Beginning late March, and extending to the middle of May, 2020, millions of Americans were required to stay at home to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To ensure the safety and prosperity of their communities, governors and other authorities allowed “essential” businesses to stay open. This dashboard tracks how states with a stay-at-home mandate classified Construction and Building Material Suppliers throughout this time period. While state orders still limit many business activities, and in some local areas construction operations may be limited, the last state with limits on Construction (New Jersey) relaxed those orders on May 18, 2020. This page is no longer being actively updated but serves as a record of the orders and periodic developments leading up to the first wave of the 2020 corona virus outbreak.
[Updated 5/18/2020] Latest changes:
In New Jersey, the Governor announced that nonessential construction can resume May 18, 2020
In California, the ban on construction issued locally for the City and County of San Francisco has been lifted.
In Michigan, effective May 7, construction and real-estate operations resumed.
In New York, the Governor announced that construction operations may resume in some upstate areas of the start beginning May 15.
In Vermont, construction rules extended to allow up to 10 workers on site at a time. (Scroll to state detail below.)
Please note that in every state, county, or city where firms are allowed to stay open for business, all are required to comply with social distancing requirements to keep employees, trade partners, and clients healthy and safe.
Increasingly, states are adding requirements to provide face-coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain six-feet of social distancing.
Per U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC): "Social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible." For additional guidance on how to make these safety measures work, see OSHA's Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19.
ALABAMA
On May 1, a new "Safer at Home" public health order went into effect until May 15, 2020.
Read the order
Previously a statewide stay-at-home order was in effect until April 30, 2020.
Read the order
Prior to that a "shelter-in-place" order had been issued for Birmingham only.
Read the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide order designates as Essential infrastructure "Construction and construction-related services, including building and construction, lumber, building materials and hardware businesses, electricians, plumbers, other construction tradesmen and tradeswomen, exterminators; cleaning and janitorial, HVACR and water heating businesses; painting, moving and relocating services, other 6 skilled trades, and other related construction firms and professionals for maintaining essential infrastructure."
The Birmingham order was much more inclusive, specifying that "providing any services, goods, or work necessary to build, operate, maintain or manufacture essential infrastructure, including without limitation construction of commercial, office and institutional buildings, residential buildings and housing" would be exempt from the order.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
In addition to the reference cited above, the statewide order also names "hardware stores, home improvement stores, building materials stores, stores that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating materials" all as essential retailers.
Local Resources:
City of Birmingham
ALASKA
Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued orders for a phased reopening of state businesses beginning April 24, 2020. Previously a statewide stay-at-home order had been in effect indefinitely until "amended, rescinded, or superseded by further Order of the Governor."
Read the mandate
Previously, a “Hunker down” order had been issued for Anchorage Read the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide order specifies that "commercial construction is considered essential, as is any public works construction, but they will need to follow distancing and cleaning guidelines as they continue to work."
In addition, the statewide order specifies "construction of housing" as essential infrastructure.
Note the mandate requires: "'Critical Infrastructure' businesses that have employees traveling into Alaska or traveling between communities within Alaska are required to submit a safety plan or protocol."
The citywide order also defines housing construction as essential infrastructure.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
"Hardware stores" are listed in the statewide, and in the Anchorage order, as businesses that are allowed to stay open, as long as social distancing requirements are maintained.
What we’re hearing:
Drew Cason, Government Affairs Director for the Anchorage Home Builders Association, told JLC:
“So far we have indeed been deemed essential. There have been some changes in the processing of permits, which mostly make sense and are fine. The fly in the ointment at the moment is that I think they have stopped in-person inspections of remodels/additions of occupied residences, and it isn’t yet clear how willing they will utilize the remote video inspection option they are opening up as an alternative. We expect to hear more/see a draft policy in writing shortly. There was a call to discuss the move yesterday morning, which did as much to muddy the waters as clear them.”
ARIZONA
Statewide "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order was originally in effect until April 30, 2020 was extended to remain in effect until May 15, 2020.
Read the order
Read the state's list of essential services
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide order designates "construction (including, but not limited to, construction required in response to this public health emergency, hospital construction, construction of long-term care facilities, public works construction, and housing construction)" as Essential Infrastructure Operations.
In addition, the order identifies as essential businesses: "Building and Construction Tradesmen and Tradeswomen and other trades including but not limited to plumbers, electricians ... engineers, HVAC, painting ... and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, essential activities and essential businesses and operations."
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order lists "hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing and heating materials" as essential businesses.
CALIFORNIA
Statewide stay-at-home order in effect indefinitely "until further notice."
On March 19, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20 directing all residents immediately to heed current State public health directives to stay home, except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of essential critical infrastructure.
Read the order
The ban on construction issued locally for the City and County of San Francisco has been lifted. Read the announcement.
Read the original order restricting construction
The San Francisco order has also been adopted by, and applies in, Santa Clara, Alameda, San Mateo, Contra Costa, and Marin counties.
Monterey County has also eased restrictions on construction.Read the announcement and construction safety appendix
Previously, on April 3, Monterey County had also reissued changes to the order that limited construction only for maintenance operations, healthcare and other essential facilities, shelters and other temporary housing to support the homeless and construction necessary to secure existing projects. Read the order
On April 1, the City of Santa Monica issued stronger local enforcement measures for construction projects Read the announcement
Read Santa Monica's recommendation for construction safe practices
How is “Construction” addressed in the statewide order?
