Planning Division

“Effective January 1, 2025, review fee payment for City of Ellensburg land use applications has changed in accordance with Washington State Senate Bill 5290.   Under the new requirements, eighty percent of the application fee will be due at the time of application submittal, and the remaining twenty percent will be due prior to issuance of the decision.  The attached fee breakdown provides the fees that will be required at submittal and at the time of issuance of the decision per application type.  In the event that review time limits contained in Ellensburg City Code are not met, the remaining twenty percent due may be reduced or eliminated in accordance with Ellensburg City Code.  If you are submitting a land use application, please be sure that you have the correct amount under the new payment requirements.  You can contact the Community Development Department at 509-962-7231 to confirm required fees or if you have questions.”

 City of Ellensburg 2025 Land Use Application Fee Payment Requirements

The Planning Division is responsible for the timely and accurate review of all land development permits including subdivisions, zoning, and environmental/critical areas review and appeals. This work involves service to the public that starts with initial questions well in advance of any permit application and continues through the project design phases, and the permit review process including any required public hearings, and ends with official City action on the project permit or with appeals of that City action if appeals are made. The Planning Division also is charged with preserving and enhancing the City’s Historic District and other historic structures in the City. In addition, the Planning Division is charged with ensuring that the City’s various land development codes are complied with as the land uses on individual properties change over time.

We continue to encourage our customers to access services online, by phone, or by email.  Staff will be available for limited in-person meetings by appointment only. 

If your submitted project already has a designated planner, please direct your inquiries to the assigned planner.  If you have questions on specific topics, please contact the appropriate Planning staff member as indicated by clicking on the tab 'Planning Division Staff' below.

For answers to many of your questions keep scrolling down this web page.  You will also be able to access planning forms and applications, and information about submittal requirements.