HomeMy Public PortalAboutOrdinance No. 1405-20 04-13-2020ORDINANCE NO.1405-20
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS ADOPTING THE MAYOR'S FOURTH
AMENDED DECLARATION OF LOCAL DISASTER DUE TO PUBLIC
HEALTH EMERGENCY CITY OF RICHLAND HILLS; PROVIDING
THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE OF ALL
ORDINANCES; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING
FOR A PENAL TY FOR VIOLATIONS; PROVIDING A SA VIN GS
CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL
NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Richland Hills is a home rule city acting under its charter adopted
by the electorate pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the Texas Constitution and Chapter 9 of the
Local Government Code; and
WHEREAS, in December 2019 a novel coronavirus, now designated COVID-19, was
detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough,
and shortness of breath. Outcomes have ranged from mild to severe illness, and in some cases
death; and
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-
19 as a pandemic; and
WHEREAS, continuous spread of the disease presents an imminent threat of widespread
illness or loss of life resulting from a global pandemic and other public calamity resulting
therefrom, which requires emergency action; and
WHEREAS, a declaration of local disaster and public health emergency includes the
ability to reduce the possibility of exposure to disease, control the risk, promote health, and compel
persons to undergo additional health measures that prevent or control the spread of disease. These
measures include isolation, surveillance, quarantine, or placement of persons under public health
observation, including the provision of temporary housing or emergency shelters for persons
misplaced or evacuated. A declaration allows the request of assistance from the Governor for state
resources; and
WHEREAS, the City of Richland Hills's Emergency Management Plan should be
activated to provide for disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery; and
WHEREAS, President Donald Trump declared a State of National Emergency for the
United States of America on March 13, 2020; and
WHEREAS, Governor Greg Abbott issued a State of Disaster for all Texas counties for
COVID-19 on March 13, 2020, and issued Executive Order GA-08 on March 19, 2020 and
Executive Order GA-14 on March 31, 2020 implementing additional measures to ensure the
protection of the residents of the State of Texas; and
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WHEREAS, County Judge Glen Whitley issued a Declaration of Local Disaster Due to
Public Health Emergency for Tarrant County for COVID-19 on March 13, 2020, issued a First
Amended Declaration of Local Disaster Due to Public Health Emergency on March 18, 2020, and
issued a Second Amended Declaration of Local Disaster Due to Public Health Emergency on
March 21, 2020. On March 24, 2020 Judge Whitely issued an Executive Order for all Tarrant
County residents to stay home and modified his Order on March 27, 2020 and again on April 3,
2020 to implement additional measures to ensure the protection of the residents of Tarrant County;
and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City of Richland Hills issued a Declaration of Local
Disaster on March 17, 2020; on March 19, 2020 the Mayor issued a First Amended Declaration of
Local Disaster Due to Public Health Emergency; the Mayor issued a Second Amended Declaration
of Local Disaster Due to Public Health Emergency on March 23, 2020, and issued a Third
Amended Declaration of Local Disaster Due to Public Health Emergency on March 25, 2020; and
the Richland Hills City Council renewed the Third Amended Declaration of Local Disaster to May
15,2020;and
WHEREAS, to remain consistent with the declaration of the Texas Department of State
Health Services and the executive orders issued by Governor Greg Abbott and by Tarrant County
Judge Glen Whitley and to harmonize to the extent possible with these executive orders, I, Mayor
Edward Lopez find it necessary to hereby issue this Fourth Amended Declaration of Local Disaster
Due to Public Health Emergency amending, continuing and restating the declaration to implement
additional measures to ensure the protection of the general public, and for the health and safety of
the citizens of Richland Hills; and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance is authorized by Section 418.108 of the Texas Local
Government Code and Section 122.006 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS:
SECTION 1.
FOURTH AMENDED DECLARATION OF DISASTER
1. The Mayor's Fourth Amended Declaration of Local Disaster shall continue until May 15,
2020.
2. The Mayor's Fourth Amended Declaration of Local Disaster and this Ordinance shall be
filed promptly with the City Secretary, and shall be given prompt and general publicity.