The statewide order exempts all "Construction Workers who support the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and construction projects (including housing construction)."
The San Francisco order severely limits construction: "only certain limited types of construction are permitted to continue, including healthcare projects directly related to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, housing and mixed use projects that includes at least 10% affordable housing, projects that provide services to vulnerable populations, projects required to maintain safety, sanitation, and habitability of residences and commercial buildings; and construction necessary to secure an existing construction site that must shut down.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The statewide order highlights "construction material suppliers" under Essential Workforce. The San Francisco only identifies "Hardware stores" as essential businesses.
Resources:
CA.gov: Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers (PDF)
What we’re hearing:
Housing California announced that its big annual conference, which had been set for April 14-16, has been postponed as leaders look to reschedule for later this summer. (Affordable Housing Finance)
COLORADO
On April 26, Governor Jared Polis introduced a "Safer at Home" policy that includes a phased reopening of businesses.
Previously, the Gov. issued a statewide stay-at-home order in effect until April 26, 2020.
Prior to that, Gov. Polis had issued the statewide order after Archuleta and La Plata Counties, Jefferson County, Pitkin County, and the cities of Denver and Boulder had issued earlier order to stay-at-home.
Read the order
On April 22, Gov. Polis said he would allow the order stay-at-home order to expire, replacing it with a "safer-at-home" policy. Read the announcement
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
Statewide order designates "housing and housing for low-income and vulnerable people" and "skilled trades" as essential; otherwise the order allows construction only for maintaining residences.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order designates "hardware, farm supply, and building material stores" as essential businesses.
Here are the county and city orders issued previous to the state order. Check with local authorities before assuming the state order overrides local mandates.
Denver Extended to May 8
Boulder
Archuleta and La Plata Counties
Jefferson County
Pitkin County
CONNECTICUT
Statewide “Stay Home, Stay Safe” order, orininally in effect until April 22, was extended to remail in effect until May 20, 2020.
Read the order
Read the State’s Business Exemptions for Coronavirus
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The Governor’s order cites the CISA Guidelines for defining the essential workforce that is exempt from the stay at-home order. The initial guidelines were vague, as they focus on essential industrial sectors; construction is not one of them, though construction activities are named as part of the work for some industrial sectors.
An updated CISA Memorandum version 2.0 clarifies "Working construction" as essential, and is explicit that "Workers performing housing construction related activities to ensure additional units can be made available to combat the nation’s existing housing supply shortage" are considered Critical Infrastructure.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The CISA Memorandum (2.0) is clear at defining the workforce in the building supply chain: "Workers who support the manufacture and distribution of forest products, including, but not limited to timber, paper, and other wood products."
Resources
Safe Workplace Rules for Essential Employers
DELAWARE
Statewide shelter-in-place order in effect "until May 15, 2020, or until the public health threat is eliminated."
Read the order
Read the state’s list of essential businesses.
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The order lists both “Residential” and Nonresidential Building Construction,” as well as “Specialty Trade Contractors” (including “Foundation,” “Structure,” “Building Exterior,” and “Building Finishing Contractors”) as essential businesses that may remain open for business.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order lists “Building Material and Supplies Dealers” as essential businesses that may remain open for business.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
District-wide stay-at-home order, originally in effect until April 24, was extended to remain in effect until May 15, 2020.
Read the order
Read the District's closure-of-non-essential-business order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The focus is on maintenance and repair: The order specifies as essential businesses "Construction and Building Trades, including plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, electricians, boilermakers, exterminators, roofers, carpenters, bricklayers, welders, elevator mechanics, businesses that sell supplies and materials for the maintenance of commercial and residential buildings and homes, including "big box" supply stores, plumbing distributors, electrical distributors, and HVAC distributors; and other businesses that provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and operation of residences and Essential Businesses."
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
See answer to question above. The order specifies as essential businesses: "businesses that sell supplies and materials for the maintenance of commercial and residential buildings and homes, including "big box" supply stores, plumbing distributors, electrical distributors, and HVAC distributors"
FLORIDA
Beginning May 4th, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a phased reopening of state commerce, but a stay-at-home order remains in effect for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Read the reopening guidelines
Previously a statewide order had been in effect until April 30, 2020.
Read the order
And earlier still, stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders issued for various city and county levels. Check with local authorities before assuming the state order overrides local mandates:Read the county orders issued:
Alachua County
Broward County
Hillsborough County
Leon County
Miami-Dade County
Orange County
Osceola County
Pinellas County
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide order references the updated CISA Memorandum version 2.0 which designates "Working construction" as essential, and is explicit that "Workers performing housing construction related activities to ensure additional units can be made available to combat the nation’s existing housing supply shortage" are Critical Infrastructure.
The majority of counties in Florida lists "construction sites, irrespective of the type of building" as essential and may remain open.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The majority of counties list "hardware" and "building material stores" as essential businesses.
GEORGIA
Gov. Brian Kemp allowed the statewide shelter-in-place order to expire, and began a phased reopening on April 24, 2020. Previously, a statewide shelter-in-place order had been in effect until April 30.
