HBA COVID-19 Resources and Information

The HBA remains committed to representing our members and working with our community partners during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Through this pandemic we will provide up-to-date industry information, alerts and community resources to help your businesses continue working as productively as possible. Keep in mind that HBA’s response to COVID-19 is fluid and circumstances regarding programs and events could change rapidly. 
 
We are fortunate that many of our local jurisdictions and construction-related organizations have offered electronic platforms for us to work through prior to the pandemic. In that sense, we are ahead of the game and set up for a smoother transition while waiting this out. Plan submittals and reviews, as well as inspection requests and actual inspections can all be achieved through an electronic means, in most cases.  It is important that we are patient and committed to working together through these ever-changing conditions.

For Government and Regulatory Affairs Related information please contact:
Marla Novak, Director of Government Affairs
Amanda DeMarco, Regulatory Affairs Coordinator 

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​HBA wants to hear from you!

The HBA is listening and ready to respond. Contact us and let us know what you need to help your business through this temporary setback.
We are in this together and will get through it together.
Construction is Essential
6/20/20 Executive Order D 2020 110-Ordering Certain Workers to Wear Non-Medical Face Coverings EO D 2020 110 extends the the face mask requirement for the Construction Industry until 11:59 PM on July 20, 2020.
Public Health Order 20-31

6/30/20 Public Health Order 20-28 Safer at Home and in the Vast, Great Outdoors
PHO (8th Amendment) 20-28 looks the same for the Construction Industry, including all Work Safe/Stay Safe practices that are currently in place on your job sites and offices.

06/29/20 El Paso County Variance to PHO 20-28
An approved variance to portions of PHO 20-28 for all indoor and outdoor spaces, in order to achieve 6 foot  distancing, the limit is 50% of the posted occupancy code ensuring a minimum 28 square feet per person not to exceed more than 175 people gathered in a confined indoor space at any given time, and not to exceed 250 in an outdoor space. 

​Social Distancing Calculator for Indoor and Outdoor Events
This Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) calculator is provided to assist in planning social distancing for your employees and customers. The results given by this calculator do not relieve you of your obligation to follow all applicable Public Health Orders as they apply to your space. The configuration of any given space (aisles, racks, etc.) may result in a lower actual capacity limit. It is up to each business to ensure compliance with all portions of current orders.​​
COVID-19: Enforcement Guidance
OSHA adopted revised enforcement policies for increased in-person inspections and recording cases of coronavirus.
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OSHA is revising its previous enforcement policy for recording cases of coronavirus. Under OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements, coronavirus is a recordable illness, and employers are responsible for recording cases of the coronavirus, if the case: Under the new policy issued May 19, OSHA will enforce the recordkeeping requirements of 29 CFR 1904 for employee coronavirus illnesses for all employers. Given the nature of the disease and community spread, however, in many instances it remains difficult to determine whether a coronavirus illness is work-related, especially when an employee has experienced potential exposure both in and out of the workplace. OSHA’s guidance emphasizes that employers must make reasonable efforts, based on the evidence available to the employer, to ascertain whether a particular case of coronavirus is work-related.
Guidance on Temp Checks, Symptom Monitoring after Industry Raises Concerns
The guidance includes a requirement for employers take the temperature of employees at each site. 

The state provided a sample form to check employees before and after the work day. According to the Safer at Home order, if an employee reports any symptoms to refer them to the CDPHE Symptom Tracker and then take all of the following steps at your office or jobsite:
  • Send the employee home immediately;
  • Increase cleaning in your facility and require social distancing of staff at least 6 feet apart from one another;
  • Exclude the employee until they are fever-free, without medication, for 72 hours and 7 days have passed since their first symptom
If multiple employees have these symptoms, please contact your local health department. And then eliminate or regularly clean and disinfect any items in common spaces, such as break rooms, that are shared between individuals, such as condiments, coffee makers and vending machines.
 
The state prepared a video to show how to set up your workplace or job-site for temperature and health screenings.

