Business Guidance By Sector

Level Green Restrictions 

Masks: Cloth face coverings are required in all indoor spaces open to the public and in all outdoor spaces where a minimum 6-foot physical distance from others can not be maintained, except while actively eating or drinking. 

In Levels Blue, Yellow, Orange, Red and Purple, fully vaccinated people may gather with other fully vaccinated people in indoor private settings without wearing masks. This does NOT apply to public indoor settings (i.e. restaurants, grocery stores, office-based business, retail stores, etc.)

Mask mandate is in place in schools for students 11-18 yrs old through the end of the school year.

Public and private gatherings: Indoor personal gatherings should follow the CDC guidance on gatherings.

1. Fully vaccinated: at least 2 weeks have passed since the vaccinated person received the second dose of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
2. Fully vaccinated people may now: 
   1. Visit with other fully vaccinated people in indoor private settings without wearing masks or physically distancing in small groups.
   2. Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.
3. Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if they show no symptoms. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should still monitor themselves for symptoms for two weeks. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and isolate.

High-risk populations: Individuals at risk of Severe Illness from COVID-19 are advised to remain at home as much as possible.

Restaurants: Restaurants may operate at 100% of the posted occupancy limit indoors with 6 feet distancing between parties. Restaurants may also use any existing, licensed outdoor space for in-person dining with the same group limit of 10 and minimum spacing of 6 feet apart. No local restrictions apply regarding last call for on-premises sale and service of alcohol.

Additional requirements for restaurants include:

1. Require individuals to wear face coverings indoors and outdoors whenever they are not actively eating or drinking, including when interacting with restaurant employees regardless of the ability to maintain 6 ft. of physical distance from others not of the same household. 
2. Patrons in different parties must be a minimum of 6 feet apart. The spacing of tables may need to be 6 feet or more to ensure proper physical distancing between diners from different parties. 
3. All employees must wear facial coverings that cover the nose and mouth, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health.
4. Disinfecting and deep-cleaning of all shared surfaces between seatings.

Bars: May operate at 50 percent capacity of their posted occupancy limit, not to exceed 500 people, excluding staff.

Retail businesses: May operate at 100% of the posted occupancy limit with 6 feet distancing between patrons.

Offices: May operate at 100% of the posted occupancy limit with 6 feet distancing between individuals.

Gyms/fitness: May operate at 100% of the posted occupancy limit with 6 feet distancing between patrons.

Organized youth and adult sports and camps: May operate at 50 percent capacity or 500 people, whichever is fewer, exlcuding coaches and referees/umpires (or other staff required for player safety), indoors.

Child care: Open, with standard ratios.

Personal Services: May operate at 100% of the posted occupancy limit with 6 feet distancing between patrons.

Limited Health Care Settings: May operate at 100% of the posted occupancy limit with 6 feet distancing between patrons.

Indoor Unseated Events: May operate at 50% capacity or 500 people, whichever is fewer.

Indoor Seated Events: May operate at 100% of the posted occupancy limit with 6 feet distancing between parties of up to 10 individuals.

Outdoor Events: May operate at 100% capacity with a minimum of 6 feet distancing between parties. Outdoor ticketed seated event venues of 30,000 square feet require CDPHE approval, in consultation with the local public health agency.

Field Services: real estate open houses must follow the indoor event requirements, including capacity limits.

Additional details on Level Blue restrictions are available on the Pitkin County website.

Q: What guidance is there for construction sites?

A: Under all levels of the state dial, construction remains as a “Critical Business.” A critical business may continue to operate without capacity limitations but must follow the requirements in Section III.B and C of the November 2, 2020, Colo Public Health Order. Guidance for safety plans on construction sites, for landscaping, and for construction that doesn’t require permits:

1. Construction workers are now permitted to purchase lunch wherever they see fit, so long as they are wearing face coverings or masks and adhering to other guidelines.
2. Carpooling guidance has been updated to allow carpooling if they can follow guidance which includes only 50% vehicle occupancy and wearing face coverings or masks while in the vehicle. Sanitizing practices are also outlined in the Business Safety Plan Checklist.

Construction sites are allowed to have hand sanitizer available in lieu of soap and water in freezing conditions, as this follows the OSHA construction site guidance. However, if a portable hand washing station is located inside a heated area, soap and water must be available, followed by hand sanitizing containing at least 60% alcohol.

