This webpage is updated 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.
Per statewide Public Health Order, Cloth face coverings are required for everyone 5 and older in all indoor public spaces and outdoor spaces where 6 feet of distancing is not possible. More on the Washington Department of Health website.
Local Information
On January 5, Governor Inslee announced the Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan, which lays out the process to safely reopen Washington state. The plan includes guidance for certain businesses and industries to help protect Washingtonians and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
The full Healthy Washington phased chart is available here.
This new plan divides the state into regions. Clark County is in the Southwest region, with Skamania, Cowlitz, Klickitat, and Wahkiakum counties. The Southwest region will move to Phase 2 on Sunday, February 14th.
Click here to read Reopening Guidance for Businesses and Workers.
Phase 2 allows for Indoor dining at 25% capacity, outdoor and open-air dining. Please use the “Dine Ridgefield” map below to determine services available at our local Ridgefield restaurants.
To report a re-opening violation to the Ridgefield Police Department, fill out the form here.
Ridgefield School District
Who should I follow for updates about COVID-19 in our area?
City Response
EMERGENCY DECLARATION AND PRESS RELEASE
City Facilities
City Hall, City offices at the RACC and the Police Department lobby are closed to the public, with limited access by appointment only. Online services will remain available and phones will be answered during normal business hours. Employees are being encouraged to work remotely when possible, provided it does not interfere with vital operations.
City Services
City services are modified as follows:
- All public events and park reservations are cancelled. We are not accepting future park reservations at this time.
- Public parks and trails remain open, providing public space to remain active while practicing social distancing. Play structures, sports courts, and park restrooms are re-opened.
- To alleviate worry and maintain a standard of health in our community, the City will not assess late fees nor disconnect water service until further notice. You will continue to receive bills and past due reminders during this time. If you are having trouble paying your bill, please call us at (360) 887-3557 to make payment arrangements.
- Utility payments can be made online, by phone (360)887-3557, by mail or by drop box in front of City Hall.
- Ridgefield Police has resumed issuing Concealed Weapons permits by appointment only. Please call 360-887-3556.
City Events
City Events will not include gatherings until it is determined safe to do so. We are continuing to provide online or individual event activities and recreation, please visit our First Saturdays page for details.
Sports Fields & Practices
State Guidelines for Sporting Activities are be monitored and enforced. Security Officers patrol the fields to ensure that rules are being followed to keep everybody safe and continue moving forward with the fields open and available. The focus is be on education (step 1), but if there are persistent violations, security will ask offenders to leave for the day (step 2). If the violations continue after that, violators will not be allowed to return until adherence to safety precautions can be assured (step 3).
With these guidelines in place, we are looking forward to seeing our children recreate in a safe manner. Please refer to current Healthy Washington Guidelines for Sporting Activities for specific guidelines.
To report a Safe Start violation to the Ridgefield Police Department, fill out the form here.
City Public Meetings
To assure the health and safety of the general public during this COVID pandemic, and compliance with Governor Inslee’s Proclamation, the City of Ridgefield will conduct public meetings virtually. Public meetings include City Council meetings, Planning Commission and Parks Board. Members of the public are invited to attend, listen and participate in the meetings as follows:
MEETING PROCEDURES:
The meeting will be conducted via Zoom. Any member of the public wishing to attend the meeting remotely is invited to attend the meeting via Zoom or telephone call in. Instructions to attend the meeting will be provided the day prior to the meeting on the City Council or Boards and Commissions web pages.
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 City Clerk that you would like to make comments during the public hearing no later than 3PM the day of the meeting. Notification may be made by email at julie.ferriss@ci.ridgefield.wa.us. Provide your full name and phone number. When your name is called by the Mayor during the meeting, the City Clerk will unmute your microphone so you are able to make your comments.
If notification is not provided in advance, use the “raise your hand” feature on Zoom during the public hearing if you wish to make a comment. When your name is called by the Mayor, the City Clerk will unmute your microphone so you are able to make your comments.
As in a live meeting, all comments will be limited to 3 minutes.
Written comments may be submitted to the City 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 City Council meeting. Comments will be compiled and provided to the City Council and necessary City staff.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Members of the public wishing to address items not on the agenda must email the comments to the City Clerk at julie.ferriss@ci.ridgefield.wa.us no later than 3PM on the day of the scheduled City Council meeting. Comments will be compiled and provided to the City Council and necessary City staff.
As usual, a recording of all Council meetings will be made available on the City website the day after the meeting at https://ridgefieldwa.us/government/city-council-meeting-audio-files/
Resources for Businesses and Workers
Unemployment Questions?
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@ci.ridgefield.wa.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
Resources for Residents
Emergency Rental Assistance – Clark County Council for the Homeless
Utilities
- Online Utility services are available 24 hours a day.
- There will be no late fees assessed for water bills until further notice, and there will be no water shutoff during this time frame. Please call (360) 887-3557 if you are having trouble paying your bill.