Read the original order
Inititally, orders had been issued at the city and county level. Check with local authorities before assuming the state order overrides local mandates.Read the local orders issued:
Atlanta
City of Blakely
City of Carrollton
Savannah
Athens-Clarke County
Dougherty County
How was “Construction” addressed in the statewide order?
The statewide order references the March 28 CISA Memorandum version 2.0 which clarifies "Working construction" as essential, and is explicit that "Workers performing housing construction related activities to ensure additional units can be made available to combat the nation’s existing housing supply shortage" are considered Critical Infrastructure.
Other local orders vary by location. In several, construction activity that is allowed to continue is limited to maintenance operations only. For example, Atlanta limits construction activities to "plumber, electricians ... and others providing services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences.” In Carrollton, Athens-Clarke County, and Dougherty County, “construction and all related activities (in particular affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness)” are designated Essential Infrastructure. And in Savannah: "Any private construction project for which a valid permit has been issued as of the date of signing of the 1st Amended Declaration [March 19, 2020] shall be allowed to continue."
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
In all locations, orders only specify “hardware stores” as essential businesses.
HAWAII
The Gov. David Ige extended the statewide stay-at-home order to remain in effect until May 3, 2020. Previously the order had been in effect until April 30.
Read the order
Read the proclamation to extend the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The order lists as an essential business or operation: “Building and Construction Tradesmen and Tradeswomen, and other trades including but not limited to plumbers, electricians … HVAC, painting … and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, essential activities, and essential businesses and operations” are deemed essential.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order designates "hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating material" as essential businesses.
IDAHO
Gov. Brad Little allowed the statewide shelter-in-place order to expire, and began a phased reopening on May 1, 2020. Previously, a statewide "Stay-Home" order had been in effect until April 30.
Read the original order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
Statewide order designates "essential public infrastructure construction, including housing" among the essential activities allowed to continue.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order designates "hardware stores" only as essential businesses.
ILLINOIS
Statewide stay-at-home order, originally in effect until April 7, was extended to April 30, and extended again to remain in effect until May 30, 2020.
Read the order
Read the extension of the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide order designates commercial and housing construction as essential infrastructure.
New requirements issues April 23 require essential businesses to provide face-coverings to all employees who are not able to maintain six-feet of social distancing.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order designates "hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating material" as essential businesses.
What we're hearing:
As in all states that designate construction of any sort as part of the essential infrastructure, work is allowed to proceed under the Illinois order provided the safety of workers can be insured by following CDC "social distancing" protocols. Builder Matt Nelson of Mahomet, Illinois, explains: "Because we are building new homes and don’t have to navigate our jobs with owners occupying the building, we are choosing to continue operations but with some significant changes in our workflow to allow effective social distancing to limit the spread of the virus ..." (For a detailed discussion by Matt Nelson on navigating this new reality on the jobsite, see Social Distancing on the Jobsite, JLC.)
INDIANA
Gov. Eric Holcomb allowed the statewide stay-at-home order to expire and began a phased reopening on May 1, 2020. A statewide order had been originally in effect until April 7, was extended until April 20, and the further extended to remain in effect until May 1.
Read the order
Read the state’s Essential Businesses and Operations List
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The state's Essential Businesses and Operations List calls out the March 28 CISA memorandum, which is explicit that "Workers performing housing construction related activities to ensure additional units can be made available to combat the nation’s existing housing supply shortage" are Critical Infrastructure."
The order itself designates construction "including construction required in response to this public health emergency, hospital construction, construction of long-term care facilities, public works construction, school construction, essential business construction, and housing construction)" as Essential Infrastructure.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The state lists “hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating material” as essential businesses. The order also cites CISA Guidelines, which includes “workers who support the manufacture and distribution of forest products, including, but not limited to timber, paper, and other wood products” as part of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce.
KANSAS
Gov. Laura Kelly allowed the statewide stay-at-home order to expire on May 4, 2020. Previously, a statewide order had originally been in effect until April 19, and was extended to remain in effect through May 3, 2020.
Read the order
Read the extension of the order
Previous to Governor Laura Kelly's March 28 announcement of a statewide order, several Kansas counties had issued countywide orders.
How is “Construction” addressed?
The order defines a Kansas Essential Function Framework (KEFF), which designates “construction, maintain and clean buildings" as Critical Infrastructure.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed?
The order's KEFF designates "produce or distribute construction materials" as Critical Infrastructure.
Here are the county orders issued in Kansas previous to the statewide order. Check with local authorities before assuming the state order overrides local mandates:
Johnson County Read the order
Leavenworth County Read the order
Douglas County Read the order
Sedgwick County Read the order
Wyandotte County Read the county's release
Miami County Read the order
KENTUCKY
Gov. Andy Beshear issued orders on April 29 to begin a phased reopening of the state. Previously, a statewide "Healthy at Home" order had been in effect indefinitely until "rescinded by further order."
Read the original order
How is “Construction” addressed?
The announcement references CISA Guidance that defines federal critical infrastructure sector, which are vague on identifying construction except as it applies in the industrial sectors. However, the most recent CISA Guildelines version 2.0 provides clarity on construction services, noting that "working construction" is essential.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed?
