Check if a business can be open

See what business activities are allowed to continue under the Public Health Order. The City has a plan for reopening businesses in phases.

Allowed businesses must follow certain rules to continue operating.

Services that do not involve prolonged contact with customers can open for curbside pickup and dropoff. Examples include:

• Dog grooming
• Shoe repair 
• Electronics repair

Companies that rent equipment for allowed outdoor activities are also allowed for curbside pickup and dropoff. Examples include rentals for:

• Bikes
• Kayaks
• Paddleboards
• Boats
• Horseback riding
• Fishing equipment

These businesses can reopen for curbside pickup if the location:

• Has clear access to a sidewalk, street, parking lot, or alley to use for pickup and dropoff
• Can maintain 6 feet of distance between employees
• Has no more than 10 employees on site at once, to handle curbside operations 
• Is not in an enclosed shopping center, unless the business has its own exterior door or submits a separate safety plan

Supply chain businesses supporting curbside retail can operate

Manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics that support curbside retail can resume. But they cannot have more than 50 employees on site at once to support curbside retail.

See details about opening for curbside pickup and dropoff

Certain businesses whose primary services are normally run outdoors can operate, if they are able to keep 6 feet between everyone.

Outdoor businesses include:

• Businesses where at least half of the sales floor area was outdoors, like outdoor plant nurseries, agricultural operations, garden centers, outdoor flower stands, outdoor newsstands, certain auto dealerships, and outdoor car washes
• Service providers that primarily provide outdoor services, like landscaping and gardening services, and environmental remediation services.

Outdoor restaurants, cafes, and bars do not count. Restaurants still  cannot have indoor or outdoor dining.

Outdoor group exercise facilities (like bootcamps) also do not count. People should not be exercising in the same group, unless they live together.

Outdoor businesses must still keep their indoor spaces closed to the public. All sales must occur outdoors.

Essential businesses include:

• Healthcare operations and businesses that operate, maintain, or repair essential infrastructure
• Grocery stores, certified farmers markets, farm and produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, convenience stores, and other establishments that sell unprepared food, canned food, dry goods, non-alcoholic beverages, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supply, fresh meats, fish, and poultry
• Retailers that sell hygienic products, and household consumer products necessary for personal hygiene or the habitability, sanitation, or operation of residences
• Food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing (including indoor plant stores and nurseries, but only for seeds and materials for food cultivation)
• Businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals
• Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services (like photography)
• Gas stations for fueling and auto repair
• Auto-supply and auto-repair services for cars, trucks, motorcycles and motorized scooters
• Car dealerships only for selling supplies, repair services, and online sales with delivery (but not for indoor car sales)
• Bicycle repair and supply shops
• Banks and related financial institutions, including money lenders, check cashing services, and financing services at pawn shops (by appointment only)
• Service providers that enable residential transactions (such as rentals, leases, and home sales) including real estate agents, escrow agents, notaries, and title companies
• Hardware stores
• Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and others who provide services that are necessary to maintain the habitability, sanitation, and operation of residences and essential businesses (but not for cosmetic purposes)
• Arborists, landscapers, pool maintenance, and gardeners, but only to maintain the habitability, sanitation, operation of businesses or residences, or for safety (such as fire safety or tree trimming to prevent a dangerous condition), and not for cosmetic purposes or upkeep
• Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes
• Educational institutions, including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities, for purposes of facilitating distance learning or performing essential functions
• Laundromats, drycleaners, and laundry service providers
• Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but only for delivery or carry out
• Funeral home providers, mortuaries, cemeteries, and crematoriums, for the transport, preparation, or processing of bodies or remains
• Businesses that supply other Essential Businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate, but only to the extent that they supply Essential Businesses, not the general public
• Businesses that have the primary function of shipping or delivering groceries, food, or other goods directly to residences or businesses (operating only to support shipping and delivery)
• Airlines, taxis, rental car companies, rideshare services (including shared bicycles and scooters), and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for essential activities
• Home-based care for seniors, adults, children, and pets
• Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, and children
• Professional services, such as legal, notary, or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with non-elective, legally required activities or related to death or incapacitation
• Services to assist individuals in finding employment with essential businesses
• Moving services for residents and businesses
• Childcare facilities
• Repairs for cell phones or telecommunication devices

Businesses that are not allowed to reopen must cease all activities at facilities located within the City except minimum basic operations. Operations that can continue include:

• Inventory, ensure security, process payroll, and employee benefits
• Activities that help employees work from their homes
• Sanitation, including janitorial

If your business has more than 75% of the sales floor area selling non-essential goods (like books, games, jewelry, or apparel), you cannot open your storefront to the public. You can ship, deliver, and arrange curbside pickup for customers.

Non-essential businesses can have their employees work from home.

Essential activities at non-essential businesses

Businesses that do both essential and non-essential activities must scale their in-person operation to only essential activities. 

However, retail businesses that devote at least 25% of their sales floor area for essentials (like food and personal hygiene) can keep their entire storefronts open. 

Non-essential businesses can change their function to produce supplies to help address the pandemic. They can continue operating to produce these supplies, which can include:

• Surgical masks
• Face coverings (including fabric supply)
• Personal protective equipment
• Sanitizing products
• Other essential products for medical facilities

If you see a business or organization that might be violating the order and endangering the public or its employees, report a health order violation.

The Public Health Order is a legal order issued under the authority of California law. You are required to comply if you do not fall within the exemptions specified in the order. It is a misdemeanor crime not to follow the order, although the intent is not for anyone to get into trouble.