- 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. Follow social distancing protocols and do not recreate if you are feeling ill.
- Park reservations are cancelled and future reservations closed until further notice.
Avoid Coronavirus Scams
If you receive letters, calls, emails, or other communications from individuals claiming to be from the IRS and offering coronavirus stimulus payments in exchange for personal financial information, an advance fee, or charge of any kind, including the purchase of gift cards, please do not respond. These are scams.
Electric, natural gas, water and telecommunication companies can’t disconnect your service for unpaid bills through July 28. Anyone who says otherwise is a scammer! Hang up and call your utility. If you’re worried about paying your bill or having your utility service disconnected, learn how the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission can help. Call them at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or visit http://bit.ly/2Db8gqg.
There have been reports of scammers claiming they can provide priority access to the COVID-19 vaccine for a fee. This is NOT TRUE.
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
- Online AA Meetings
- Free Online Mental Health Support Group meetings and other resources at NAMI SW WA.
Finances
- To alleviate worry and maintain a standard of health in our community, the City of Ridgefield will not assess late fees nor disconnect water service until further notice. You will continue to receive bills and past due reminders during this time. If you are having trouble paying your bill, please call us at (360) 887-3557 to make payment arrangements.
- Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19
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
Builders and Developers
UPDATE (6/12/2020)
The City is accepting all submittals, drop-offs, and pick-ups.
Site work, building construction, and inspections may proceed for all construction projects.
The remaining restrictions can be found in the Phase 2 Community Development Operations.
LIMITATIONS
Permits
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.
Building inspections
Inspections are restricted to new construction and unoccupied structures that have been vacant for more than two weeks. Building inspectors must take proper actions to reduce the spread of disease in the field, including maintaining 6 feet of separation at all times, using disinfectant, and wearing masks and gloves. Workers on site must be following requirements from the Governor’s Phase 2 Construction COVID-19 Job Site Requirements.
If, at any time, building inspectors arrive to inspect a site and these measures are not in effect, the building inspector will immediately stop the inspection and shut down all jobsite activity until it can be proven that these required measures are in effect.
PROCEDURES
See Phase 2 Community Development Operations
Members of the public may not enter the Ridgefield Administrative and Civic Center (RACC, 510-B Pioneer St). Staff is available by phone and email during normal working hours. Scheduling appointments to submit, drop off, and pick up materials is at staff members’ discretion.
For building permits, schedule appointments with Dorothy Harrington, Dorothy.harrington@ci.ridgefield.wa.us, 360-857-5011.
For land use and engineering permits, schedule appointments with Cristy May, cristy.may@ci.ridgefield.wa.us, 360-857-5027.
Submittal procedures
Email staff an electronic version of the application materials (M 8am-12pm for single-family residential building permits, M-F 8am-12pm for other permits). Staff will process the application and send an invoice. Schedule hard copy submittal with staff and submit a hard copy of the application materials (and check, if paying by check) on the table outside of the RACC. Alert staff that the materials have been submitted, and staff will pick up the materials immediately.
Drop-off procedures
Schedule drop-off with staff (Single-family residential M-F 8am-1pm; other M-F 8am-3pm). Drop off materials on the table outside of the RACC. Alert staff that the materials have been dropped off, and staff will pick up the materials immediately.
Pick-up procedures
Schedule pick-up with staff (Single-family residential M-F 8am-1pm; other M-F 8am-3pm). Alert staff when you are in the RACC parking lot. Staff will place the materials to be picked up on the table outside of the RACC. If paying by check, replace the materials with a check which staff will pick up immediately.
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.
Dining restrictions are currently in place. Use the map below to determine what services are available at Ridgefield restaurants.
To use this map: Click on the arrow in the top left to view a list of restaurants and filter by type of dining. Click on the box in the top right to expand the map. Restaurants: If you need to revise information here, please email Megan.DeMoss@ci.ridgefield.wa.us
Online Vendor Marketplace
While Ridgefield First Saturdays remain online, we are offering a resource for our vendors: an online vendor marketplace! If you submit your information to the marketplace you will be added to the page within 5 business days and your information will stay up until we return to in person events. Residents and site visitors can visit the online marketplace to shop and support local businesses!
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. A list of open businesses can be found on our Coronavirus Updates page.
Adjustments to Utilities: The City of Ridgefield has suspended late fees and water shut-off due to non-payment for all utility accounts during this time.
On-Going Education: The City is working closely with businesses to help them understand statewide requirements and what they CAN do.
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
The City of Ridgefield will support businesses efforts to re-open in compliance with State requirements. If you have questions about re-opening, please call 360-887-3557.
Organizations in the City
First Saturday Virtual Events: The City is partnering with local non-profit organizations and businesses to create virtual First Saturday events for residents. These events create opportunities for residents to provide support and connects businesses with the community they service. Find more information for each event on the First Saturdays webpage. Interested in being involved? Email Events@ci.ridgefield.wa.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.