All contractors and trades should follow the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), COVID-19 Multi-Industry Construction Guidance Document
Local Community Organizations 
Video Messages from
​Doctor Leon Kelly, Deputy Medical Officer for El Paso County Health
​El Paso County (EPC)
County COVID-19 Information / County Meeting Calendar ​

4/23/20 EPC Business Guidance Document for Reopening
General Strategies:
  • Perform a risk assessment to determine where staff and public interact and focus efforts there.
  • Keep ill staff and customers at home.
  • The safest place for your staff and the public to complete their tasks is at home. Clean and disinfect everything as often as possible, with the focus on public or shared spaces.
  • Use EPA-registered disinfectants to clean. As with any EPA-registered product, carefully read the label and only use the product as described in its directions. Physical barriers and physical distancing are your best weapons.
  • Be aware: every physical interaction is a risk, so limit physical contact to the greatest extent possible.
  • Identify the risk for each worker based on their duties and protect them accordingly.​​

Board of County Commissioner Meetings -As scheduled
​Planning Commission Meetings- As scheduled
Ways to participate in quasi-judicial land-use items coming up before the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners-Instructions

Planning and Community Development- Office is closed until April 6th Development applications can be submitted via EDARP
Overall, processes remain largely unchanged.  Development review will continue electronically via EDARP ​and construction inspections (including pre-construction meetings and in the field inspections) are allowed to continue as an exemption under the state’s “Stay-at-Home” order.  
​The Flu Vs COVID-19
How you can help fight COVID-19
​​City of Colorado Springs
City Covid 19 Information /City Meeting Calendar /Mayor Suthers Declares State of Emergency /Facts Not Fear panel

COS COVID Construction Notice

City Hall is currently closed to the public. People wanting to participate in the Regular Council meeting on Tuesday can email general comments or comments regarding the agenda in advance to AllCouncil@coloradosprings.gov. Comments will also be taken during the meeting from the public via the Facebook Live’s comment section.

City Council Meetings- Council will permit electronic or telephonic meetings and voting, including, but not limited to providing for electronic or telephonic attendance and participation by the public for Council meetings.  
Meetings will be broadcast by SpringsTV and live streamed on the Colorado Springs City Council Facebook page @coscitycouncil.

Planning Commission Meetings- Cancelled- The City is working on identifying and deploying virtual software that would meet legal requirements for quasi-judicial public hearings.

Land Use Review Division-Open for business

Development Review Enterprise -  No customers are allowed in staff areas and all plan reviews are being done electronically. Each office (LUR and DRE) have a drop box in the lobby for dropping paper copies and plans. Staff is holding all meetings via phone or web meeting. 
Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) 
Covid-19 Update from PPRBD /PRESS RELEASE 

Regional Building Remote Operations Continue To Go Well
PPRBD Remote Operations To Continue Through July 31st, or Until Further Notice

RBD is fully operational, only pubic facing operations are closed to the public.
RBD is accepting plans electronically, and has expanded options so that ALL types of plans can be reviewed by RBD Departments.
RBD is issuing permits, online and over the phone.
RBD is conducting inspections as normal, in accordance with the required social distancing and PPE.
RBD is accepting and processing license requests as well as conducting public meetings (information on our website).

​ALL customers are encouraged to schedule inspections via the website and submit plans electronically.  If you have questions or concerns about a final inspection or closing date that’s coming up, please try to work with the field inspector first, then the chief inspector for that discipline.  

Use PPRBD online resources at https://www.pprbd.org/  use of online resources allows the Department to remain operational and sustainable and able to support the communities’ economies via sustainable and continuing construction.

