This webpage is updated often as more information is available.
We appreciate our community’s efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Ridgefield. We have created this page to ensure that you have access to accurate and up-to-date information on the City’s COVID-19 response and to provide links to other important resources.
MASKS, Per statewide Public Health Order:
- Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, should wear face coverings in public indoor settings.
- No one is required to wear a face covering outdoors. It is strongly recommended that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks in crowded outdoor settings (like sporting events, fairs, parades and concerts) where it’s harder to maintain physical distancing.
Do you have questions about COVID-19 or local vaccination efforts?
Clark County Public Health Call Center: 1-888-225-4625.
Do you have questions about the City of Ridgefield’s COVID-19 response?
Email us at city.mail@ridgefieldwa.us.
Washington state reopened on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
The reopening removed distancing requirements and capacity restrictions on nearly all businesses and industries. The state Secretary of Health order requiring face coverings in public places, however, remains in place.
Beginning June 30, all businesses and industries previously covered by the Roadmap to Recovery or the Safe Start plan, except for large indoor venues, can return to usual capacity and operations. Businesses must continue to follow workplace safety guidelines issued by the Department of Labor & Industries.
Clark County Public Health
The City of Ridgefield does not have a health department. Clark County Public Health manages public health for the county.
Ridgefield School District
Who should I follow for updates about COVID-19?
EMERGENCY DECLARATION AND PRESS RELEASE
City Facilities
City Offices are open to the public, but some services require an appointment.
Online services will remain available and phones are answered during normal business hours.
City Services
City services are modified as follows:
CITY HALL
Ridgefield City Hall is open to the public during business hours, Monday-Friday 7:30AM-4:30PM.
Notary service ($5) is available by appointment only. Click here to make an appointment online.
Park Reservations: We are now accepting Park Reservations for Abrams and Overlook Park through Facilitron. You can reserve Bennett Hall, Abrams sports and grassy fields, and Overlook Park for available dates after June 1, 2021. Standard reservation guidelines and additional COVID-19 guidelines must be strictly followed. For additional details, please visit our Event Planning & Permits page.
Utility Billing Practices: Normal billing operations will resume October 1, 2021. This will include late fees and service disconnections for non-payment. If you are having difficulty paying your bill, please contact us at 360-887-3557 or utilities@ridgefieldwa.us to discuss payment arrangements and avoid possible late fees or service disconnections.
Utility payments can be made 24/7 online, by phone (360)887-3557, by mail or by drop box in front of City Hall. Payments will also be accepted in person Monday-Friday 7:30AM-4:30PM.
CITY OFFICES AT RIDGEFIELD ADMINISTRATIVE AND CIVIC CENTER
- Community Development is open to the public during business hours, Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM. Many services require appointment, see “Information for Builders and Developers.” Click here to make an appointment online.
POLICE
- Police Department Lobby is open 8:30AM-5PM, Concealed Weapons Permits and Fingerprint services available by appointment only. Please call 360-887-3556 to make an appointment.
City Public Meetings
To assure the health and safety of the general public during this COVID pandemic, and compliance with Governor Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28.14, the City of Ridgefield will conduct public meetings in person with full online access through webinar. Public meetings include City Council meetings, Planning Commission and Parks Board.
MEETING PROCEDURES:
The meeting will be conducted via Zoom and in person consistent with COVID guidelines. Instructions to attend the meeting virtually will be provided the day prior to the meeting on the Boards and Commissions webpage. (for City Council access visit the City Council page)
Any person wishing to attend the meeting in-person will be able to do so in the Council Chambers (Columbia Assembly Room) at the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center.
If at any time during the meeting the in-person component cannot comply with the State requirements, the meeting will be recessed until compliance is restored or if compliance cannot be restored then adjourned to a later date.
State Secretary of Health Order 20-03.2 regarding masks indoors must be followed by all in-person attendees. This means:
- All individuals over the age of 5, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a face covering while indoors at public meetings.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Members of the public may provide testimony during a Public Hearing listed on the agenda in two ways:
Live comments. If possible, notify the Clerk that you would like to make comments during the public hearing no later than 3PM the day of the meeting. Provide your full name and phone number. When your name is called during the meeting, please state your comment at the podium if attending in-person or the Clerk will unmute your microphone if the meeting is attended via Zoom.
If notification is not provided in advance, state your comment at the podium if attending in person or use the “raise your hand” feature during the public hearing if attending via Zoom. When your name is called, the Clerk will unmute your microphone so you are able to make your comments.
