San Jose City Councilman Matt Mahan speaks at a March 8, 2021, news conference on Mayor Sam Liccardo’s proposal to create a Resilience Corps. Mahan will become the next mayor of San Jose, succeeding Liccardo in the role. (Photo by Jana Kadah/Bay City News)

After a year and a half of online meetings, residents and staff are finally able to come back to the San Jose City Council Chambers next week for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic’s start in March 2020.

On Tuesday, San Jose will hold its first hybrid City Council meeting. Masked residents can attend in person while those who prefer the comfort of their home or office can continue to participate via Zoom.

San Jose City Hall will also reopen to the public on Monday, when residents can schedule in-person appointments at the permit center for building, planning, fire and public works permits. Cashier services will also be available in person with an appointment.

However, the city still recommends people utilize online and virtual services not only to protect everyone’s health as the delta variant continues to spread, but to also reduce pollution and emissions.

Those who enter city facilities will be required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.

Permit appointments can be made at the San Jose city website at https://www.sanjoseca.gov/.