3. A Declaration of Local Disaster activates the City of Richland Hills' emergency
management plan, all applicable local or interjurisdictional emergency management plans,
further authorizes the furnishing of all aid and assistance as deemed necessary or desirable
by those administering such plans, and activates the preparedness and response aspects of
such plans as provided therein.
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4. That this Declaration authorizes the procurement of all necessary supplies and equipment,
including acceptance of private contributions which may be offered for the purpose of
improving emergency management within the City.
5. That this Declaration authorizes the City to commandeer or use any private property,
temporarily acquire, by lease or other means, sites required for temporary housing units or
emergency shelters for evacuees, subject to compensation requirements, pursuant to
Section 418.020 of the Texas Government Code.
6. That this Declaration authorizes the Mayor to order the evacuation of all or part of the
population from a stricken or threatened area under his/her authority if the Mayor considers
the action necessary for the preservation of life or other disaster, mitigation, response or
recovery.
7. That this Declaration authorizes the Mayor to control ingress and egress from a disaster
area under his/her jurisdiction or authority and to control the movement of persons and the
occupancy of premises in that area.
8. That this Declaration authorizes the City to take any actions necessary to promote health
and suppress disease, including quarantine, regulating ingress and egress from the City,
and fining those who do not comply with the City's rules, pursuant to Section 122.006 of
the Health and Safety Code.
9. a. All persons currently residing within the City of Richland Hills shall stay at their
place of residence, except as allowed by this Declaration. All persons may leave
their residences only for Essential Travel, Essential Services and Essential
Activities, to work in or access Essential Businesses, Government Service, or
Essential Critical Infrastructure, or to perform Minimum Basic Operations, as
defined below.
b. City Parks will be open but playgrounds, restrooms and other park amenities will
be closed to public use. To the extent individuals are using shared or outdoor
spaces, they must maintain Social Distancing and minimize in-person contact with
people who are not in the same household.
c. Nothing in this Declaration is intended to restrict "essential services" as such term
is defined in Governor Abbott's Executive Order GA-14 (Order GA-14), nor is it
intended to allow gatherings prohibited by Order GA-14. To the extent that the
Texas Division of Emergency Management approves additions to "essential
services", those additions will be treated as an Essential Business in Richland Hills.
Nothing herein is intended to impose restrictions inconsistent with Order GA-14 or
any other order issued by the Governor currently in effect relating to COVID-19 (a
COVID Order). To the extent that this Declaration conflicts with a COVID Order,
the provisions in a COVID Order prevail.1
1 All questions relating to a COVID Order shall be directed to the Texas Division of Emergency Management via
email at EsscntialScrviccsiil'tdcm.tcxa\.gov. Information is also available at www.tdcmJcxas.gov/csscntia !services.
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10. a. All businesses operating in Richland Hills, except Essential Businesses as defined
herein, shall not allow members of the public to occupy business premises. Non-
essential businesses may continue Minimum Basic Operations, as outlined below,
so long as the businesses strictly adhere to the following: (1) minimize in-person
contact with people who are not in the same household; (2) maintain Social
Distancing; (3) utilize remote teleworking to the greatest extent possible; and (4)
minimize the number of employees needed to operate at a basic level.
b. Minimum Basic Operations allows the minimum necessary activities to:
1. Maintain the value of the business's inventory or equipment, process
payroll and employee benefits, maintain the premises and the security of the
premises, equipment and inventory, including the care and maintenance of
livestock or animals;
11. IT or other operations that facilitate employees working from home; and
m. Facilitate online or call-in sales; and/or perform in-store repair services.
11. It is ordered that a restaurant with or without drive-in or drive-through services; drive-in
restaurant; drive-through restaurant; or microbrewery, micro-distillery, or winery may only
provide take out, delivery, or drive-in or drive-through services as allowed by law. Social
distancing is required.
12. All public or private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a single
household or living unit are prohibited, except as otherwise provided herein. Nothing in
this Declaration prohibits the gathering of members of a household or living unit nor does
it prohibit any gathering expressly permitted by Order GA-14.