For City Council meetings, provide notification to Julie.ferriss@ridgefieldwa.us
For Planning Commission meetings, provide notification to dorothy.harrington@ridgefieldwa.us
For Parks Board meetings, provide notification to lisa.blake@ridgefieldwa.us
All comments will be limited to 3 minutes.
Written comments may be submitted to the Clerk via email or be placed in the drop box in front of City Hall no later than 3PM on the day of the scheduled public meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Members of the public wishing to address items not on the agenda can email the comments to the Clerk no later than 3PM on the day of the scheduled public meeting or comments may be given in person during a Public Comment section of the meeting.
As usual, an audio recording of all public meetings will be made available on the City website the day after the meeting at
City Council: https://ridgefieldwa.us/government/city-council-meeting-audio-files/
Planning Commission: https://ridgefieldwa.us/government/planning-commision-meeting-audio-files/
Parks Board: https://ridgefieldwa.us/government/parks-board-meeting-audio-files/
The City is accepting all submittals, drop-offs, and pick-ups.
Site work, building construction, and inspections may proceed for all construction projects.
LIMITATIONS
For single-family residential building permits, submittals and pick-ups are limited to five per builder per week. Email an electronic version of the building permit application materials to staff by 1pm on Monday to receive an invoice and schedule a hard-copy submittal during the same week.
There are no limitations on submittals, drop-offs, or pick-ups for other permits.
PROCEDURES
Members of the public may only enter the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center (RACC, 510-B Pioneer St) by appointment. Masks are required. Staff are also available by phone and email during normal working hours. Scheduling appointments to submit, drop off, and pick up materials is at staff members’ discretion.
Appointments may be scheduled online, by email, or by phone.
To schedule an appointment online, click here to visit our Booking page.
To schedule an appointment by email or phone contact one of our permit technicians:
For residential building permits: Dorothy Harrington, dorothy.harrington@ridgefieldwa.us, 360-857-5011 or Trina Siebert, trina.siebert@ridgefieldwa.us, 360-857-5041.
For commercial building permits, land use permits, and engineering permits: Cristy May, cristy.may@ridgefieldwa.us, 360-857-5027.
Unemployment Questions?
Please visit Washington State Employment Security Division
Business Guidelines
For the most up to date Business Guidelines and Restrictions, please visit the governor’s website.
If you have questions about requirements and guidelines for your business during this time, please contact City Manager Steve Stuart at steve.stuart@ridgefieldwa.us or (360) 887-3557.
Business Loans and Assistance
Federal
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Coronavirus relief options, including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) & Advance, SBA Express Bridge Loan and SBA Debt Relief
State
Washington Small Business Development Center (WSBDC) Coronavirus News and Resources, including assistance applying for U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan financial assistance.
- To assist with the large demand, WSBDC has distributed a list of alternative online lenders that are now U.S. Small Business Administration-approved to handle Paycheck Protection Program applications
Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD)
Information for workers | COVID-19 Scenarios & Benefits Available Chart
For businesses considering employee lay-offs or terminations, ESD has enacted emergency rules to relieve the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation and quarantine for workers and businesses. Learn more.
- WorkSource and Workforce Southwest Washington have several programs that can help businesses affected by COVID-19, including layoff aversion programs.
StartUp Washington (Washington State Department of Commerce)
- Washington Retail Association Resource Guide for Retailers & Employees
Local
- Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce
TheLocalYou (promotes local businesses and how the community can support them – apply to add your business)
COVID-19 Signage
Rental Assistance
Emergency Rental Assistance – Clark County Council for the Homeless
COVID-19 Rent Assistance and Housing Information – Washington State Department of Commerce
Utilities – City of Ridgefield Water and Stormwater Service
- Online Utility services are available 24 hours a day. Payments may be made 24/7 online, by phone, or by drop box.
- Utility Billing Practices: Normal billing operations will resume October 1, 2021. This will include late fees and service disconnections for non-payment. If you are having difficulty paying your bill, please contact us at 360-887-3557 or utilities@ridgefieldwa.us to discuss payment arrangements and avoid possible late fees or service disconnections.
- Start/Stop/Move Utility services may be completed online or by phone at (360) 887-3557.
Parks, Trails, and Sports Fields
- Public parks, trails, play structures, and restrooms are open. Please follow social distancing protocols and do not recreate if you are feeling ill.
Food Resources
Ridgefield Family Resource Center
Location: We are located in Portables C and D between the Ridgefield Administrative & Civic Center (RACC) and Union Ridge Elementary School. Take Pioneer Street into downtown Ridgefield and park in the RACC parking lot at 510 Pioneer Street. We are in the portable to the right of the RACC building, outside of the fencing.