"Hardware stores" are named as one of a very few businesses allowed to stay open.
LOUISIANA
Statewide stay-at-home order was extened to stay in effect until May 15, 2020. Originally, the statewide order was in effect until April 13, and was further extended until April 30.
Read the order
Read the extension of the statewide order
Read the state’s list of essential infrastructure
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The Governor’s order cites the CISA Guidelines for defining the essential workforce that is exempt from the stay at-home order. These guidelines in and of themselves are vague, as they focus on essential industrial sectors; construction is not one of them, though construction activities are named as part of the work for some industrial sectors. The state’s list of Essential Infrastructure, however, is more explicit in defining “Building and Construction Tradesmen and Tradeswomen, and other trades” as Essential Infrastructure.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The state lists “hardware stores” as essential businesses. The order also cites CISA Guidelines, which includes “workers who support the manufacture and distribution of forest products, including, but not limited to timber, paper, and other wood products” as part of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce.
MAINE
A statewide stay-at-home order was extended to remain in effect until , 2020. Previously, the statewide order had been in effect until April 30.
Read the order
Read the Governor's order regarding essential businesses and operations
The City of Portland was the first to issue a stay-at-home order, which restricted construction activities. These restrictions were retracted and "aligned" with the statewide order on April 9. Read the original Portland order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The most recent statewide order makes no specific reference to construction or building design, but an earlier order regarding essential businesses and operations designates "construction and maintenance of essential infrastructure" as well as "essential home repair" as examples of essential businesses that are allowed to continue operations.
The Portland order initially restricted construction activity to allow “only existing or ongoing construction projects … may continue so as long as, to the maximum extent possible, all persons must be at least six (6) feet from any other person.” In addition, “Plumbers, electricians … and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and essential businesses” are deemed Essential Services.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The latest statewide order makes no specific mention of retail business types, but includes specific language that urges businesses to "Prioritize opportunities to offer and transact as much business as possible by curbside order-pick up," as well as setting specific limits on the number people that can be in a store of a specific size. An earlier order regarding essential businesses ,makes a single word reference to "hardware" as an example of essential businesses that are allowed to remain in operation.
The Portland order lists "Hardware and building material stores" as Essential Services.
ProSales reports that lumberyards have been declared essential through executive action.
Back to MapMARYLAND
Gov. Larry Hogan allowed a statewide stay-at-home to expire and introduced a state reopening plan on April 24, 2020. Previously, a statewide stay-at-home had been in effect indefinitely "until the termination of the state of emergency."
Read the announcement
Read the interpretive guidance re. essential businesses
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
“Commercial and residential construction companies” are included among the businesses that are allowed to remain open under the order.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
“Companies that sell supplies and materials for maintenance of commercial and residential buildings, including “big box” home improvement supply stores, plumbing distributors, electrical distributors, and HVAC distributors” are included among the businesses that are allowed to remain open under the order.
MASSACHUSETTS
Statewide stay-at-home advisory, and an order to close all non-essential business, originally in effect until May 4, was extended to remain in effect until May 18, 2020.
Read the order
Read the state's list of essential services
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
Statewide order deems construction workers (including those in housing construction) as an essential workforce.
The City of Boston, however, has “temporarily pause some non-essential construction” within city limits. The City only allows essential construction defined as:
Emergency utility, road or building work, such as gas leaks, water leaks and sinkholes; ● New utility connections to occupied buildings; ● Mandated building or utility work; ● Work at public health facilities, healthcare facilities, shelters, including temporary shelters and other facilities that support vulnerable populations; ● Work that ensures the reliability of the transportation network; ● Small residential construction projects in dwellings of 3 units or less (e.g. kitchen or bathroom remodeling); and ● Other work necessary to render occupied residential buildings fully habitable.
Read the Boston guidance
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
"Commercial retail stores that supply essential sectors, including ...hardware and home improvement" are deemed essential businesses.
What we're hearing:
Boston builder and remodeler Kevin Cradock tells JLC: "Boston revised their written order to say that one to three family residential is considered essential work and is exempt from the construction halt. ... Now my understanding, and I’ve been tracking this, is the state not only is allowing construction, really wants construction to resume, does not want a halt to construction, they consider us and anyone who is in service to a construction project to be an essential worker, so that would be us, all our vendors and subs."
Cradock and other Mass. contractors offer insights on how to deal with social distancing and keeping workers safe in Ted Cushman's article "Amid Mixed Messages, Mass. Contractors Focus on COVID-Safe Practices."
Back to MapMICHIGAN
Statewide stay-at-home order, originally effective until April 13, was extended to remain in effect until April 30, and extended further to remain in effect until May 28, 2020.
Read the order
Read the extension of the order
Read the order restricting non-essential activities
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive order allowing construction and real estate across the state to reopen on May 7.Read the announcement
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The Governor’s order cites the CISA Guidelines for defining the essential workforce that is exempt from the stay-at-home order. These guidelines are vague, as they focus on essential industrial sectors; construction is not one of them, though construction activities are named as part of the work for some industrial sectors.
In the order, the Governor references a March 19 CISA Memorandum , which is not explicit designating residential and commercial construction as essential activity. (An updated version of the CISA Memorandum does explicitly list "Working construction" as an essential function.) Further guidance restricting non-essential activities does not name construction as an exemption, and it has been widely reported that all residential construction and remodeling across the state has ceased.