Q: What are the requirements for construction activity to continue?

A: On April 27th contractors are welcome to submit a COVID-19 Site Safety Plan for their permitted construction site. Details on the safety requirements and additional required documents can be reviewed by following the link below:

• Construction Guidance (Traducción Española)
• Pitkin County COVID-19 Safety Plan Requirements

Approval is required for any construction activity, that requires a permit, prior to operations.

Q: Is there guidance for landscaping capacity? 

A: Social distancing will dictate how many people they can have on the worksite. 

Q: What are the requirements for landscaping activity to continue?

A: Landscaping companies and construction activity not requiring a permit are allowed to resume operations in Pitkin County as of April 23, 2020 as long as they have completed a company-specific operation plan that demonstrates compliance with the Business Safety Plan Requirements.

Non-permitted construction includes activities like: house painting, driveway resurfacing or parking lot paving/restriping, window washing, property management/maintenance, pool and spa maintenance, carpet installation, wood floor installation, interior decorating and window coverings, appliance delivery, and installation and alarm service and maintenance testing. For a comprehensive definition of Non-permitted construction, please refer to this link. The Business Safety Plan document is to be completed prior to the commencement of work.

• Landscaping Guidance (Traducción Española)

Q: Can child care centers or summer camps transport children?

A: When using public transportation, keep the same children and staff in consistent groups as much as possible, maintain social distance and require face coverings for employees and children 3+ years of age. 

Q: What are the current guidelines for childcare?

A: Currently, child care may remain open with standard ratios. For additional information, please visit CDPHE’s Child Care Facilities Guidance Page. License-exempt child care programs are considered critical child care services and must follow the child care guidance, including case and outbreak guidance for schools and child care centers.

Q: Are children allowed to attend more than one program? Can siblings attend different programs?

A: Yes to both.

Q: Can partitions be placed in rooms to allow for more than one group of children?

A: No. This is not a safe option in terms of fire safety/egress and social distancing. Large spaces such as gymnasiums or a cafeteria can be used for a classroom for groups of 10 children that are stable from day to day to the extent possible. If the space is large enough to allow for social distancing (6 feet between each child and minimum of 36 square feet per child), more than one stable group could be in the space at the same time as long as there is adequate space between groups.

Q: How many people are allowed at an informal event in Pitkin County at this time?

A: Pitkin County has adopted CDPHE’s COVID-19 dial and associated guidelines and restrictions. There is no longer a state limit on personal gathering sizes in Levels Green, Blue, and Yellow. The state is following CDC’s guidance on personal gatherings: Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People (CDPHE Guidance) and CDC’s guidance for small gatherings. The CDC still strongly recommends avoiding larger gatherings and crowds to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If they choose to participate in larger gatherings, fully vaccinated people should continue to adhere to prevention measures that reduce spread, including wearing masks, maintaining physical distance from others, and washing hands frequently.

• Fully vaccinated: at least 2 weeks have passed since the vaccinated person received the second dose of a 2-dose COVID-19 vaccine or the only dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
• Fully vaccinated people may now: 
  • Visit with other fully vaccinated people in indoor private settings without wearing masks or physically distancing in small groups.
  • Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing.

Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if they show no symptoms. People who have been exposed to COVID-19 should still monitor themselves for symptoms for two weeks. If symptoms develop, they should get tested and isolate.

In Level Red and Level Purple, informal gatherings are not permitted.

Q: Do I need a special COVID-19 Plan?

A: Yes, under event guidance, find the type of event that you are planning. An Event Safety Plan must be submitted 5 days prior to the event. The event safety plan is in addition to rather instead of any normally required government permit.

Q: What should I do about having food at my event in a safe manner?

A: Food service needs to follow guidance for restaurants. Under restaurants. One must comply with any State of Colorado, municipal, or county food service rules as well. 

Q: Are cocktail parties or alcohol-only events allowed?

A: Bars that do not serve food are permitted to operate at 50% capacity or 500 people, whichever is less, in Level Green. Events that serve alcohol with sit down dinners are allowed and must continue to follow CDPHE’s event guidance.

Q: What about bands and dancing?

A: Performers in a restaurant or bar whose performance includes forced exhalation that increases the potential to aerosolize respiratory droplets, such as speaking or shouting, singing, playing some instruments, or physical exertion, must maintain a minimum distance of 12 feet if wearing a face covering or 25 feet if not wearing a face covering from the patrons.