13. All elective medical, surgical, and dental procedures are prohibited anywhere in Richland
Hills. All licensed health care professionals shall postpone all surgeries and procedures that
are not immediately medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition of, or to
preserve the life of, a patient who without immediate performance of the surgery or
procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medial consequences or death as determined
by the patient's physician. Provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to any
procedure that, if performed in accordance with the commonly accepted standard of clinical
practice, would not deplete the hospital capacity or the personal protective equipment
needed to cope with the COVID-19 disaster.2
14. If someone in a household has tested positive for COVID-19, the household is ordered to
isolate at home. Members of the household cannot go to work, school, or any other
community function until cleared by a medical professional but may seek medical services
as needed from medical personnel and facilities.
15. Nursing homes, retirement, and long-term care facilities are to prohibit non-essential
visitors from accessing their facilities unless to provide critical assistance or for end-of-life
visitation.
2 Texas Medical Board, 22 TAC§ 187.57 (c) (1), (2).
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16. Individuals experiencing homelessness are strongly urged to obtain shelter and maintain
Social Distancing when feasible. If a homeless person is sheltered and exhibits symptoms
or is diagnosed, the shelter's isolation center shall be deemed the residence of the homeless
person solely for the purpose of complying with the requirements of this Declaration.
Medical personnel shall make the decision whether any other shelter residents shall be
required to isolate based on potential exposure. Available shelters, to the maximum extent
practicable, must use COVID-19 risk mitigation practices in their operations.
17. Definitions:
a. Social Distancing means maintammg at least 6 feet distance from other
individuals, frequently washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds,
using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not the
hands), regularly disinfecting high touch surfaces, and not shaking hands.
b. Minimum Basic Operations include the following, provided the businesses strictly
adhere to: (l) minimize in-person contact with people who are not in the same
household: (2) maintain Social Distancing; (3) utilize remote teleworking to the
greatest extent possible; and (4) minimize the number of employees needed to
operate at a basic level. Minimum Basic Operations allows the minimum
necessary activities to:
C.
1. Maintain the value of the business's inventory or equipment, process
payroll and employee benefits, maintain the premises and the security of the
premises, equipment and inventory, including the care and maintenance of
livestock or animals;
11. IT or other operations that facilitate employees working from home; and
m. Facilitate online or call-in sales; and/or perform in-store repair services.
Essential Activities includes ,my of the following:
1. To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety,
or to the health and safety of their family or household members (for
example, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care
professional, or obtaining supplies needed to work from home).
11. To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family
or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others
(for example, food, pet and livestock supplies, and any other household
consumer products. and products necessary to maintain the safety,
sanitation, and essential operation of residences). It is strongly
recommended that households, to the greatest extent possible, send only
one person to businesses for the purpose of picking up food or other
essential items.
111. To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with
Social Distancing (for example, walking, biking, hiking, golfing, or
running).
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1v. To perform work providing essential products and services at an Essential
Business or to otherwise cany out activities specifically pem1itted in this
Declaration.
v. To care for a family member or pet in another household.
d. Essential Businesses means:
1. Essential Health Care Services. Healthcare operations, including
hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers.
home healthcare services providers, mental health providers. substance
abuse providers, blood banks, medical research, or any related and/or
ancillary healthcare services. veterinary care provided to animals. Home-
based care for seniors, adults, or children. Residential facilities and
shelters for seniors, adults, and children. Healthcare operations do not
include fitness and exercise gyms and similar facilities. Healthcare
operations do not include elective medical, surgical. and dental procedures
as established in accordance with this Declaration.
11. Essential Government Functions. All services provided by local, state and
federal governments needed to ensure the continuing operation of the
government agencies to provide for the health, safety and vvelfare of the
public. All Essential Government Functions shall be performed in
compliance with Social Distancing, to the extent possible.
m. Essential Critical Infrastructure Pursuant to Governor Abbott's Executive
Order GA-14, everything listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce,
Version 2.0
1v. Essential Retail. Food service providers, including grocery stores,
warehouse stores, liquor stores, bodegas, gas stations, convenience stores,
and farmers' markets and other retail stores that sell food products and
household staples, pet and feed stores. Businesses not open to the public
that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to
residences. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but
only for delivery, take out, drive-in, drive-through, curb side pickup or
carry out. Schools and other entities that typically provide free services to
students or members of the public on a pick-up and take-away basis only.
