COVID-19: Information for Businesses

COVID-19 Updates and Information:

The City of Pasadena declared a Local State of Emergency on March 16, 2020. For current information, please visit:

• City of Pasadena Covid Information for Businesses
• City of Pasadena Department of Public Health
• City of Pasadena News Releases

Pasadena Moves Into Yellow Tier Effective Wednesday, May 5

Pasadena is transitioning to the Yellow Tier effective Wednesday, May 5. Yellow tier activities will be permitted to occur in strict adherence with the updated Pasadena Public Health Department protocols. Details at www.cityofpasadena.net/covid-19/

As part of the new Public Health Order, the following business protocols have been updated for compliance with the Yellow Tier:

1. Restaurants, Bars & Breweries
2. Family Entertainment Centers
3. Office Worksites
4. Retail
5. Fitness Facilities
6. Museums & Galleries
7. Indoor Seated Live Events
8. Outdoor Seated Live Events

Pasadena Moves Into Orange Tier Effective Monday, April 5

As of Monday, April 5, many sectors in the City of Pasadena will be able open or increase capacity due to movement of the Pasadena Public Health Jurisdiction into the Orange Tier 3 (Moderate COVID-19 disease transmission) of the state of CA Blueprint for a Safer Economy.

To learn more regarding the following activities that will be permitted to occur in strict adherence with the updated Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) protocols, please visit City of Pasadena News Release.

Pasadena Public Health Department protocols can be viewed below:

• Movie Theaters
• Fitness Facilities 
• Personal Care Services
• Hotels and Short-Term Lodging
• Museums and Galleries
• Hair Salons
• Public Pools

Pasadena Moves Into Red Tier March 15th

The state has announced that California has met the vaccine equity goal that allows public health jurisdictions in Los Angeles County, including Pasadena, to move into the red tier of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy effective Monday, March 15.

To view the full press release and updated Pasadena Public Health Department protocols, please visit City of Pasadena Moves Into Red Tier.

Pasadena Public Health Department protocols can be viewed below:

• Restaurants and Breweries
• Personal Care
• Hotels and Short-Term Lodging
• Museums and Galleries
• Hair Salons

Revised Public Health Order & Industry Guidance (January 27)

This week, the State of California lifted the regional stay at home order returning the City of Pasadena to the Purple Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy. This change essentially places the City back to the same business restrictions that were in place in early December, prior to the state order. A revised Pasadena Public Health Order will be issued this week.

In the meantime, industry protocols have been revised to reflect the latest updates in the anticipated Pasadena Public Health Order and to align with state guidelines. Revised protocols have been posted to the City’s website and direct links can be found below:

• Retail Protocols – Revised
• Office Workspace Protocols – Revised 
• Personal Care Services Protocols – Revised
• Restaurants & Breweries Protocols – Revised
• Museums & Galleries Protocols – Revised
• Hotels, Lodging & Short Term Rentals Protocols – Revised
• Hair Salons Protocols – Revised
• Public Pools Protocols – Revised

State of California Small Business Relief Grant Program – Accepting Applications Now + Deadline Extended…

The State of California recently launched a new COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant Program. Applications for the first round of the program will now be accepted thru Wednesday, January 13. Small business and non-profits can apply for micro grants up to $25,000. Given the potential for high volume, submit your application and completed application during lower peak demand times (after-hours, except midnight- 4 am). The program is not set-up as first come, first serve, so applications can be submitted at any time before 11:59 pm on January 13th. For more information, visit www.careliefgrant.com.

Revised Public Health Protocols on City of Pasadena’s COVID Business Webpage (December 16):

Last week, the Pasadena Department of Public Health issued revised protocols for certain industries impacted by the Governor’s revised State Public Health Order. The revised public health protocols are consistent with the new Regional Stay at Home Order issued by the State. In most instances, the update appears on the cover page of each protocol document. The following industry protocols were updated last week:

• Retail
• Restaurants & Breweries
• Personal Care Services
• Office Workspaces
• Hair Salons
• Hotels, Lodging & Short Term Rentals
• Museums & Galleries

City of Pasadena Grant Dollars (October 2020):

The City of Pasadena has limited grant dollars available to support the sidewalk dining program.

• Limited dollars available and program will end when dollars run out
• The recipient must have an approved sidewalk dining permit
• The reimbursement grant cannot exceed $1,000 and must be used to dining support sidewalk dining (tables, chairs, umbrellas/tents, etc.)
• Email the city at: Covid19BusinessInq@cityofpasadena.net for questions or additional information

City of Pasadena Propane Guidelines (October 2020):

For heaters placed inside of tent structures.

1. The heater must remain AT LEAST 5 feet away from any combustible materials.
2. The heater must remain AT LEAST 5 feet from the ceiling of the tent.
3. The heater may not obstruct any exit pathways or other means of egress.
4. The operator shall adhere to all manufacturers guidelines for use and operation of the heater.
5. The business must make a request to use the heaters using the city portal, and is subject to final approval by the fire department.
6. Storage of propane cylinders must be in a secured container/ locker/ cabinet and in an approved location.