Prior to recommencing construction work under existing permits, all contractors are required to develop and submit to the City of Newcastle for review a comprehensive COVID-19 exposure control, mitigation, and recovery plan (Safety Plan) as described in Governor Inslee’s Phase I Construction Restart COVID-19 Jobsite Requirements. As stated in the Governor’s requirements, the Safety Plan must include the following:

— Policies regarding the following control measures: PPE utilization; on-site social distancing; hygiene; sanitation; symptom monitoring; incident reporting; site decontamination procedures; COVID-19 safety training; exposure response procedures; and a post-exposure incident project wide recovery plan. A copy of the plan must be available on each job site during any construction activities and available for inspection by state and local authorities. Failure to meet posting requirements will result in sanctions up to and including the job being shut down.

— A signed Commitment Notice that will be provided to employees, subcontractors and government officials describing the Phase 1 work that will be performed at that job site.

— A description of the location at which the Commitment will be posted.

— A description of the location at which the Safety Plan will be made available for inspection during construction activities.

— The name and contact information for the designated COVID-19 Site Supervisor.

— A copy of the daily attendance log sheet that workers and visitors will sign, and a description of the location where the log sheet will be made available for signing.

Construction may commence only upon written notice from the City that the comprehensive COVID-19 exposure control, mitigation, and recovery plan has been reviewed and deemed sufficiently complete.  The City’s review notice may also include any conditions deemed necessary to comply with the Governor’s jobsite requirements.  The review notice shall be maintained and available on the site with the approved Safety Plan.

As of midnight on 3/25/20, all construction activity must stop per the Governor’s Executive Order. We are suspending construction inspections except for the specific exemptions spelled out in the Governor’s Order or subsequent Order(s), which include:

A.) Recommencement of construction on existing projects as described in the Governor’s Phase 1 Construction Restart COVID-19 Job Site Requirements;

B.) Construction related to essential activities as described in the Order;

C.) Construction to further a public purpose related to a public entity or governmental function or facility, including but not limited to publicly financed low-income housing; or

D.) Construction to prevent spoliation and avoid damage or unsafe conditions, and address emergency repairs at both non-essential businesses and residential structures.

Please do not schedule an inspection unless you meet one of the above-stated exemptions. If scheduling an essential project inspection, please indicate the specific provisions in the Governor’s Order that your construction project falls under to justify exemption applicability.

Click here for a handout describing current City of Newcastle procedures for Construction Activity

Click here for a handout describing current City of Newcastle procedures for Building Permit Applications and Inspections