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City Council

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1. How do I bring an issue before the City Council at a Council meeting?

It is best to submit a written request to the City Manager's Office and/or the City Clerk. The City Manager and Mayor meet one week prior to the scheduled meeting to set the upcoming agenda.

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Code Enforcement

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1. What are the Residential Parking Zones (RPZ)?

The Residential Parking Zones or RPZ are the residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the campus of Central Washington University. You are required to display a city-issued permit to park on the street in these zones during the day.

2. How do I get an RPZ permit?

Bring a proof of residency, i.e. copy of a lease, ID, or mail addressed to an address within one of the RPZ zones to the payment desk at City Hall. You will also need to have vehicle information for any vehicle receiving a permit. There is no cost for these permits.

3. Where can I pay my parking citation?

There are several ways in which you can pay a parking citation. Cash or check payments may be made at the Police Department weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Credit card payments may be made either at City Hall, or by telephone at (509) 962-7207. Payment may also be made via the internet using Remit Online. There is a non-refundable fee for this site. Payment can also be made by mail (do not send cash) to:
Ellensburg Police Department
100 North Pearl St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926

In order to avoid a late fee of $25 all payments must be made (or postmarked if mailed) within 15 days from the date of issuance.

4. Why was my car marked for impound?

Within the City of Ellensburg vehicles are required to move every 24 hours. When we receive a complaint, or notice a vehicle that obviously hasn’t moved in a while, we chalk the tires and place a “We have checked this vehicle” notice on the windshield.

In order to keep the streets clear of abandoned vehicles, a vehicle may be impounded 24 hours after it has been tagged. We try to alert any owners prior to this and can allow short extensions for extenuating circumstances.

5. Can I get a permit to park in the downtown?

No, however for businesses that offer services that may take longer than two-hours there are monthly permits available. These permits may only be used by patrons of a business, not the proprietors or employees. Additionally, there is a map, which shows many locations near the downtown core which are designated as all-day parking.

6. How do I contest a parking infraction?

If you would like to request a hearing to explain the circumstances or to contest a parking citation you need to check the appropriate box on the reverse side of the citation and complete the personal information section.

Responses need to be received (or postmarked if mailed) within 15 days from the date of issuance. Requests received after that time will not be honored and will have an additional $25 late fee added to the original fine.

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Community Development

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1. Where do I go to get a Permit?

The City's Community Development Department is located at:
City Hall
501 N. Anderson St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926

Information on all types of permits is available at the counter from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. You may also contact us by email or use our 24-hour phone message service at (509) 962-7231. We are closed during the lunch hour.

2. How do I know if I need a permit?

Any type of construction or development project could require a permit so it is best to call or come in to the Community Development Department. Projects in environmentally sensitive areas (streams, slopes, wetlands, etc.) or involving a structure greater than 120 square feet will always require one or more permits.

Some minor construction permits can be issued over the counter during your visit while new structures or major remodels or additions will require six to eight weeks or more. Land use permits may require public notice / hearings and City Council approval that could take several months.

For more information, please call us at (509) 962-7231.

3. What happens after I apply for a permit?

For many simple projects, a permit can be issued over the counter during your visit if you have provided the necessary information. If you don't have all the necessary information, you will be asked to provide the necessary information before a permit is issued or processed further.

Once we have received all the necessary information and have determined that a review by one or more City departments is required, we will inform you of the time frame when you may expect the permit(s) to be issued.

For most residential and small commercial projects without land use issues, departmental review can take up between four to six weeks. Major construction projects or ones involving significant clearing, grading, or demolition may require a project meeting with the applicant and can take eight weeks or more. Land use permits vary considerably depending upon location and the nature of the project.

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Finance

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1. I just moved into Ellensburg. Where do I go to set up utilities for electric, natural gas, water, sewer, and garbage?

The City of Ellensburg provides utility services for electric, natural gas, water, and sewer. We are located at:
City Hall
501 N. Anderson St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926

Garbage service is provided by Waste Management.

2. What information do I need to set up my utility account?

You can fill out the Application for New Utility Service. The information needed to set up a utility account includes the following:

• Customer name


• Service address


• Date service is to begin (must be a weekday, excluding holidays)


• Mailing address


• Telephone number


• Social Security Number or Tax ID Number


• U.S. issued identification and number


• Reference name and address (a person you keep in contact with; they don’t have to be local)

3. I’m moving, how do I stop service in my name?

To close your utility account, you’ll need to complete a termination of service form which is provided in our office and on our website. The form can be delivered to our customer service desk in person or by fax or email. The form should be received by our office at least two business days ahead of time to guarantee the termination date requested.

View our online Termination of Service Form.

4. How often does the City of Ellensburg bill?

The City of Ellensburg bills monthly. We read the meters and bill approximately the same time each month.

5. When is my bill due?

Utility bills are due 15 days after the bill date.

6. When are your hours of business?

The City of Ellensburg Finance Department is open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm excluding holidays.

7. Where do I pay my property tax?

Kittitas County Treasurer’s Office
205 W. Fifth Ave.
Suite 102
Ellensburg, WA 98926

8. What do I do if I can’t pay my bill by the due date? What are some agencies to seek help with payment for utility bills?

If you’re unable to pay your bill by the due date, you need to call our office at (509) 962-7201 and make satisfactory payment arrangements to avoid the disconnect process.

There are local agencies that may be able to help, based on qualification requirements. They include: 

• Hope Source


• F.I.S.H.