With regard to public meeting(s), the Department is conducting meetings virtually. For more information regarding virtual public meeting(s) and the public’s access to such for purposes of participation will be available  at: https://www.pprbd.org/Information/Boards
 
Building Official Roger Lovell, and the Department’s Public Information Officer, Greg Dingrando are available to answer questions about this operational update. They can be reached at (719) 491-3357 and (719) 237-3135, respectively. Customers can also call the main line at 327-2880 for general staff or questions specific to plan reviews, permits, licensing, or inspections, they can contact the following Department staff:
Permitting and Licensing
Matt Matzen
matthewm@pprbd.org
719-492-6361
Plan Review
Jay Eenhuis
jay@pprbd.org
719-492-0169
​Inspections
John Welton
john@pprbd.org
719-964-4659
Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD)   
Construction Services Website

Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) Electronic Reviews 
CSFD will be accepting electronic plans on a temporary basis.  The instructions for utilizing this process are outlined below.
  • Applicants can request access at fireconstructionservices@coloradosprings.gov. Simply send an email with the first/last name and full email addresses of everyone that needs access
  • CSFD will then set up a company folder, give everyone requested access and provide any further guidance.

​CSFD is open for business at the Fire Department Complex and the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department locations. The front counters are open and plan reviews and inspections are on normal schedules. All of the Division of the Fire Marshal sections are operational with a mix of in-office, teleworking, and field-work. The construction services team will be as responsive as possible and will plan on doing a lot of communication by phone, email, photos, video, or “FaceTime.”  Please let the department know your needs, and they will do what they can to accommodate. Follow the inspector’s guidance such as if requested to make way in a small space, please move out so they can get in to see what they need to.  
To contact Planning and Development Staff, please call: (719) 385-5982
Colorado Springs Utilities
​CSU Covid 19 Information / CSU Meeting Calendar
Message from CEO Aram Benyamin
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​CSU has closed all facilities to the public and non-essential personnel are being moved to remote operations through at least 30 March (Please see link to the official announcement below).  The Development Services office will also be working remotely during this time.  Please see below for more information and the potential impacts as we work to limit the possible exposure of both our employees and our customers. Official Announcement:  https://www.csu.org/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

UPAC, Utilities Board and other CSU Public Meetings
Virtual meeting information is listed on each agenda which will be posted seven days prior to the meeting -Agendas and Meeting Information

Citizens can provide comments in 2 ways:
  1. Join the meeting from their computers or phones using the link and passcode on the agenda. During Citizen Comment, citizens will have the opportunity to speak in the conference call.
  2. Submit questions or comments via energyvision@csu.org prior to the start of the customer comment period. Please indicate if you would like to have your message read-aloud for the meeting.

Construction Plan Review & Easement Processing
All construction plan and easement reviews will be done remotely, with the process for submittal and any correspondence will remain unchanged.
Impacts: While working remotely, turn-around times may be longer than usual. CSU staff will continue to complete plan and easement reviews as quickly as possible. Let CSU staff  know if there are items (plans/easements) you would like prioritized over others. 

Meetings & Plan Drop-Offs:
Until directed otherwise, CSU will not be taking any face-to-face meetings or accepting any customers at their facilities (Leon Young Service Center or Pikes Peak Regional Building).
Impacts: Requests for meetings are on an as-needed basis and will be completed via telephone or other correspondence like e-mail. Staff will accept hard copy plan drop-offs for inspections/records through a labeled drop box outside the main entrance of the Leon Young Service Center.  Please note if you will be utilizing this option, send a quick e-mail to udsadmin@csu.org to let staff know that you have dropped off plans.  
 
Electronic Copies for CSU Inspections: This is a temporary/interim procedure for COVID-19 remote operations.
CSU will be processing electronic files in lieu of the required paper copies for inspections on a temporary basis during the current COVID-19 situation.  Submitting plans for electronic signatures will initiate this process.  Once CSU signs the plans and send the “originals” back, they will then coordinate the files for you – There is no need to resubmit the electronic copies.  

For questions related to construction plan or easement review, please direct them via email to Ethan Widrick at ewidrick@csu.org or udsadmin@csu.org or call 719-668-8123

CSU Inspection and Permitting -CSU continues to performing all construction-related services at this time. 

CSU Locates- CSU continues to provide locates for their service lines within the CSU territory. 