The restriction of delivery or carry out docs not apply to cafcs and
restaurants located within hospital and medical facilities. Laundromats,
dry cleaners, and laundry service providers. Businesses that provide for
the delivery ot~ or preparation of vehicles. Businesses that supply products
needed for people to work from home, including businesses providing mail
and shipping and post oilice box. Businesses that supply products
necessary for essential repairs and maintenance of a home or business.
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Hotel, motels. and shared rental units. except that all bars, cafes. or
restaurants in hotels, motels, and shared rental units are closed except for
pick-up and room service.
v. Providers of Basic Necessities to Economicallv Disadvantaged
Populations. Social services and charitable organizations that provide
food, shelter. and social services, and other necessities of life for
economically disadvantaged or otherwise vulnerable individuals.
v1. Essential Services Necessarv to Maintain Essential Operations of
Residences or Other Essential Businesses. Trash and recycling collection,
processing and disposal, mail and shipping services. building cleaning and
maintenance, auto repair, warehouse/distribution and fulfillment, and
storage for essential businesses. Plumbers, pool services, yard
maintenance and landscapers. security services, electricians,
exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are
necessary to maintaining the safety. sanitation, and essential operations of
residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses. Professional
services. such as legal or accounting services. when necessary to assist in
compliance with legally mandated activities.
v11. News Media. Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services.
v111. Financial Institutions. Banks and related financial institutions, consumer
lenders. alternative financial services companies, sales and finance
lenders, credit unions, appraisers, and title companies. As much business
as possible shall be conducted with web-based technology to limit m-
person contact.
1x. Real Estate Transactions: Services related to current real estate
transactions. As much business as possible shall be conducted with web-
based technology to limit in-person contact.
x. Childcare Services. Childcare facilities providing services that enable
employees who perfonn Essential Activities or work for an Essential
Business.
xi. Animal Shelters, Zoos. and Other Businesses that Maintain Live Animals.
Businesses that maintain and care for live animals are not permitted to
allow any visitors or patrons but may continue to operate to the extent
necessary to provide the necessary care for the animals. Nothing in this
section shall prohibit a non-employee from entering the premises to
perform a health care service or another Essential Business service.
x11. Construction. Construction under a valid permit issued by a governmental
entity.
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e.
XIII. Funeral Services. Funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries may
operate.
xiv. Wedding Services. Weddings may be held, but not more than ten persons
may be present at any one time. Social Distancing is required. Weddings
may not be held inside a County building.
xv. Worship Services. Religious services conducted in churches,
congregations and houses of worship arc permitted if they cannot be
conducted from home or through remote services, so long as Social
Distancing is maintained, and existing guidelines set forth by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are followed. Religious
services held outdoors whereby individuals remain in their vehicles arc
strongly encouraged. Order GA-14 orders that religious services "should
be conducted consistent with the Guidelines from the President and the
CDC ... "3
xvi. Moving Services and Supply. Businesses that provide residential and/or
commercial moving services and necessary moving supplies.
Essential Travel. For the purposes of this Declaration, Essential Travel includes
travel for any of the following purposes.
1. Any travel related to the provision of or access to Essential Activities,
Essential Governmental Functions, Essential Businesses, Essential
Critical Infrastructure, and Minimum Basic Operation:
11. Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents. persons with disabilities.
or other vulnerable persons;
111. Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving
materials for distance learning, fix receiving meals, and any other related
services:
1v. Travel to return to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction;
v. Travel required by law enforcement or court order:
v1. Travel by church staff or clergy for the purpose of production of remote
delivery of religious services and other ministries requiring travel;
vu. Travel related to attending a funeral service; or
3 Texas Attorney General's Guidance for Houses of Worship During the COVID-19 Crisis" ... guidance from the CDC
currently recommends that if a community is experiencing substantial community spread of COVID-19, then the
houses of worship in that community should cancel all in-person gatherings of any size. But if a community is
experiencing moderate to substantial spread, then the CDC recommends a reduction of activities in coordination with
local health officials, possible smaller gatherings incorporating social-distancing measures, cancelation of activities
with 10 or more people when high-risk populations attend in person (including those over 65 and those with underlying
medical conditions) and use of creative means to deliver faith-based services. For more information, houses of worship
should consult CDC guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/guidance-
community-faith-orqan izations.html." For updates about the level of community spread, see
CoronaVirus.TarrantCounty.com.
