news and guidance on how to navigate government programs, you can always follow along on our blog.

What Happens if You Don't Follow Business Reopening Guidelines?

If businesses are not following reopening rules, cities and states do have the right to shut them down. The governor of Arizona, Doug Ducey, said that “there will be enforcement” of social distancing protocols, and businesses will “be held accountable.”

In Massachusetts, the governor has placed responsibility for enforcement of distancing protocols on the Department of Labor Standards, who will investigate any complaints of businesses breaking the rules and take action.

The level of enforcement will vary by state, but it’s safe to assume that if you are not following your area’s distancing and safety protocols as carefully as possible, you risk being shut down by the authorities.

Are There Any Other Regulatory Changes for Small Businesses?

Even though there are many new requirements around health and safety for businesses, certain requirements around permitting have actually been relaxed.

States around the country have loosened up their rules around to-go and delivery alcohol, for example, to accommodate restaurants delivering cocktails, wine and beer to customers. Some cities are also allowing restaurants to set up tables on the sidewalk or in the street so that they can safely distance their guests from each other, and closing streets to traffic.

Government regulations around telehealth for insurance and healthcare companies have also been relaxed to allow more patients to see their provider from home.

Whether your business is fully open, open with limitations, or still closed down, we have all the info you need. Check out our other small business content on the Skip blog!