CSU Tap Fees - CSU is processing tap fees and receipts through email and asking that payments be mailed to the main PO Box (see below), for now. They will send you the service contract, so you can sign it and that will allow you to pull the permit through PPRBD. 
 
Colorado Springs Utilities
PO Box 340
Colorado Springs, CO  80901-0340
Other Utility Service Providers
Black Hills Energy
Black Hills Energy’s number one priority is the continued safety of its customers and employees. BHE is actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and have measures in place to ensure they continue to serve customers in a way that is safe for both customers and employees. 
Please use the global email address below for any standard service or meter related questions, issues or scheduling:
Bhe.cog.ucs@blackhillscorp.com

Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA)
As of June 9th, our lobbies will be open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at each of our three locations (Falcon, Limon, and Monument).
MVEA Covid-19 Response
Town of Monument
Town of Monument Updates
Town of Monument is NOT on Lock Down

The Town of Monument continues to closely monitor Coronavirus (COVID-19) and take steps to keep our community and staff safe. View the latest updates related to the COVID-19 virus.
Contact List  
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During this time the Town of Monument Board of Trustee Meetings will be held remotely via Webex. 
 Options For Remote Participation:
  • By Telephone: Members of the public who wish to listen via cellular or land line phone can call: 1-844-992-4726 (Access Code: 126 043 2314)
  • To connect to the meeting digitally as an Attendee via computer or cell phone use the link:
https://tinyurl.com/y93rrnjk (password: junetomgov)
  • Please follow this link no less than 30 minutes before the event to register in advance. Registering in advance will require some basic information: Name, Address and Email. Once registered you will be provided with additional information on how and when to connect. During the meeting you will be able to hear and see your Board of Trustee, staff and presenters. When the Mayor opens the floor to public comment, attendees will have the option to "raise their hands" digitally and, when called upon, provide comment via connected audio devices.
  • Other: Individuals without the ability to participate by phone or computer may contact

Development Review
The Town of Monument staff are following CDC guidelines and are available by phone or email. In person meetings are limited to appointments only. We will be processing all new Development Projects as best we can via remote applications such as Microsoft TEAMS meetings, email, telephone, the Town of Monument’s Dropbox (outside Town Hall) and USPS. This may take a bit more time to complete but will ensure your project moves forward. Please follow the checklist below to ensure your project can be processed properly and avoid further delays.

You may call/email Debbie Flynn (Planner) with questions about this process at (719)488-1604 or dflynn@tomgov.org.

1. Development Review Applications are submitted to planning@tomgov.org along with a scanned copy of your application and retainer fee check. 
2. Planning will review the application and fees to confirm if further information is needed.
3. Once confirmed Planning will contact the Applicant via email and the Applicant will confirm that a check as been sent. Please state if you will be mailing the check USPS or via the Town of Monument Drop box.    (outside Town Hall).
4. Checks are to be made payable to the Town of Monument. Additionally, on the outside of the envelope please address it as follows:

       To Town of Monument, Planning Department
       “project name”, “project #____________ (we would provide this detail)
       645 Beacon Lite Rd
       Monument, CO 80132

5. Your application and all documents will be processed as normal including referrals and comments. At this time, we request that you please submit all materials digitally but can receive at Town Hall by appointment.
Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection District 
COVID-19 Community Letter/Blog
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Administrative offices and fire stations are closed to the public; however, they remain open and ready to respond to calls for service. Administrative staff is working alternating days in the office, which permits 2 Chief officers to be in the office. With no public access, TLFD is not accepting any in-person payments. Therefore payments can be mailed, or credit cards can be used. Plans should be emailed, or if drop off is required.
Please contact Fire Marshal Bumgarner via email to schedule a time to meet him at the office. ​
City of Fountain
Fountain City Hall is currently closed to the public and Council meetings are being held virtually by registration. For assistance contact the planner working on your project directly. Fountain City Council Meeting Information