Performers are not included in capacity limits as long as they do not join the spectator or patron areas at any time and, for performers whose performance includes forced exhalation that increases the potential to aerosolize respiratory droplets, such as speaking or shouting, singing, playing some instruments, or physical exertion, the performers must remain at least 12 feet if wearing a face covering or 25 feet if not wearing a face covering from attendees. If performers join the patron spaces, they must be included in the capacity limit numbers. Performers should also use a separate entrance and exit from spectators or patrons.

Adopt seating and spacing modifications to increase physical distance from a performer. Dancing is strictly limited at all events to no more than six persons dancing together from the same party. Dancing parties must remain six feet from other persons and all must follow current mask mandates. For wedding services, the following dances are expressly allowed: the couple’s first dance and the parent dances.

Q: Is there a variance process to allow my event to have more than dial level restrictions?

A: Depends on the dial level. For more information, view the CDPHE’s capacity chart.

Q: Where do museums fall in this stage of reopening?

A: Museums and other institutions must follow the same capacity restrictions as indoor events in Levels Green, Blue, Yellow, and Orange. All museums must submit and adhere to a COVID-19 Business Safety Plan using sector-specific guidance to address capacity, physical/social distancing, masks, and cleaning practices.

Level Yellow: 50% capacity based upon fire code occupancy limit not to exceed 150 people using the Distancing Space Calculator per room.

Q: What are the rules for religious services?

A: Effective December 7 and according to the state’s Third Amended Public Health Order 20-36, Houses of Worship and associated ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and baptisms (religious or secular) are considered Critical Services. Places of Worship may operate after submitting a Business Safety Plan and following the guidelines put forth by Pitkin County. Final guidance is posted on the Business Resources Page. These institutions are encouraged whenever possible to implement electronic platforms to conduct services or hold more frequent services to allow strict compliance with Social Distancing Requirements. In-person services need to adhere to CDPHE Places of Worship & Life-Rite Ceremonies guidance. For any receptions following ceremonies, an Event Safety Plan must be submitted 5 days prior to the event.

Q: Is the Pitkin County Library open?

A: Foyer pick-up is available and our main library building will remain closed. Public computer use is available in the Dunaway Community Room. Library computers are available for 1-hour sessions, which may be extended for an additional hour depending on demand. See the Pitkin County Website for more information on library usage and modifications.

Q: Can fitness instructors use machines with clients that are cleaned between sessions?

A: Yes, machines can be used during a session as long as they are used by one person per session and not shared; then machines are disinfected after the session.

Q: At what capacity can fitness facilities operate at?

Level Green – Protect Our Neighbors: 100% capacity with a minimum of 6 feet distancing between parties.

Q: When can fitness facilities open?

A: Please see complete guidance requirements here: CDPHE Personal Recreation. 

Q: What about one on one training and small group classes? Can there be more than one training session if it’s a large facility?

A: Personal training is permitted with one trainer and a group of up to 4 people, maintaining 6 ft of social distance, and not sharing equipment. The only time more people could be working out in the same facility together is if they were of the same household. 

Q: What is the definition of Lodging?

A: “Short Term Lodging” is any lodging or lodging space that is used by an occupant for less than 30 days. This includes, without limitation, bed and breakfasts; lodges; retreats; hotels and motels; licensed or professionally managed properties rented through Airbnb, VRBO, travel agencies, or similar companies or websites; units owned on a timeshare or fractional interest basis, condo-hotels, or similar resorts. All lodging accommodations must submit and adhere to a COVID-19 Business Safety Plan using Pitkin County’s Lodging Guidance to address capacity, physical/social distancing, masks, and cleaning practices.

Q: What guidelines are there for employee housing? Do I need a business safety plan for the housing?

A: Businesses with employee housing need to include property management in your agency’s Business Safety Plan Checklist if you directly provide it.  If you contract property management out we encourage you to review your vendor’s business safety plan.

Q: Are VRBO and HomeAway owners required to have a business license and/or clean their properties under CDC guidelines in order to be in compliance with the city ordinance?

A: Check with your local jurisdiction for business license requirements.  Yes, properties must adhere to the cleaning guidance outlined in Pitkin County’s Lodging Guidance and submit a Business Safety Plan Checklist.