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v111. Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence
outside the city. Individuals are strongly encouraged to verify that their
transportation out of the city remains available and functional prior to
commencing such travel.
f. Essential Services. Essential Services means services, by whomsoever rendered,
and whether rendered to the government or to any other person, the interruption
of which would endanger life, health or personal safety of the whole or part of the
population.
18. This Declaration does not restrict business operations delivering Essential Services
pursuant to Attorney General Ken Paxton's Opinion No. KP-0296 and CISA.
19. That any certified peace officer or other person with lawful authority is hereby authorized
to enforce the provisions of this Declaration in accordance with the authority granted
under the Texas Disaster Act of 1975. Any person who violates this Declaration may be
subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or confinement for a period not exceeding 180
days.
20. That this Declaration incorporates the attached table, Richland llills Disaster
Restrictions, as if set forth verbatim herein.
21. The sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses and phrases of this Declaration arc severable
and if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section of this Declaration should be
declared invalid by the final judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction,
such invalidity shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences
paragraphs and sections that can be given effect without the invalid provision, and to this
end, the provisions of this Declaration are severable.
22. That this Declaration is issued in accordance with and incorporates by reference any
declaration of disaster previously issued and adopted by the Richland Hills City Council.
In the event of a conflict between this Declaration and a prior declaration pertaining to
COVID -19, this Declaration prevails.
23. The Mayor's Fourth Amended Declaration shall take effect at 12:01 a.m., April 10, 2020
and shall continue until May 15, 2020.
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SECTION2
Richland Hills Disaster Restrictions
Issued April 9, 2020
The following shall be strictly adhered to:
Locations / Activities Restrictions
Persons residing in Richland Hills Stay at place of residence
Practice Social Distancing
Leave residence only for Essential Activities,
Essential Travel, Essential Services or to work
at Essential Businesses, Essential
Governmental Services, Essential Critical
Infrastructure, or to perfonn Minimum Basic
Operations
Comply with Guidelines from the President
and the CDC
Public or Private Gatherings occurring outside Prohibited, with limited exception
a single household or living unit
City Facilities, Playgrounds, Restrooms and Closed to public use
other Park Amenities
City Parks open; Social Distancing required
All businesses except Essential Businesses No public occupancy permitted
Minimum Basic Operations allowed
Social Distancing required
Minimum number of employees
Minimize in-person contact
Food establishments In-house dining/shopping -no public
Including those at schools, hotels, motels occupancy
Excluding those at hospitals
Drive-in, drive-through, take out, and delivery
is pem1itted
Social Distancing required
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Worship Services As of April 3, 2020, the Tarrant County public
health officer identifies substantial community
spread/transmission; therefore, all in-person
gatherings of any size are prohibited
Staff can attend to produce audio/video
services
Social Distancing required
Elective medical, surgical and dental Prohibited, with limited exception
procedures
Nursing homes, retirement and long-term Prohibit non-essential visitors unless to
care facilities provide critical assistance or for end-of-life
visitation
Essential Travel
Any travel related to the provision of or Individuals may leave shelter to perform
access to Essential Activities, Essential essential travel
Governmental Functions, Essential
Businesses, Essential Critical Infrastructure Social Distancing required
and Minimum Basic Operations
Travel to care for elderly, minors,
dependents. persons with disabilities, or
other vulnerable persons
Travel to or from educational institutions
for purposes of receiving materials for
distance learning, for receiving meals, and
any other related services
Travel to return to a place of residence from
outside the jurisdiction
Travel required by law enforcement or court
order
Travel by church staff or clergy for the
purpose of production ofremote delivery of
religious services and other ministries
requiring travel
Travel related to attending a funeral service
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Travel required for non-residents to return
to their place of residence outside the city
Essential Activities
To perfonn tasks essential to an individuars Individuals may leave shelter to perform
health and safety, or to the health and safety essential activities
of their family or household members (i.e.
