On Monday, June 1, the City of Richmond government facilities and offices will enter Phase 1 of the city’s operating plan. 
 
The City of Richmond workforce has been operative throughout the State of Emergency, providing essential services to residents and businesses despite the public health crisis. Phase 1 largely entails the phasing in of limited in-person services in key city facilities.
 
The city continues to urge residents to use available e-services. For questions about available city services, view this updated list.
 
First floor public access for walk-in payment services is provided in City Hall. 
Please note that not all departments or agencies in City Hall will be open for walk-in services. For departmental specifics, visit this updated list.
 
The following city facilities will be open to the public by appointment only, access only by security in each location: 
City Hall (with the exception of the Richmond Registrar’s Office and certain other first floor services);
730 East Broad Street;
Animal Care and Control;
Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities administrative building;
DPU plants and external campus;
DPW external campus; and
Richmond Police, Fire, and Emergency Communications headquarters.
Please note that not all departments or agencies in each building will be open to the public. For departmental specifics, visit this updated list.
 
To schedule appointments, residents should reference the city website or this list of city services available at this time.
 
Building security will assist customers on the first floor of facilities to maintain social distancing while receiving city services. The first floor of City Hall has a strict capacity limit. Building security will allow entry to public areas based upon the number of persons seeking services. 
 
As a result of capacity limitations, some customers may be asked to wait outside of city facilities until sufficient space is available. City staff will do everything possible to expedite potential wait times and appreciates the public’s patience at this time. 
 
Face-coverings are required in all local government buildings and when interacting with government employees, as ordered by Governor Northam. 
 
A limited number of face-coverings will be available in city hall for customers who do not have them, as supplies allow. It is strongly recommended that members of the public bring their own face coverings. Scarves, bandanas, handkerchiefs are all acceptable face coverings as long as the garment covers the mouth and nose. 
 
Residents are encouraged to conduct business with the city electronically whenever possible.
 
City facilities and offices will be open to all employees, though capacity will be reduced to allow for adequate social distancing. City operational plans provide for staffing levels to meet anticipated demands for in person services.  
 
As a reminder, the Office of the Richmond General Registrar is open to the public for candidate filing, absentee balloting and voting related matters. Appointments are not required but are encouraged for matters other than in-person absentee voting, as only two people will be allowed in Room 105 at a time. Access to the Office of the General Registrar in Room 105 will be through the Ninth Street entrance only. Access to in-person absentee voting will be through the Broad Street entrance only. 
 
The Department of Social Services will remain closed to the public. Clients should reference this document to learn how to best access services and apply for benefits. 
 
The following is a list of changes from current operating procedure that will go into effect June 1:
 
The Finance Department will take customer payments of tax and utility bills in person by walk-in at City Hall. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of online and contactless payment methods, such as drop boxes. 
 
Richmond Public Library will begin contactless pickup of holds and requests starting June 3. Contactless pickups are available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Patrons may return items to the outdoor book drops starting June 3. 
 
Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities’ administrative offices will be open by appointment only. Limited tennis courts at Byrd Park, Battery Park and Forest Hill Park and limited pickleball courts at Forest Hill Park and Randolph Community Center will be open for use starting Saturday, May 30. Public restrooms and community centers remain closed. 
 
Please note that all parks remain open for recreational use. Social distancing in parks is required, and face-coverings are recommended in busier spaces where consistent social distancing is challenging. 
 
The Department of Public Utilities facilities and customer service stations will be open to customers, vendors and contractors by appointment only. 
 
The Department of Public Works will practice enhanced cleaning and security measures in City Hall. Enhanced security is intended to limit close personal contact and promote social distancing. For example, only the Ninth Street entrance to City Hall will be open in order to check for and distribute face coverings, and only three employees will be allowed in an elevator at one time. 
 
The Office of the City Treasurer will take visitors by appointment only. Those who wish to receive notary services should make an appointment. 
 
For a list of available city services, click here.

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