Q: Is there guidance on whether daily housekeeping will be allowed?

A: Daily housekeeping is allowed if you follow the protocols outlined in Pitkin County’s Lodging Guidance and CDPHE’s cleaning guidance. It is recommended in the guidance to schedule cleaning when guests are not present in the unit/home.

Q: Do we assume that all allowed rental units will be listed under a manager who has filed a Business Safety Plan and can demonstrate safe practices?

A: Rental units managed under the same property management company should be included in that company’s submitted Business Safety Plan.  Every business working in Pitkin County must file a Business Safety Plan prior to opening, including those in property management, hotels, restaurants, landscapers, etc.

Q: Do property owners need to submit a Business Safety Plan or is that only for property managers?

A: It depends if you’re renting your property out. You don’t need one if you are living in your house. Single unit rent by owners are not able to operate at this time. 

Q: Are dental offices permitted to open?

A: They are after submission of a business safety plan checklist. There is additional guidance the State is providing for other medical/dental personal services that would need to be read through and incorporated into the safety plan. If you are a business regulated by DORA, look here.

Q: What is the capacity of my office space? What about office buildings that are several floors, have a co-working space, or outdoor private patio?

A: Each office business in a building needs to follow capacity restrictions while individuals must maintain 6ft. distance and abide by mask-wearing requirements regardless if that office is on one floor or multiple floors. Working remotely and/or adopting an in-office rotation schedule is strongly encouraged when/if possible. Outdoor patios, as part of an office, can be used as long as social distancing protocols can be maintained and patio equipment is cleaned and sanitized before and after use.  Shared patios between office businesses should work together to maintain social distancing and cleaning and sanitation protocols. Additional guidance for office-based businesses.

Level Green: 100% capacity with a minnimum of 6 feet distancing between individuals.

Q: Does an office that is deemed critical need to follow dial level capacity restrictions?

A: Critical Businesses must comply with Social Distancing Requirements at all times, adopt work from home or telework policies for any operations that can be done remotely, and implement other strategies, such as staggered schedules or re-designing workplaces, to create more distance between workers unless doing so would make it impossible to carry out critical functions. Critical Businesses that serve the public such as grocery stores and other Critical Retail shall comply with Social Distancing Requirements at all times including, but not limited to when any customers are standing in line.  Critical Business and Critical Government Functions shall continue to promote telecommuting to the greatest extent possible. Critical businesses need to submit a Business Safety Plan Checklist. For additional guidance, please visit CDPHE’s Critical Infrastructure Workers FAQ Page here.

Q: Are golf and tennis shops allowed to open now as retail outlets?

A: Yes, they are allowed but they need to fill out a Business Safety Plan Checklist before opening the retail portion of their operation. Please follow CDPHE’s retail guidance and capacity limits.

Q: How long can golfers arrive before their tee time to use the practice facilities?

A: Contact the golf course for specific details about their operations. Golf courses will manage arrival times, tee times, and practice facilities in order to maintain social distancing and hygiene requirements.

Q: Are outdoor gear rentals allowed (golf, tennis, bikes, paddleboards, etc)?

A: Rental equipment is only permitted if it can be properly disinfected before and after use.  In your Business Safety Plan Checklist you must indicate how you will manage rentals while maintaining social distancing requirements.

Q: Are Outfitters and Guides able to operate?

A: Yes, Outfitters and Guides are permitted to open to out-of-town guests. See Guidelines by Sector for more details.

Q: What are the rules for racquet sports during this phase? Indoor or outdoor? Public or Private/HOA?

A: Effective June 1, public playgrounds, skateboard parks, racquet sports and other non-league, non-coached,  informal park usage are permitted to open. 

Q: Are playgrounds allowed to open?

A: Effective June 1, public playgrounds, skateboard parks, racquet sports, and other non-league, non-coached,  informal park usage are permitted to open. Child cares can use their designated playgrounds as long as groups are not combined and social distancing is followed to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, children and staff should wash their hands when they enter the building after being outside

Q: Guidance for Outdoor Guides/Tours

A: Guided services include overnight services, for fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, ATV tours, hunting, snowmobiling, skiing, and climbing. For more information, please visit CDPHE’s outdoor recreation guidance.

Level Green: 100% capacity with a minimum of 6 feet distancing between parties.