Planning and Zoning Department- Information
​Staff is working remotely and submittals are still being accepted and processed.
Contact Kristy Martinez, AICP - Planning Supervisor with questions.
Kristy@fountaincolorado.org (719) 322-2015

​Fountain Utilities
​Beginning on Monday, March 16, 2020, the lobby of the Fountain Utilities Customer Service Center will be closed and all in-home services will be suspended until further notice. More information
Colorado Association of Home Builders (CAHB)
CAHB Staff Continues to Advocate for Industry
Like most other organizations, CAHB will be practicing "social distancing" and other public health measures during this difficult time. The staff at the CAHB will continue the important work of representing our industry, but to help ensure the health and safety of our staff, members and others, the Executive Committee has decided to close CAHB's offices until further notice. All CAHB meetings are being held virtually. If you have questions about CAHB meetings or need help, please notify Cassie Prestfeldt at cassie@hbacolorado.com.

Colorado General Assembly Update
The Colorado General Assembly adjourned on Monday 6/15 after returning on May 26 to address unfinished business, including the state budget. The typical 120-day session only lasted 84 legislative days but spanned 160 days with a long pandemic recess and a two-day break caused by protests around the capitol.
 
The legislature's primary task was to finalize the state budget and the school finance act. Legislators had to address a $3.3 billion shortfall, including a current year shortfall of $895.8 million and a 2020-21 fiscal year shortfall of $2.42 billion. The budget contraction for this downturn is expected to be twice the Great Recession (a -5.6 percent reduction versus a -2.5 percent reduction in 2009). Much of the budget reductions will be felt hardest by school districts, higher education and transportation.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
NAHB is open and continues to work on behalf of Construction Industry and Members across the County.
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response 

​NAHB Essential Industry Efforts
NAHB Letter to President Trump -On March 17, NAHB sent the White House a list of policy proposals to help stabilize the housing sector in the near term.

NAHB Letter to the Department of Homeland Security-On March 20, NAHB sent a letter to DHS requesting support for the housing sector of the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Preserve the Housing Industry During the Covid-19 Pandemic
NAHB Bulletin/Essential Industry Advocacy Points 
As “remain in place” orders go into effect in states and local jurisdictions it is imperative that housing and home building are considered essential functions during the pandemic.
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​Track Requirements Across the United States (3/24/20)
To help members track requirements across jurisdictions, NAHB has created a map detailing which states and municipalities have enacted orders that may impact builders.

NAHB Bulletin/Essential Industry Advocacy Points
Preserve the Housing Industry During the Covid-19 Pandemic
As “remain in place” orders go into effect in states and local jurisdictions it is imperative that housing and home building are considered essential functions during the pandemic. 

