The Community Development Department closed in-person services Monday as county officials implement more health precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Officials plan to add more physical barriers to the front counters inside the building, which already has temperature scanners installed. County employees and those who visit county facilities are already required to wear masks inside.
County Administrator Jason Brown was not immediately available to confirm reports that six employees in the Community Development Department tested positive for the virus. Further details on the employees were not available.
The Community Development Department includes current development, code enforcement, long range planning and fire safety divisions. The physical offices will be closed to the public possibly for a week, but residents can still conduct business online, by phone, or by using the drop-off and pick-up boxes in the lobby of the administration building.
“While the Community Development Department’s physical offices will be closed to the public, the department remains open and we will ensure that all residents and businesses may access the functions and information they need without person-to-person contact at the department offices,” county officials said.
“This includes obtaining information about, applying for, filing, and receiving building permits, temporary use permits, administrative approval permits, file or follow up on a code enforcement action, apply for housing assistance, and all other departmental functions.”
The department will still be accepting departmental plans and permits.
“We expect these measures to be temporary in nature, and announcements of the resumption of normal operations will be made shortly,” county officials said. “No other county departments or functions are affected.”
Those who have further questions can contact the department at 772-226-1260.