Q: What are the guidelines for Personal Services?

A: Level Green – 100% capacity with a minimum of 6 feet distancing between individuals.

Refer to State of Colorado guidance and your permitting agency for further details.  

Q: When a business has different services on different floors in a building (spa, pilates/yoga, and retail), how many people can be on each floor?

A: Certain activities such as personal training reduces the number to 4 clients with 1 instructor.  Also, keep in mind that social distancing protocols should also be considered when determining the appropriate number of people.

Level Green – Protect Our Neighbors: 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing between parties.

Q: Are spa-type services like massage, facials, nails, etc. permitted?

A: Spas and salons are allowed to do many treatments but not all treatments, such as facials or waxing around the mouth and nose. For specific guidance on which treatments are allowed go to DORA’s website. Additional guidance can also be found under the personal services section on the State website here. Because customers must keep a mask on at all times, this will also limit the types of services able to be provided.

Q: Is there any guidance for HOA / private, indoor / outdoor pools, hot tubs and developed hot springs

A: Effective June 8, Outdoor, indoor pools, developed hot springs and hot tubs, public or private may open with a Business Safety Plan. This includes any pool open to the public, including but not limited to municipal pools, homeowner association pools, pools at fitness centers, inn lodging facilities, hot tubs, and developed hot springs.

Please review CDPHE’s Personal Recreation Page for complete guidance requirements. 

• Indoor Pools (including Hot Tubs)
  • Level Gree: 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing between parties.
• Outdoor Pools (including Hot Tubs)
  • In Levels Blue, Yellow and Orange, limit the pool to 50% capacity, up to 50 people excluding staff and coaches, whichever is fewer. Capacity is limited to 25% capacity up to 10 people in Levels Red and Purple

Q: Do Real Estate businesses need to submit a Business Safety Plan or just follow State guidance?

A: You will need to fill out a business safety plan, as well as following State guidance.

Q: Are we allowed to show properties? Where do I find guidance for disinfecting a home after a showing?

A: Meetings, showings, appraisals, consultations, open houses,  etc. can occur in accordance with indoor event requirements. Disinfecting guidance across sectors can be found HERE.

Q: What services are allowed at restaurants?

A: Effective May 10th, restaurants may operate at 100% capacity indoors with 6 feet distancing between parties. Restaurants for outdoor dining, there must be at least 6 feet distance between parties of up to 10 individuals.

Q: Do patrons need to wear masks? If and/or when can they take them off?

A: Patrons are required to wear face coverings indoors and outdoors whenever they are not actively eating or drinking, including when interacting with restaurant employees regardless of the ability to maintain 6 ft. of physical distance from others.

Q: What are the guidelines for social distancing? What about outdoor dining?

A: Limit outdoor seating and/or reconfigure tables so that different groups can maintain a minimum of six feet of physical distancing. The spacing of tables may need to be 6 feet or more to ensure proper physical distancing between diners from different parties.

Q: Is return merchandise accepted?

A: Only items that can be properly sanitized can be returned, per State guidance. 

Q: What are the rules for customers trying on items (clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.)?

A: Currently there is no State guidance that addresses “items customers can try on.” Therefore, a business can determine if and how items will be tried on. We recommend retailers consult any industry guidance, what fellow retailers are doing, and their comfort level for keeping their customer and employees safe. We encourage businesses when they feel it is necessary to go beyond the Business Safety Plan Checklist found in Pitkin County’s Informal Event Guidance. If staff must come closer than 6′ from a customer for them to try on an item, such as jewelry, staff should wear a mask and gloves and limit the time in close contact of the customer to as little time as possible and a total time of less than 10 minutes. We encourage retailers only to permit items to be tried on that can be properly sanitized per State guidance. We will add additional guidance as it comes.

Q: Is there any guidance for consignment stores?

A: Currently there is no specific State guidance for consignment or thrift stores around acceptance of items.  We encourage businesses to limit items to only items that can be sanitized or the store can wash and dry before placing them out for sale. For other aspects of your business follow retail guidance.

Q: How many employees are allowed to work and what does that mean for the number of customers allowed in?

Level Green – Protect Our Neighbors: 100% capacity with 6 feet distancing between individuals

Six-foot distancing between customers and employees must be maintained at all times. More requirements for retail stores.