Dear Saratoga Community Member,

The past few weeks, we have faced the unprecedented challenge of slowing down the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) while continuing to serve the Saratoga community and provide the essential functions of local government. We have already adapted many of our practices based on mandatory orders and evolving recommendations from the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health, California Department of Public Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 
Based on the most recent guidance to practice social distancing and limit in-person contact as much as possible, we are asking guests to only visit City Hall if it is absolutely necessary. The Permit Center will be temporarily closed to walk-in customers. Building, Planning, Arborist, Code Compliance, Encroachment Permit, and Business License services will be available by appointment only beginning Monday, March 16. While it is a difficult decision for us to limit public access to City Hall, we must prioritize the health of our visitors and staff members.
 
Please call or email the appropriate City Department to determine whether your service can be completed by phone or email, or if an appointment is necessary. Appointments will be available Monday through Thursday and every other Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. These appointments will be held in the Warner Hutton House on the City Hall campus and can be made using the contact information below.

Building Appointments
www.saratoga.ca.us/building
building@saratoga.ca.us
408.868.1290

Planning Appointments
www.saratoga.ca.us/planning
planning@saratoga.ca.us
408.868.1222

Tree Permit Appointments
www.saratoga.ca.us/trees
cfusco@saratoga.ca.us
408.868.1276

Code Compliance Appointments
www.saratoga.ca.us/code
tgonzalez@saratoga.ca.us
408.868.1230

Encroachment Permit Appointments
www.saratoga.ca.us/encroach
kborel@saratoga.ca.us
408.868.1296

Business License Appointments
www.saratoga.ca.us/buslicense
businesslicense@saratoga.ca.us
408.868.1240

The prolonged impacts of the outbreak could have significant impacts on the Saratoga community, employees, and City operations. As a proactive measure, a resolution proclaiming a local emergency has been placed on the agenda for City Council consideration at the March 18 meeting. Most cities in Santa Clara County have now proclaimed a local emergency in anticipation of the impacts of the spread of novel coronavirus. Adopting a resolution would provide the City with greater flexibility to respond to disaster conditions, such as obtaining critical supplies and resources and seeking mutual aid. This action does not represent an immediate emergency and is being recommended out of an abundance of caution since the next opportunity for the City Council to affirm an emergency proclamation would not be until April 15.
 
To learn more about the City’s response to COVID-19, including how we will conduct the City Council meeting on March 18, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/COVID19

 
Sincerely,
James Lindsay
City Manager