For additional resources on dealing with coronavirus, please visit the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response page on nahb.org.
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NAHB Articles/Podcasts
OSHA Issues Guidance on Returning to Offices After Shutdowns 6/24/20
Builder Confidence Surges in June as Housing Rebound is Underway  (6/16/20)
Court Sides with OSHA, NAHB and Others on Emergency Infectious Disease Standard(6/15/20)
Fresh Air Design Options for Post-COVID-19 Market (6/15/20)
Businesses with PPP Loans Now Eligible for Payroll Tax Deferral (6/5/20)
​Senate Approves House-Passed PPP Bill (6/3/20)
Housing Data Hint at Potential for Economic Recovery (5/22/20)
Builder Confidence Posts Solid Gain Following Last Month’s Historic Drop (5/18/20)
Economic Hopes and Concerns as States Reopen (5/15/20)
Building Material Prices Post Record Monthly Decline in April (5/15/20)
Housing Affordability Down Due to Economic Losses Stemming from COVID-19 Pandemic (5/08/20)
IRS Reverses Guidance on Employee Retention Tax Credit (5/8/20)
NAHB Federation Continues Helping Communities Cope with COVID-19 (5/6/20)
What You Need to Know about COVID-19 Multifamily Mortgage Financing and Forbearance (5/1/20)
​NAHB Sends White House Policy Proposals to Boost Housing and the Economy (5/1/20)
IRS: Expenses Paid with Forgiven PPP Loans are Not Tax Deductible (5/1/20)
HUD Secretary Carson Updates NAHB Members on COVID-19 Housing Response (4/28/20)
Last Few Hold Out States are Starting to Allow Construction Activity to Resume (4/28/20)
Total Jobless Claims Reach 26 Million as Housing Data Weaken (4/24/20)
Builders Employ Several Strategies to Keep Selling Homes During Pandemic (4/20/20)
NAHB Leaders Discuss Safety Stand Down (4/20/20)
Further Relief Needed from COVID-19 for Renters and Housing Providers (4/13/20)
IRS App to Speed Delivery of $1,200 Relief Payments, Creates Tools for Non-Filers (4/13/20)
New OSHA Guidance: COVID-19 Illnesses Not Recordable for Construction (4/13/20)
IRS Broadens Tax Return Filing in Response to COVID-19 (4/13/20)
Economic Outlook: Layoffs Continue but Virus’ Growth Rate Slows (4/10/20)
IRS Offers Tips to Avoid Coronavirus-Related Tax Scams (4/8/20)
HUD Issues Mortgage Relief for FHA Single-Family Home Owners (4/2/20)
​Does Business Interruption Insurance Cover COVID-19 Closures?(4/2/20)
​DOL Issues Final Rule Implementing Employer Obligations Under New Family Leave Law (4/1/20)
​IRS Releases New Form for Businesses to Claim Advance Payments (4/1/20)
Workers on Home Building Sites Should Strictly Adhere to Coronavirus Precautions (3/31/20)
Fannie, Freddie to Allow Desktop Appraisals on New Construction Loans (3/31/20)
Senate Approves $2.2 Trillion Economic Stimulus Package (3/26/20)
​90 Organizations Urge DHS to Designate Residential Construction “Essential” (3/26/20)
Builders Report Coronavirus a ‘Major Impact’ on Buyer Traffic (3/26/20)
CFPB Provides Flexibility During COVID-19 Pandemic (3/26/20)
USDA Acts to Help Rural Residents and Businesses Affected by COVID-19 (3/25/20)
​How to help Builders Stay on the Job (3/24/20)
Department of Labor Allows Employers to Weigh In on Family Leave (3/24/20)
NAHB Podcast: Housing Developments -Coronavirus Updates (3/20/20)
Evaluating Your Contracts in the Wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic (3/19/20)
Treasury Defers Tax Payments, Waives Interest and Penalties for 90 Days (3/17/20)
Coronavirus Could Affect OSHA Compliance on Home Building Sites (3/17/20)
Congress Expected to Pass Coronavirus Response Act Requiring Employer-Paid Sick and Medical Leave (3/16/20)
NAHB Remains Open for Business (3/16/20)
​Fed Cuts Interest Rates to Zero (3/15/20)
Small Businesses Hurt by Coronavirus May Be Eligible for Low-Cost Loans (3/13/20)
Fed Cuts Rates by Half a Percentage Point (3/3/20)
Coronavirus Outbreak: What Businesses Need to Know (2/28/20)
State Resources
Governor Polis Secures Federal Loan Assistance for Colorado's Small Businesses
Colorado small businesses impacted by COVID-19 can seek individual small business loans up to $2M as part of the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. Small businesses throughout all 64 counties may seek SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Governor Jared Polis announced that Colorado’s application for federal disaster area designation has been approved. 
​To apply click here. For more information, call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

CO Public Health and Executive Orders
CO Public Health and Exec. Orders

Help Colorado Now -State of Colorado Covid19 Volunteer and Contribution Opportunities 
Colorado COVID Relief Fund
​Colorado Emergency Child Care Collaborative
Colorado Unemployment Benefits

    The HBA is listening and ready to respond. Contact us and let us know what you need to help your business through this temporary setback.

As always, the HBA staff and leadership is here to represent you however we can.