As the spread of COVID-19 slows and the pressure to reopen intensifies, states are easing the restrictions of stay-at-home orders and adopting plans to reopen their economies. Every California business and property owner encounters at least two important questions—When can we open our business or property, and what are the rules? This article examines California state and local mandates and industry-specific guidelines for determining when and how commercial businesses can reopen in California.

California’s Four-Phase Reopening Plan

Given California’s size and diversity, the state’s reopening plan is a model for how reopening is being managed. California has adopted a four-phase reopening plan based on each county’s degree of readiness. No business may reopen until authorized by the state’s order. California’s “Resilience Roadmap” outlines phased guidelines for incremental reopening. The Resilience Roadmap consists of four stages. Stage 1 permits only essential businesses to open. Early Stage 2 permits retail businesses with curbside pickup, logistics and manufacturing, office workplaces, limited personal services, outdoor museums, childcare and essential businesses to open with health and safety modifications. Expanded Stage 2 covers destination retail, dine-in restaurants and schools, with modifications. Stage 3 permits higher-risk workplaces to reopen at a pace designed to protect public health and safety, beginning with limited personal care and recreational venues, with workplace modifications. Stage 4 will gradually open larger-gathering venues at a pace consistent with public health and safety such as nightclubs, concert venues and live audience sports.