Clearly, the existing directive is causing confusion among builders in the state, with some taking action to seek written clarifications, as evidenced by this news report.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order is vague, stating that “workers at designated suppliers and distribution centers” are included as critical infrastructure workers who are exempt from the order to stay at home. But what “designated” means is somewhat subjective and the reasoning behind it circular: "A business or operation that employs critical infrastructure workers may designate suppliers, distribution centers, or service providers" and these suppliers may in turn designate both other suppliers as well as designate workers as critical infrastructure workers.”
What we're hearing
Kyle Hunt, owner of Remodel Your Marketing business consultancy based in Detroit, told JLC: "Michigan is shut down. Unless it's an emergency repair or related to keeping hospitals or other essential services going, we're not allowed to work up here. That means bathroom and kitchen remodels that were in progress are staying as is - no new construction work, no starting any new projects."
MINNESOTA
Statewide stay-at-home order extended to remain in effect until May 3, 2020.
Read the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
Statewide order designates "construction and critical trades" exempt from order:
"Construction and critical trades. This category includes workers in the skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC and elevator technicians, and other related construction of all kind."
The Governor’s order also call out “Workers supporting building code enforcement necessary to maintain public safety and health and for all ongoing construction.” as essential and therefore exempt from the stay-at-home order.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order calls for "Essential Supply Stores ... that sell products, tools, materials, or supplies ... to continue their essential operations ..."
MISSISSIPPI
Statewide shelter-place order, originally in effect until April 20, was extended to remain in effect until April 27, 2020
Read the order
Read the extension of the order
Read the state's executive order (1463) defining essential businesses
Previously, a stay-at-home resolution had been issued for the City of Oxford onlyRead the resolution
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide order designates as essential infrastructure: "Construction and construction-related services, including building and construction, lumber, building materials and hardware businesses, electricians, plumbers, other construction tradesmen and tradeswomen, exterminators; cleaning and janitorial, HVACR and water heating businesses; painting, moving and relocating services, other 6 skilled trades, and other related construction firms and professionals for maintaining essential infrastructure"
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
Executive order 1463 names "hardware and building materials" essential retail.
MISSOURI
Statewide stay-at-home order, originally in effect until April 24, was extended to remain in place until May 3, 2020.
Read the order
Read the extension of the order
Previously, orders issued in select cities and counties. Check with local authorities before assuming the state order overrides local mandates:Read the city and county orders issued:
Kansas City
City of St. Louis
Boone County
Cass County
Clay County
Jackson County
Platte County
St. Louis County
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide order references the updated CISA Memorandum version 2.0 which designates "Working construction" as essential, and is explicit that "Workers performing housing construction related activities to ensure additional units can be made available to combat the nation’s existing housing supply shortage" are Critical Infrastructure.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The CISA Memorandum (2.0) is clear on defining the workforce in the building supply chain "includes workers who support crucial supply chains and enable functions for critical infrastructure."
In addition, CISA memo specifies as essential: "Workers who support the manufacture and distribution of forest products, including, but not limited to timber, paper, and other wood products."
Resources
Workers and businesses can find more information and file a claim at www.labor.mo.gov.
MONTANA
Statewide stay-at-home order, originally in effect until April 10, was extended to remain in effect until April 24, 2020.
Read the order
Read the extension of the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The order defines "construction (including, but not limited to, construction required in response to this public health emergency, hospital construction, construction of long-term care facilities, public works construction, and housing construction)" as Essential Infrastructure.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order lists "hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating material" as essential businesses.
NEVADA
Statewide stay-at-home order in effect until April 30, 2020.
Read the order
Read the state's 3-20-20 emergency regulation
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The order references the March 20, 2020 regulation defining essential and nonessential businesses, which designates " construction" and "housing construction" as Essential Infrastructure operations.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order identifies "Hardware stores, including home improvement centers" as essential businesses.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Statewide stay-at-home order in effect until May 4, 2020.
Read the order
Read the list of essential services
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The order includes "Construction Workers who support the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and construction projects (including housing construction)" as Community-Based Essential Functions.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
Included under Other Community-Based Essential Functions, the order lists “commercial retail stores that supply essential sectors, including … hardware and home improvement … retailers”
NEW JERSEY
On May 13, 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy signed executive order 142, permitting the resumption of nonessential construction. Previously, a statewide statewide stay-at-home order had been in effect indefinitely "until revoked or modified by the Governor."
Read the original order
Read the state's April 8 update on construction
Read the executive order allowing nonessential construction to resume
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
Prior to signing executive order 142, which permits nonessential construction to resume, Gov. Phil Murphy
had, in a briefing on April 8, 2020, called for all non-essential construction across the state to cease indefinitely, effective April 8, 2020. That executive order only specified a number of commercial construction projects that are allowed to proceed, including work on healthcare facilities, schools, transportation projects and public works.
On the residential side, the only new work allowed included "projects that are exclusively designated as affordable housing." The order also specifies a number of specific existing residential project types:
- Projects already underway involving ...individual single-family homes, or an individual apartment unit where an individual already resides, with a construction crew of 5 or fewer individuals ..."
