From the plain language in Governor Inslee’s “Stay at Home” proclamation, it seemed like residential construction was exempted, and that residential construction — building housing — is essential and could continue. That’s what we posted earlier, and it’s what the Seattle Times reported.

Inslee’s order contained a wide-ranging exemption for construction of health-care facilities, transportation infrastructure, housing and other “essential” projects.

Seattle Times, March 24, 2020

But yesterday, the Governor issued a memo clarifying this issue.

In general, commercial and residential construction is not authorized under the Proclamation because construction is not considered to be an essential activity.

Governor’s Memo, March 25, 2020

The order apparently considers non-profit housing essential as well as toad work or construction on public facilities. Some companies had voluntary shut down. Still this will have a big impact on housing production all over the state and will complicate recovery when the emergency is passed.