As a result of state and county public health orders, local businesses are experiencing forced closure, or major changes in normal operation, or intense increased demand for goods, all of which are challenging during this unprecedented health pandemic. The following is a list of items being implemented to provide relief to businesses at this time. For the full text, please refer to the City's Emergency Ordinance.
Defer Business Improvement District (BID) Assessments that are regularly due in March to July 1, 2020, and waive late fees
Defer Business Tax Certificates that are due in May to July 1, 2020, and waive late fees
Defer Regulatory Business License fees on a three-month rolling basis
Defer Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) - specifically for hotels and similar establishments, upon request and approval of City Manager
Provide businesses a credit for the Outdoor Dining Encroachment Fees that have already been paid
Provide businesses a credit for the Valet Meter Encroachment fees that have already been paid
Allow existing restaurants within hotels to provide to-go meals to non-guests
Establish weekly meetings with business stakeholders to gather feedback on resources their businesses need
Lobby state/federal legislature to assist businesses within the City of West Hollywood
Guidance for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 The City of West Hollywood is taking extensive and proactive actions to support our businesses and workers during this unprecedented time. Use the guidance below to determine what is best for you, your business, and your workplace.
Temporary Moratorium on Evictions for Commercial Tenants Impacted by the COVID-19 Crisis The West Hollywood City Council approved a temporary moratorium on evictions for commercial tenants on April 6, 2020. This order is effective from March 16, 2020 to May 31, 2020. No commercial landlord should try to evict a tenant for nonpayment of rent if the tenant demonstrates loss of income, during this period. If you are a tenant and are unable to pay your commercial rent due to the impacts from the COVID-19:
Send your landlord an email or a text immediately, or within 30 days after rent is due.
Provide your landlord supporting documentation of your inability to pay. You must provide supporting documentation as promptly as feasible, and are provided up to 90 days of when the rent became due to collect financial documents indicating inability to pay.
Things to include as supporting documentation:
Was your business forced to close as part of LA County’s “Safer at Home” Ordinance”?
Was your business allowed to stay open but you voluntarily closed out of a public health concern?
Can you demonstrate a loss in revenue?
If you suffered a partial loss of income, you should pay a pro-rated share of rent that corresponds to the income you generated during the rental period.
You are protected from unlawful detainer action during this period.
You are still liable to pay rent, and must pay your landlord the full amount owed within six months of the local emergency expiring.
If you are a landlord, please work with your tenant during this challenging time. As a landlord, you are not able to take the following action according to this emergency ordinance:
Landlords may not charge or collect a late fee, or charge interest for delayed payment
Landlords may not seek rent that is delayed through the eviction process
Landlords may not start an eviction during the six months of repayment
Landlords are strongly encouraged to offer payment plans to tenants, which may go beyond the six month period, if both parties agree to the payment terms
Businesses and Workers – The City is taking extensive action to support businesses and workers and had developed a Toolkit for West Hollywood Businesses for up-to-date resources for the business community. For details, visit www.weho.org/business. For information, call (323) 848-6429.
Parking – The following parking regulations are suspended until April 19, 2020: 1. Permit parking on all residential streets 2. Street sweeping enforcement 3. All AM/PM rush hour enforcement (including Holloway, La Brea, Fountain, Robertson south of Beverly) 4. Blocked Driveways - Per complaint only; Call Parking Enforcement at (323) 650-6757 5. Loading Zones (commercial and passenger) - Per complaint only; Call Parking Enforcement at (323) 650-6757 All citations issued that are not currently delinquent will be extended an additional 30 days from their issue date. Metered parking is continuing in West Hollywood to ensure business access to curb space. For details, visit www.weho.org/parking. For citation information, call (800) 687-2458.
Transportation - PickUp and Sunset Trip trolleys have ceased operation until further notice. Cityline Local and Cityline Commuter service continues at this time for essential needs. For details, visit www.weho.org/cityline. Dial-A-Ride shared-ride transportation services for residents 62 and older and people with disabilities of all ages are available for essential needs. For information, call (800) 447-2189. Construction – Construction must operate with social distancing and hygiene requirements. The City has the authority to stop construction work if requirements are not followed. To report concerns, call (323) 848-6516.
Scams – Remain vigilant to avoid being victimized by scams during the COVID-19 crisis. If you believe you have been scammed, call the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310) 855-8850.
West Hollywood City Hall remains closed to the public and has suspended all in-person transactions. All public City buildings, playgrounds, and facilities are closed. City Hall is accessible for business and essential services with transactions to be conducted by phone (323) 848-6400 and via the City’s website at www.weho.org. City of West Hollywood coronavirus updates are available at www.weho.org/coronavirus. Follow @wehocity on Twitter and Facebook and Instagram and turn on notifications for up-to-date information regarding details in the City of West Hollywood.
For notifications by email, subscribe to the City’s E-Notifications at www.weho.org/email. Visit the City’s event and meetings calendar at www.weho.org/calendar and news archive at www.weho.org/news. To receive urgent updates to your phone by text and to your email, text your ZIP code to 888-777.
To view essential-business City meetings, tune in to WeHoTV at: · www.weho.org/wehotv · www.youtube.com/wehotv · Spectrum Channel 10 (in West Hollywood) · AT&T U-verse Channel 99 (in Southern California) · SmartTV Apps: AndroidTV; AppleTV; FireTV; and Roku
If you or someone you know develops COVID-19 symptoms – such as fever, shortness of breath, or pain – call (do not immediately visit) a healthcare provider to determine next steps.