- "Projects already underway involving a residential unit for which a tenant or buyer has already entered into a legally binding agreement to occupy the unit by a certain date, and construction is necessary to ensure the unit’s availability by that date."
and
- Any emergency repairs necessary to ensure the health and safety of residents.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The statewide order lists "hardware and supply stores" as essential retail businesses.
NEW MEXICO
Statewide stay-at-home order, originally in effect until April 10, was extended to remain in effect until April 30, 2020.
Read the extended order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The state identifies “commercial and residential facility construction and maintenance” as “businesses deemed essential.”
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The state lists “hardware stores as essential businesses.
NEW YORK
Statewide “New York on Pause” order in effect until May 15, 2020.
Read the announcement here
Read the state’s guidance for determining whether a business is essential
On April 26, 2020 the Gov. announced some regions in upstate New York may be able to slowly restart the economy, beginning with construction and manufacturing operations that could be conducted safely.Read the announcement
See the regional monitoring dashboard
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
On March 27, Governor Cuomo updated the state's guidance on essential businesses to clarify that “all non-essential construction must shut down except emergency construction, (e.g. a project necessary to protect health and safety of the occupants, or to continue a project if it would be unsafe to allow to remain undone until it is safe to shut the site)."
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order lists "hardware stores" as essential businesses.
ProSales reports that lumberyards have been declared essential through executive action.
Resources:
For securing designation as an essential business, New York businesses are advised to refer to the ESDC worksheet and to submit a request.
NORTH CAROLINA
Statewide stay-at-home order in effect until April 29, 2020.
After a number of North Carolina cities and counties had previously issued stay-at-home orders, on March 27, 2020, Governor Roy Cooper issued a statewide order effective March 30, 2020.
Read the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide order lists "construction (including, but not limited to, construction required in response to this public health emergency, public works construction, school construction, and essential commercial and housing construction)."
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order designates "home improvement, building supply, hardware stores and businesses that sell building materials and supplies, electrical, plumbing, and heating material" as essential businesses.
Previously, orders had been issued at the city and county level. Check with local authorities before assuming the state order overrides local mandates:
City of Durham Read the order
Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte Read the proclamation
Pitt County Read the proclamation
Resources
To submit a request to be considered an Essential Business in North Carolina refer to the state's COVID-19 Essential Businesses.
What we’re hearing:
The construction industry is also seeking an exemption. On Monday, March 23, 2020, the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas wrote to [NC Governor Ray Cooper] asking for the 450,000 construction workers in the state to be labeled “essential.”
“An important aspect to consider is construction interruptions and site abandonment will result in undue exposure to weather conditions leading to future building environmental issues and resulting air quality dangers within these facilities,” the group’s governing board wrote. (What is an essential business? Many in North Carolina want to be on the list.)
OHIO
Statewide stay-at-home order, originally in effect until April 6, was extended to remain in effect until May 1, and further extended to ay 29.
Read the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
Statewide orders designates housing construction as essential infrastructure.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order lists "hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating material" as essential businesses.
OKLAHOMA
Statewide order to close non-essential businesses in effect until April 23, 2020.
Read the order
Read the state's list of Essential Industries
Oklahoma has not issued a formal "stay-at-home" order for residents, but in it's declaration of emergency it orders "all businesses not identified as being within a critical infrastructure as defined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ... shall close."
Previously orders had been issued in several cities:Read the local orders:
City of Claremore Read the order
City of Moore Read the order
City of Norman Read the order
Oklahoma City Read the announcement
City of Sallisaw Read the order
Tulsa Read the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The state's list of Essential Industries identifies "Construction, Contractors and Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction" as an essential sector.
None of the citywide orders limit construction work.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The state's list of Essential Industries lists “Building Material" as an essential sector.
None of the citywide orders limit building material suppliers.
OREGON
Statewide “Stay Home, Save Lives” order in effect indefinitely "until terminated by the Governor."
Read the order
Read the Governor's updated orders issued March 23, 2020
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide does not address construction per se, but updated orders from Governor Kate Brown specifies the "non-retail businesses like manufacturers and the construction industry must ensure that their employees are maintaining social distancing measures."
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
No retail operation in the building supply chain is specified in the order, but the order does specify that “any retail operation allowed must maintain social distancing.”
The Governor's updated order underscores this point, stating "retail businesses [other than those explicitly ordered to close] will not be able to continue to operate unless they can implement strict social distancing measures and designate an employee or officer charged with ensuring compliance."
This article in ProSales describes how a number of building material retailers are handling: "LBM Dealers Stay Open, But Customers Can’t Come In."
PENNSYLVANIA
Statewide stay-at-home order in effect until April 30, 2020.
Read the order
Effective May 1, 2020, "all businesses in the construction industry in the commonwealth are permitted to resume in-person operations." Read the new guidance.
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The Industry Operation Guidance that accompanies the countywide stay-at-home orders gives Residential Building and Nonresidential Building Construction, as well as Land subdivision, a decisive “No” to continue physical operations (except in the case of "emergency repairs").
Similarly, Specialty Trade Contractors (including Foundation, Structure and Building Exteriors, Building Equipment Contractors, Building Finishing Contractors and Other Specialty Trade Contractors) are listed as “No” to continue physical operations.