Hours: The Ridgefield Family Resource Center is open to serve Ridgefield School District’s students, families, and staff on the following days and times:
Monday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:30 pm
For resource needs and to make an appointment outside of these house, please contact Chris Poppert at 360-619-1412 or via email at christine.poppert@ridgefieldsd.org.
To learn more about the services we provide and the resources available to you and your family, visit the Ridgefield Family Resource Center website at http://rsdfamilyresourcecenter.weebly.com/
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
21814 NW 11th Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Handing out food boxes on Tuesdays, 10-12:30.
Compassion 360
Local non-profit providing food boxes and additional support. Order online: https://www.compassion360.org/ click on “Let us know How Can We Help”
Clark County Food Bank
Food pantry sites: https://www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/get-food-covid19
Prepared meal sites: https://www.clarkcountyfoodbank.org/preparedmealsites
Goods and Services:
- Ridgefield Helping Facebook Group – A Facebook group resource for local people who are looking for items and services.
- To connect with more resources, visit WA211.org
- Internet Connectivity
- Washington State Drive-In Wifi Hot Spot Locator
- Free and Low Cost Internet Options
- Homelessness and the Digital Divide, article with list of support programs.
- Online AA Meetings
- Free Online Mental Health Support Group meetings and other resources at NAMI SW WA.
Finances
- If you are having trouble paying your City of Ridgefield utility bill, please call us at (360) 887-3557 to make payment arrangements.
- Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
Recreational Activities
Fitness Activities
- Take a walk around downtown – learn more about Downtown buildings and art by downloading the Distrx app or do the Historic Downtown Walking Tour.
- Do this printable Downtown Art Scavenger Hunt! When you are done, check the answers with this KEY.
- Go for a walk or bike ride on neighborhood trails or walk through Abrams Park.
- Check out a Ridgefield Day-cation! Many can meet the requirements of physical distancing with slight modifications.
- Practice your favorite sport or work out at home with SportsEngine At-Home Workouts
- P.E. with Joe has exercises for all ages
- Check out Fitness Blender for free workout videos and healthy living information
- Download the Nike Training Club app to access free workouts and fitness information
- Set up an Obstacle Course or Relay Race
Indoor Activities
- Have a library card? Check out FVRL’s “What to do while you’re stuck at home” page!
- Check out the PBS Parent Resource page for endless ideas based on age and skill level.
- Go on a virtual field trip
- Visit a Museum, Zoo or Amusement Park
- Join a Virtual Marine Biology Camp with Oceans Initiative
- Make a Plant Rubbing Collage with crayons and plants from your yard
- Color to your heart’s content
- Plan an indoor scavenger hunt
- Get creative with these arts and craft ideas using items in your house
- Explore science, technology, engineering, and math with Simple STEM Activities To Do At Home
Outdoor Activities
- Visit a local U-Pick Farm!
- Complete a Nature Scavenger Hunt
- Put down a picnic blanket and share a meal outdoors
- Organize a Backyard Olympics day
- Get nostalgic with classic outdoor games
- Go camping in your backyard (or living room!)
- Set up outdoor science experiments and sensory play
Support Local
Local businesses contribute a huge part of our local economy and provide jobs, services, and amenities close to home. Now more than ever, Ridgefield businesses need our support to stay in operation.
How can we support our local businesses during COVID-19?
It’s simple – shop local! The best way you can support Ridgefield businesses is to pick up a meal, grab a gift card, or shop.
The City of Ridgefield
The City is implementing programs and policy to help keep local business alive through the challenges of COVID-19. The City of Ridgefield is also coordinating with other municipalities and around Clark County to stay informed about the virus and provide up to date information, impacts, and opportunities in Ridgefield.
Do you have questions about your business? Give us a call –
Building and Construction – 360-887-3908
Business Restrictions and Requirements – 360-887-3557
General Questions – 360-887-3557
Organizations in the City
First Saturday Events: The City is partnering with local non-profit organizations and businesses to safely bring back in-person First Saturday events. Find more information for each event on the First Saturdays webpage. Interested in being involved? Email events@ridgefieldwa.us
Chamber of Commerce: The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce is continuing to offer all regularly scheduled networking and membership meetings to keep business owners and operators connected during this time. In addition, you can find a list of business resources on their website.
Ridgefield Main Street: Ridgefield Main Street is keeping the public informed on how they can support local businesses by keeping social media updated with which businesses are open and what services they are offering. They are also promoting shopping downtown by distributing Main Street Moolah through social media contests.