obtaining medical supplies, visiting a health Social Distancing required
care professional, or obtaining supplies
needed to work from home)
To obtain services or supplies fix an
individual and their family or household
members, or to deliver those services or
supplies to others (i.e. food, pet and
livestock supplies, and any other household
consumer products, and products necessary
to maintain the safety, sanitation, and
essential operation of residences)
To engage in outdoor activities (i.e.
walking, biking, hiking, golfing, or running)
To work providing essential products and
services at an Essential Business or to
otherwise carry out activities specifically
permitted in this Declaration
To care for a family member or pet in another
household
Essential Health Care Services
Hospitals, clinics, doctors, dentists, Allowed to remain open
pharmacies, pharmaceutical and
biotechnology companies, other healthcare Social Distancing required
facilities, healthcare suppliers, home
healthcare services providers, mental health Businesses should implement screening
providers, substance abuse providers, blood precautions to protect employees and all
banks, medical research, or any related activity shall be performed in compliance with
and/or ancillary healthcare services, Social Distancing and in compliance with the
veterinary care provided to animals Guidelines from the President and the CDC
Home-based care for seniors, adults, or
children
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Residential facilities and shelters for
seniors, adults, and children
Essential Government Functions
All services provided by local, state and
federal governments needed to ensure the
continuing operation of the government
agencies to provide for the health, safety
and welfare of the public
Essential Critical Infrastructure
Pursuant to Governor Abbott's Executive
Order GA-14, everything listed by the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security 111 its
Guidance on the Essential Critical
Infrastructure Workforce, Version 2.0
Essential Retail
Food service providers, including grocery
stores, warehouse stores, liquor stores,
bodegas, gas stations, convenience stores,
and farmers' markets and other retail stores
that sell food products and household
staples, pet and feed stores
Businesses not open to the public that ship
or deliver groceries, food, goods or services
directly to residences
Restaurants and other facilities that prepare
and serve food, but only for delivery, take
out, drive-in, drive-through, curb side
pickup or carry out
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Allowed to remain open
Social Distancing required
Businesses should implement screening
precautions to protect employees and all
activity shall be performed in compliance with
Social Distancing and in compliance with the
Guidelines from the President and the CDC
Allowed to remain open
Social Distancing required
Businesses should implement screening
precautions to protect employees and all
activity shall be performed in compliance with
Social Distancing and in compliance with the
Guidelines from the President and the CDC
Allowed to remain open
Social Distancing required
Businesses should implement screening
precautions to protect employees and all
activity shall be performed in compliance with
Social Distancing and in compliance with the
Guidelines from the President and the CDC
Schools and other entities that typically
provide free services to students or
members of the public on a pick-up and
take-away basis only
Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry
service providers
Businesses that provide for the delivery of,
or preparation of vehicles
Businesses that supply products needed for
people to work from home, including
businesses providing mail and_shipping and
post office box
Businesses that supply products necessary
for essential repairs and maintenance of a
home or business
Hotel, motels, and shared rental units,
except that all bars, cafes, or restaurants in
hotels, motels, and shared rental units are
closed except for pick-up and room service
Providers of Basic Necessities to
Economically Disadvantaged Populations
Social services and charitable organizations Allowed to remain open
that provide food, shelter. and social
services, and other necessities of life for Social Distancing required
economically disadvantaged or otherwise
vulnerable individuals Businesses should implement screening
precautions to protect employees and all
activity shall be performed in compliance with
Social Distancing and in compliance with the
Guidelines from the President and the CDC
Essential Services Necessary to Maintain
Operations of Residences or Essential
Businesses
Trash and recycling collection, processing Allowed to remain open
and disposal, mail and shipping services,
building cleaning and maintenance, auto Social Distancing required
repair, warehouse/distribution and
fulfillment. and storage for essential Businesses should implement screening
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businesses precautions to protect employees and all
activity shall be performed in compliance with
Plumbers. pool services, yard maintenance Social Distancing and in compliance with the
and landscapers, security services, Guidelines from the President and the CDC
electricians, exterminators, and other
vendors who provide services that are
necessary to maintaining the safety,
sanitation, and essential operations of