Reopening date set: According to news reports, Gov. Wolf has targeted May 8 as the day when limited construction projects can begin.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The list of operations that may continue physical operations includes "Building Materials and Supplies Dealers."
What we're hearing:
Several Pennsylvania senators are pushing for legislation that would require the Department of Community and Economic Development to issue waivers for "all public and private construction activities that can adhere to social distancing practices and other mitigation measures."
RHODE ISLAND
Statewide stay-at-home order, originally in effect until April 13, was extended to remain in effect until May 8, 2020.
Read the order
Read the state's list of critical retail businesses
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
Uncertain at this time. The order makes no specific mention of construction of any sort.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
"Industrial, construction ... supply stores" and "hardware stores" are listed as critical retail businesses.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Statewide "Home or Work" order in effect indefinitely "for the duration of the State of Emergency unless otherwise modified, amended, or rescinded by subsequent Order."
Read the order
Previously, stay-at-home orders were issued for Charleston and Columbia. Read the Charleston order
Read the Columbia order
Read the Columbia's list of essential services
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide order is not explicit about construction. State guidelines list nonessential businesses that must be shuttered, suggesting that construction is allowed to continue operations by default.
The Charleston order identifies “construction, including skilled trades” as an Essential Service “for essential infrastructure or for emergency repair and safety purposes.” Residential is not specifically called out but “other construction where the contractor can ensure social distancing” is specified. Skilled trades listed “include, but are not limited to, electricians, plumbers, painters, and other related construction professionals.”
The Columbia list of essential services focuses on maintenance and repair only: "Construction – commercial and residential; firms and professionals for essential infrastructure or emergency repair." It also calls out "Building code enforcement" as an essential operation.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The statewide order explicitly excludes "hardware and home-improvement stores" from the shut-down order.
The Charleston and Columbia orders list “hardware and building material store[s]" as essential business.
Back to MapTENNESSEE
Statewide stay-at-home order, originally in effect until April 14, was extended to remain in effect until April 30, 2020.
Read the order
Read the order extension
Previously stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders issued at the city and county levels. Check with local authorities before assuming the state order overrides local mandates:City of Franklin
City of Nashville and Davidson County
City of Memphis
Knox County
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide order designates "construction-related services, including, but not limited to, construction required in response to this public health emergency, hospital construction, construction of long-term care facilities, public works construction, school construction, construction related to Essential Activity or Essential Services, and housing construction" as Essential Infrastructure Operations.
At the county level, with the exception of Knox County, the separate city and countywide orders have been consistent in designating home and business repair and construction as essential businesses. In Knox County, only “home and business structure repair” represents an essential service. Elsewhere in the order, it lists “essential building maintenance” as an essential service. While these designations leave out residential and commercial construction services, the order does hold out the opportunity for challenging the order, noting “other businesses and services that may be determined are essential for the continued safety and security of Knox County.”
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The statewide order lists "Hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating materials" as essential businesses.
TEXAS
Statewide stay-at-home order in effect until April 30, 2020.
Read the order
Read the state's list of essential services
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide order leans on the CISA Guildelines version 2.0 for its definition of Essential Service. The 2.0 memorandum provide clarity on construction services, noting that "working construction" is generally sanctioned as essential.
Texas counties and cities that previously issued order provide a more detailed mix of designations for construction as an exemption: Austin County, for example, has a Limited designation, only allowing construction of "affordable housing and housing for homeless, and construction that supports essential uses." San Antonio County, however, defines the construction of housing as essential infrastructure. A majority of counties define residential and commercial construction as Essential Critical Infrastructure.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The CISA memorandum cited in the state order also clarifies the status building supply chain, noting that "workers who support crucial supply chains and enable functions for critical infrastructure" are essential.
Similarly, the various counties offer a mix of designations for the building supply chains, with many simply identifying "hardware stores" as essential businesses exempt from the orders. Some offer a more expanded designation, such as Austin County, which identifies "hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing and other material necessary to support Essential Infrastructure," and El Paso County, which identifies companies that provide "Supplies for Essential Businesses, Critical Infrastructure and Essential Government Functions" as essential.
Previously more than 34 of the state’s 254 counties have issued stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders. Check with local authorities before assuming the state order overrides local mandates.
Read the city and county orders issued:
City of Longview
Amarillo County
Bell County
Bexar County
Brazoria County
Cameron County
Chambers County
Collin County
Dallas County Extended to May 15
Denton County
El Paso County
Ellis County
Fort Bend County
Galveston County
Gregg County
Harris County
Hays County
Hidalgo County
Hunt County
Kaufman County
Liberty County
McLennan County
Nacogdoches County
Nueces County
Polk County
Robertson County
Rockwall County
San Jacinto County
Scurry County
Smith County
Starr County
Tarrant County
Travis County
Willacy County
Williamson County
UTAH
Statewide "Stay Safe, Stay Home" directive, originally in effect until April 10, was extended to remain in effect until May 1, 2020.
Read the order
Read the extension of the order.
Previous to the statewide directive, the following counties issued countywide stay at home orders: Davis County Read the order
Salt Lake County Read the order
Summit County Read the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The statewide directive is explicitly not a "shelter-in-place order," and "establishes minimum statewide standards, but does not outright restrict work.
