COVID-19: Changes to City services

All City buildings are closed to the public, with limited exceptions.

• Changes to services and operations
• Closures

Changes to services and operations

Specific service changes during the shelter at home order include:

• Adult Mental Health: Client hours at 1521 University for Adult Mental Health services are limited to 10am-1pm Monday-Thursday. We are open by phone 10am-5pm Monday-Friday for crisis intervention, referrals, and screening for mental health treatment: (510) 981-5244. For emergencies, call 911. For crises outside of these hours, call the 24-hour crisis line at (800) 309-2131. 

• Aging Services Case Management: Aging Services is limiting in-person contacts to essential visits only. Referrals are being accepted by phone (510) 981-5180. Referrals will be assessed and triaged by a supervisor, and response times may be delayed.

• Animal Services: The Animal Shelter at 1 Bolivar Drive is closed to the public. We are still conducting animal control services and accepting stray animal dropoff.

• BESO (Building Energy Saving Ordinance): Office is closed to in-person visits. If you have a building sale, please mail your BESO application and filing fee.  For questions, email beso@cityofberkeley.info.

• Birth and Death Certificates: The office of Vital Stats is providing birth and death certificates by appointment only. Appointments will be scheduled after a phone screening.

• Boards and Commissions: Meetings being held virtually. Information regarding upcoming meetings will be posted on individual commission pages and on the community calendar.

• City Council: Meetings are being held virtually. The public has several options for ways to watch, listen, and participate in virtual Council meetings.

• Construction and Building Permits: For information about construction, inspections, and permit applications during this period, see guidance allowed construction activities and ways to get building and safety services online.

• Domestic Partnerships: The State of California offers domestic partnership registration by mail. The City of Berkeley offers domestic partnership registration by appointment only. 

• Handwashing stations: The City has installed public handwashing stations in areas with a high need. See an interactive map of public handwashing stations.

• Library services: Berkeley Public Library is offering access to materials through outside pickup services at each facility. You can access the Library's e-collections online. Some programs, including children's storytime, are offered online. Library facilities remain closed to public entry until further notice. 

• Parking Enforcement: Parking restrictions are being enforced. This includes enforcement for residential parking permits, parking meters, time-limited unmetered spaces, and vehicles parked for more than 72 hours.

• Parking Garages: The Center Street Garage and Telegraph Channing Garage are open for use, but close earlier than normal at 8:00 pm. The Oxford Garage is closed.

• Parks: Parks are open. The City will be opening playgrounds, play structures, athletic courts, sports fields, and climbing areas, in accordance with California Department of Public Health guidance for outdoor recreation facilities. Please enjoy recreation facilities alone or with members of your own household only. Picnic areas remain closed.

• Police Review Commission: Police Review Commission staff is available by phone at (510) 981-4950 or by email at prc@cityofberkeley.info.

• Pools: West Campus and King pools are open for lap swimming (16+) and independent exercise (18+). Reservations are required and can be made online. See the pools webpage for schedule information and COVID-19 protocols.

• Recreation programs: Most recreation programs are canceled.

• Recreation customer service: Recreation customer service is available by phone at (510) 981-5150 or email at recreation@cityofberkeley.info during office closures.

• Rent Board: Limited services are available by phone and email. Phones are not being answered, but messages are checked regularly. If possible, email questions to rent@cityofberkeley.info. Otherwise, leave a message at (510) 981-7368. Include the following information in your email or voice message:

• your name
• your property address
• the best time to reach you
• briefly describe the reason for your call

• Seniors: Grab & go meal program: Delicious and nutritious meals are available to Berkeley seniors who are 60 years of age or above. Five frozen meals are available for curbside pickup on Tuesdays, 11:30am-1:00pm, at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis Street. A donation of $15 is suggested to cover the cost of weekly meals. You must register in advance to participate.

• Skate Park: The Berkeley Skate Park at Harrison Park is open 12:00pm-8:00pm Monday-Friday, and 8:00am-8:00pm Saturday-Sunday, with online registration and new operating procedures.

• Tennis and Pickleball Courts: Pickleball and tennis courts are open (except for Rose Garden, 1200 Euclid Ave., closed for construction).

• Transfer Station: The Transfer Station is an essential service and remains open.

• Unhoused: Resources to support Berkeley's unhoused residents and homeless service providers, such as City-wide homeless services and information on handwashing stations and restrooms, are available. 

• West Campus Shower Program: Expanded shower program at 2100 Browning Street: Mon-Fri 8am-11am, Saturday-Sunday 3pm-6pm.

• Willard shower program: The free shower program at 2701 Telegraph will continue with expanded hours: Mon-Fri 5:30pm to 8:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am to 12pm.

Closures

All City buildings are generally closed to the public, with a small number of narrow exceptions to provide essential services.

Specific closures include, but are not limited to:

Administrative offices

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Center Building, 2180 Milvia St.
• Administrative office building, 1947 Center St.
• Corporation Yard, 1326 Allston

Community services

• Fire stations: All fire stations are closed to the public.
• Senior centers: Both the North Berkeley and South Berkeley Senior Centers are closed to the public.
• Parking garages: The Oxford Garage at 2165 Kittredge Street is closed. 

Customer service centers & counters

• Customer Service Center, 1947 Center St.
• Engineering customer service, 1947 Center St.
• Fire customer service counter, 2100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way
• Permit Service Center, 1947 Center St.
• Police customer service counter, 2100 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way
• Recreation customer service offices, 2701 Telegraph Avenue and 1720 8th St.
• Transportation customer service, 1947 Center St.

Health services

• Ann Chandler Public Health Clinic, 830 University, except for prescription refills and tele-medicine appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only.
• Berkeley High School Health Center, 1980 Allston Way, except for a new "warm line" for students, families, and teachers offers mental health support, information, consultations, and resources with a call to (510) 981-5240, Monday-Friday from 11:30 am - 4 pm. Services are available in English and Spanish.
• Mental Health Family Youth and Children's outpatient services, 3282 Adeline Street

Recreation centers

• Frances Albrier Community Center, 2800 Park St.
• James Kenney Community Center, 1720 8th St.
• Live Oak Community Center, 1301 Shattuck
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Services Center/Young Adult Project (YAP), 1730 Oregon St.
• Willard Clubhouse, 2720 Hillegass

Recreation facilities

Parks are open. The City will be opening playgrounds, play structures, athletic courts, sports fields, and climbing areas, in accordance with California Department of Public Health guidance for outdoor recreation facilities. Please enjoy recreation facilities alone or with members of your own household only. Picnic areas remain closed.

Standalone facility closures include:

• Adventure Playground, 160 University
• Shorebird Park Nature Center, 160 University  

Last updated December 21, 2020