• Local churches


• DSHS

9. Do you have a budget plan (equal payment plan)?

Yes. We have a budget plan that requires the customer pay the average monthly bill for their service address based on the previous 12 months consumption. The budget amount is re-evaluated every six months to ensure the customer is not over or under paying.

If the customer goes off the budget plan, they are responsible for the actual amount owed on the account. If there is a credit balance, the credit will be refunded to the customer.

10. Do you have a discounted rate for low-income senior citizen customers?

Yes. We have a low-income senior citizen discounted rate for electric, natural gas, water, and sewer. You can obtain the application online or by contacting our office at (509) 962-7201.

11. Do you have a discounted rate for low-income disabled citizen customers?

Yes. We have a low-income disabled discounted rate for electric, natural gas, water, and sewer. You can obtain the application online or by contacting our office at (509) 962-7201.

12. Who do I contact if my power is off?

During business hours, please call (509) 962-7201. For after-hours calls and emergencies, please call (509) 925-8534.

13. Who do I contact if my natural gas is off?

During business hours, please call (509) 962-7201. For after-hours calls and emergencies, please call (509) 925-8534.

14. Who do I contact if my water is off?

During business hours, please call (509) 962-7201. For after-hours calls and emergencies, please call (509) 962-7230.

15. There are meters in my back yard but I have a dog and I want to keep my gate locked. What can I do to get my meters read?

The best thing to do is call and talk to us at (509) 962-7201. Your meters do need to be accessible for reading and maintenance, but your meters may be able to be read without the meter reader being right in front of them every month.

16. How much is the utility deposit for a new utility account?

The utility deposit required is $50 per utility service that you’ll be billed for. If you have all four utilities (electric, natural gas, water, and sewer) the deposit is $200. For commercial accounts, the deposit is $100 per utility.

17. What forms of payment do you accept?

The City of Ellensburg accepts cash, check, Visa, and MasterCard. We accept payment at our customer service counter, by mail, by telephone, and through our online bill pay website. For added convenience for our customers, we also have a drop box in our driveway at:
501 N. Anderson St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Library

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1. How do I get a library card?

Cards are free for residents of Kittitas County, except for residents of the City of South Cle Elum. If you are in the City limits of Roslyn, Cle Elum, or Kittitas, you must be a cardholder in good standing with that library before you can get a card at our library. Proof of residency with street address is needed to get a library card.

2. How long is your check out period?

All items (except DVDs) have a three-week check out period with two possible renewals. DVDs have a one-week check out period.

3. How do I access my account online?

Click on the "Patron Login" from our main webpage or "My Account" from within the catalog. Your "Borrower ID" is your library card number (no spaces) and your PIN # is a 4 digit number that you picked when you got your library card. Often we use the last 4 digits of your library card #. If you need assistance please call Circulation at 509-962-7110.

4. Do you have internet access?

We offer free public computer workstations with an one-hour time limit. We also have wireless internet access available.

We also have a copier / printer (black and white only) available. Copies are $0.10 a page.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I reserve a picnic shelter?

City Park picnic shelters are available for rental for birthday parties, social events, family reunion, or other festive occasion. For shelter reservations and rental rates, contact Memorial Pool, Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00. Phone: (509) 962-7211. The picnic shelter reservation form and parks information is available online: http://www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us/DocumentView.aspx?DID=382

2. How do I find out about upcoming recreational activities?

Feel free to call any of the Parks and Recreation staff for more information. Parks and Recreation Staff can also email you a copy of our monthly activity calendar.

3. How do I sign up for Coed Softball?

Interested individuals and teams may contact David Hurn at 925-8604 or visit the Ellensburg Youth Center at 406 E. Capitol for further information.

Players who cannot locate a team can place their name on the “Player Interest List” which may be used to place players on existing teams and/or form additional teams.

The Team Registration form is available online: http://www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us/index.aspx?nid=374.

4. How do I sign up for swim lessons?

Please call the Ellensburg Memorial Pool (509) 962-7210. Memorial Pool staff will provide information regarding swim lesson dates and times, prices, and other information.

5. Are dogs allowed at City park facilities?

Dogs are allowed at City park facilities, but they must remain on a leash at all times.

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Police

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1. How do I report a crime?

To report an emergency or a crime in-progress, call 9-1-1. To report a non-emergency incident call (509) 962-7280 or contact the Ellensburg Police Department in person at:
100 N. Pearl St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926

Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

2. How do I get a copy of a report?

Requests to obtain a copy of a report can be made in writing by:

• Email
  
• Calling (509) 962-7280 and we will assist you in getting the necessary information
  
• Visiting the front counter of the Ellensburg Police Department:
  100 N. Pearl St.
  Ellensburg, WA 98926

We charge a $0.15 per page per RCW 42.56.120 for all copies that are made.
Per RCW 42.56.520 we have up to five business days to respond to your request, however we make every effort to expedite all requests.
Check out the Records Division page and download the Records Request Form to e-mail or fax to the Ellensburg Police Department.

3. Where can I pay my parking ticket?

There are several ways in which you can pay a parking citation. Cash or check payments may be made at the Police Department weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Credit card payments may be made either at City Hall, or by telephone at (509) 962-7207. Payment may also be made via the internet using Remit Online There is a non-refundable fee for this site. Payment can also be made by mail (do not send cash) to:
Ellensburg Police Department
100 North Pearl St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926

In order to avoid a late fee of $25 all payments must be made (or postmarked if mailed) within 15 days from the date of issuance.