The Salt Lake and Summit County orders specify residential and commercial construction as “work necessary to the operation and maintenance of ‘Essential Infrastructure.’" Other orders are not explicit, but require all businesses to limit number of employees, ensure social distancing, and exercise frequent handwashing and other cleaning and sanitation practices.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The Salt Lake County order specifies "Hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, heating, and construction material" and essential businesses. "The Summit County order lists “hardware stores” as essential businesses.
VERMONT
Statewide Stay Home/Stay Safe order, originally in effect until April 15, was extended to remain in effect until May 15, 2020.
Read the order
Read the "Work Smart & Stay Safe - Restart VT: Phase I" update
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
Beginning May 4, 2020, construction may proceed with up to 10 workers on site at a time.
On April 17, the Governor issued new guidance that is dubbed "Phase 1" of an economic restart that relaxed the construction rules set in the initial statewide order. At the first reopening, only two people per location/job were allowed on site and following mandatory health safety recommendations."
The initial statewide order referred only to "construction necessary to support COVID-19 response and maintain critical infrastructure" as critical and therefore allowed to stay in operation.
Additional detail was issued in the State's "Stay, Home, Stay Safe Specific Sector Guidance":
"The construction sector must suspend most in-person operations under the Governor’s Executive Order. Only construction needed to support the COVID-19 response, maintain critical infrastructure, or for the safety, sanitation and operations of residences or businesses is allowed. As an example, replacing a failing roof, failed electrical system, or broken waterline would be acceptable. Additionally, jobsites should be left in a safe and secure manner before ceasing in-person construction. Providing services to a hospital or healthcare facility would be acceptable. Non-essential construction should cease during the duration of the Executive Order.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
"Hardware stores" are deemed critical "provided these retail operations shall be conducted through online and telephone orders for delivery and curb-side pickup to the extent possible."
VIRGINIA
Statewide stay-at-home order in effect until June 10, 2020.
Read the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The Governor's order does not address "construction," per se, nor does the state website or FAQs related to the order at this time, but news channels (see example) are widely reporting that construction businesses will not be affected by the order. At a press conference on March 23, Angela Navarro, Virginia’s deputy secretary of commerce and trade, reportedly said the statewide order does not affect the construction industry.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The retail businesses that are exempt from the order listed on the state's website include "home improvement, hardware, building material, and building supply retailers."
What we are hearing:
One Virgina home builder wrote JLC: “Our governor just announced a shelter in place order but construction can continue. We had one client on a job we just started hit the pause button and wants to wait to do anything else. Other than that we are hanging in there with existing projects!”
WASHINGTON
Statewide “Stay Home-Stay Safe” order, originally in effect until April 6, was extended to remain in place until May 4, 2020.
Read the order
Read the announcement extending the order
Read the Governor’s memo clarify the status of construction
On April 24, 2020, Governor Inslee introduced Phase 1 Construction Restart allowing "low risk construction."Read the Phase 1 Restart requirements
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
According to the Phase 1 guidelines allowing "low risk construction," work is limited to "existing projects" and if physical distancing (6 feet) is not possible on a job site, the project will not be able to move forward. The work requirements listed in the link cited above are consistent with DOL/OSHA workplace guidance, though this is the first state to mandate these as construction work practices.
Previously, on March 25, Governor Jay Inslee announced “commercial and residential construction is not authorized under the proclamation because construction is not considered to be an essential activity.” The clarification allowed exceptions for “construction related to essential activities like health care, transportation, energy, defense and critical manufacturing; construction “to further a public purpose related to a public entity,” including publicly financed low-income housing; and emergency repairs.
Before March 25, the state’s original list of essential business stated that “construction workers who support the construction, operation, inspection, and maintenance of construction sites and construction projects (including housing construction) for all essential facilities, services and projects included in this document, and for residential construction related to emergency repairs and projects that ensure structural integrity” were considered part of the Essential Workforce.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The state’s list of essential businesses identifies “Commercial Retail Stores that supply essential sectors, including hardware and home improvement” as part of the Essential Workforce.
WEST VIRGINIA
Statewide stay-at-home order in effect indefinitely "until terminated by subsequent executive order."
Read the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
The order designates "construction (including without limitation construction required in response to this public health emergency, hospital construction, construction of long-term health facilities, public works, school construction, essential business construction, and housing construction)" as Essential Infrastructure.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order designates "hardware and supply stores that sell construction, electrical, plumbing, and heating materials" as essential businesses.
WISCONSIN
Statewide "Safer-at-Home" order, originally in effect until April 24, was extended to remain in effect until May 26, 2020.
Read the order
Read the extension of the order
Read the state’s Essential Business Declaration
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
Wisconsin’s Essential Business Declaration designates housing construction as essential infrastructure.
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The state designates “hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and heating material" as essential businesses.
WYOMING
Stay-at-home order for City of Jackson and Teton County only, originally in effect until April 17, was extended to remain in effect until April 30, and further extended until May 15.
Read the order
Read the extension of the order
How is “Construction” addressed in the order?
Per that citywide order, Essential Infrastructure "includes, but is not limited to, public works, construction, construction of housing or buildings."
How are Building Material Suppliers addressed in the order?
The order includes "hardware stores" as essential businesses.