residences, Essential Activities, and
Essential Businesses
Professional services, such as legal or
accounting services, when necessary to
assist in compliance with legally mandated
activities
Other Essential Businesses
Newspapers, television, radio, and other Allowed to remain open
media services
Social Distancing required
Banks and related financial institutions,
consumer lenders, alternative financial Businesses should implement screening
services companies, sales and finance precautions to protect employees and all
lenders, credit unions, appraisers, and title activity shall be performed in compliance with
companies. As much business as possible Social Distancing and in compliance with the
shall be conducted with web-based Guidelines from the President and the CDC
technology to limit in-person contact
Services related to current real estate
transactions. As much business as possible
shall be conducted with web-based
technology to limit in-person contact
Childcare facilities providing services that
enable employees who perform Essential
Activities or work for an Essential
Business
Businesses that maintain and care for live
animals are not permitted to allow any
visitors or patrons but may continue to
operate to the extent necessary to provide
the necessary care for the animals
Construction tmder a valid permit issued by
a governmental entity
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Funeral homes. crematoriums and
cemeteries may operate
Weddings may be held, but not more than
ten persons may be present at any one time
Businesses that provide residential and/or
commercial moving services and necessary
moving supplies
Essential Services
Business operations the interruption of Allowed to remain open
which would endanger life, health or
personal safety of the whole or part of the Social Distancing required
population
Businesses should implement screening
precautions to protect employees and all
activity shall be performed in compliance with
Social Distancing and in compliance with the
Guidelines from the President and the CDC
Minimum Basic Operations
Operations necessary to maintain the Operations allowed for essential and non-
value of the business's inventory or essential businesses
equipment, process payroll and employee
benefits, maintain the premises and the Social Distancing required
security of the premises, equipment and
inventory, including the care and Number of employees are kept to a minimum
maintenance of livestock or animals
Utilize remote teleworking where possible
IT or other operations that facilitate
employees working from home Minimize in-person contact with people who
are not in the same household
To facilitate online or call-in sales or in-
store repair services
SECTION 3.
This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances, except where the
provisions of this ordinance are in direct conflict with the provisions of such ordinances and such
Code, in which event the conflicting provisions of such ordinances are hereby repealed.
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SECTION 4.
It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the phrases, clauses,
sentences, paragraphs and sections of this Ordinance are severable, and if any phrase, clause,
sentence, paragraph or section of this Ordinance shall be declared unconstitutional by the valid
judgment or decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such unconstitutionality shall not affect
any of the remaining, phrase, clauses, sentences, paragraphs or sections of this Ordinance since
the same would have been enacted by the City Council without incorporation in this Ordinance of
any such unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph or section.
SECTIONS.
As an alternate to the penalties that may be imposed under Chapter 418 of the Local
Government Code, any person, firm or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or
refuses to comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this Ordinance
shall be fined no more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for all violations involving zoning,
fire safety or public health and sanitation, including dumping or refuse, and shall be fined not more
than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for all other violations of this Ordinance. Each day that a
violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
SECTION 6.
All rights and remedies of the City of Richland Hills, Texas, are expressly saved as to any
and all violations of the provisions of the ordinances of the City of Richland Hills which have
accrued at the time of the effective date of this Ordinance; and, as to such accrued violations and
all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in court or not, under such
ordinances same shall not be affected by this Ordinance but may be prosecuted until final
disposition by the courts.
SECTION 7.
The City Secretary is directed to publish in the official newspaper of the City, the caption,
penalty clause, savings clause, publication clause and effective date clause of this ordinance one
time as authorized by Chapter 5, Section 5.02(c) of the Charter of the City of Richland Hills.
SECTIONS.
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect form and after its passage and publication
as provided by law, and it is so ordained.
ATTEST:
'CITYSEC~RY
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
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