Frequently Asked Questions

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 we ask that you be a card holder in good standing with your home library to be eligible for a card at our library. Proof of residency and current street address is asked of everyone desiring to obtain a checkout card. You can either fill out the registration form online here or do it in person at the library.

All items have a three-week check out period with two possible renewals. Renewals are not allowed if someone else has requested the item (on hold). DVD’s are also checked out for three weeks but are not renewable.

City Park picnic shelters are available for rental for birthday parties, social events, family reunion, or other festive occasions. For shelter reservations and rental rates, contact Memorial Pool, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (509) 962-7211, or make a reservation online.

Feel free to call any of the Parks and Recreation staff for more information, or visit any of our centers in person or online. 

Dogs are allowed at City park facilities (except for the developed grass area at Irene Rinehart and City athletic fields), but they must remain on a leash at all times. The City also has two off-leash dog parks - one at Rotary Park and one at Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park. 

Per City Code 2.34.160.H: "Pets shall be on a leash and pet owners shall be required to clean up after their pets. With the exception of service animals, pets shall not be allowed in the developed grass areas of Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park or designated city athletic fields."

The Ellensburg Police Department recognizes that effective policing can only be achieved with the cooperation of the residents of the City of Ellensburg to ensure we live and work in a safe community. Our community is safest when citizens are involved and proactive in detection and prevention of crime. Therefore, our department has many diverse and successful programs that have grown and expanded to train our citizens regarding crime and safety, while providing ways for citizens to easily communicate with the Police Department. The Department has used these programs to build relationships with its citizens, groups, and businesses in the community. We encourage you to use these programs to become involved in preventing crime and increase safety in our community. Contact If you have any questions, please contact the Ellensburg Police Department at (509) 962-7280.

You can request a copy of a police record several ways. If you’d like to request information about Flock, you can find it at the Flock Safety - Ellensburg WA PD Transparency Portal.

If your request is about policy, use this link to complete a records request online. You may also pick up a records request form Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm at our office located at 100 N. Pearl Street.

If you are experiencing flooding or water running over your street due to creeks water level exceeding top of banks, call (509) 962-7230 during the workday hours, and after hours call KitCom at (509) 925-8534. City crews monitor creek levels especially during the months of January through May. 

An additive (smell) is injected into natural gas to give it a rotten egg smell. If you are a natural gas customer, and you smell rotten eggs, call 911. You may have a natural gas leak.

If you are a City of Ellensburg utility customer experiencing a power outage, please text or call (509) 902-6121 to report an outage. View the Power Outage Map to see active incidents.

SMS Terms & Conditions
The City of Ellensburg now provides important text or phone notifications related to utility service, public safety, and community well-being. Msg&Data rates may apply. To opt out, text STOP or for help, text HELP to (509) 902-6121. By texting (509) 902-6121, you consent to receive SMS notifications from the City of Ellensburg.

Available Commands to Text:

• Text "OUTAGE" – Report a power outage.
• Text "STATUS" – Receive the current status of a power outage.
• Text "STOP" – Stop receiving messages and opt out.
• Text "START" – Opt back in to receive messages if you’ve previously opted out.

Message Frequency and Rates: Message frequency varies based on your interactions, City service updates, and emergencies. Standard message and data rates may apply.

If there is an imminent threat to life or property, call or text 9-1-1.

For a water leak, please call (509) 962-7230 during workdays or after hours call (509) 925-8534.

Download the Claim for Damages Form and Instructions  Claims for damages against the City must be filed with, or mailed to, the City Clerk within the applicable statute of limitations. A claim form can also be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (509) 925-8614 or in person at 501 N. Anderson St., Ellensburg, WA 98926.

It depends. Street Tree Permits are required for planting and pruning street trees. Permits are required for major pruning of street trees (limbs larger than 2" in diameter and/or comprising more than 15% of foliage-bearing area). No permit is required for minor pruning of street trees (branches or roots less than 2" in diameter and comprising less than 15% of foliage-bearing area). Permits are generally free, except when the major pruning or removal is on an arterial street. Property owners maintain safe sidewalk and street access by pruning trees to provide 9 feet of clearance over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. Contact City staff at (509) 962-7237.

The Growth Management Act allows for comprehensive plan amendments only one time per year and City Council has established a process for that yearly amendment review. Amendments may be proposed by any member of the public; including any member of a City Board or Commission, any member of City Council, or City staff. Proposals must be submitted by March 31st of the current year for possible consideration during that year’s review process. Council reviews all proposed amendments at the second regular meeting in July and dockets those proposals deemed ready for consideration. The docketed proposals are then forwarded to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation and City Council will then hold a public hearing and take final action beginning in October. Visit the Long Range Community Planning website for more information.

The various building, mechanical and plumbing codes and ordinances adopted by the City of Ellensburg define certain activities and/or structures that are exempt from building permit requirements. While an activity may be exempt from building, mechanical and/or plumbing permit requirements there may be other local, federal and state permitting requirements. For example, the following still apply: Critical Areas protection, setbacks requirements, lot coverage requirements, parking, etc. Therefore, please contact the Community Development Department prior to initiating any work to ensure that you are complying with all applicable codes, regulations and ordinances. For more information, view Building Permit Exemptions Bulletin BB-11

There are two ways to schedule Building and/or Land Use Permit inspections in the City of Ellensburg:

1- Telephone Inspection Request Line
Call the Inspection Request Line at (509) 962-7142. Inspections must be scheduled by 4:00 pm the day prior to get an inspection for the following day. The inspection request line is cleared at 4:00 pm; if requests are made after 4:00 pm then they will occur two business days out, unless a different day is requested.

2- SMARTGov On-Line Permit Center
Inspections can be scheduled by using the City of Ellensburg’s online SMARTGov web-based permitting software program. The SMARTGov website allows permit customers to view detailed permit information, schedule inspections and review the approval process of their permit application.

Inspections must be scheduled by 4:00 pm for a next day inspection. Inspections scheduled before 4:00 PM the day prior will get an inspection for the following day. If requests are made after 4:00 pm then they will occur two business days out, unless a different day is requested.

SMARTGov On-Line Permit Center

If so, there is a new statewide Clean Building Performance Standard (Standard) that may apply to a building you own. The Standard is mandatory for all covered commercial buildings located in the state of Washington, starting in 2026. A covered commercial building is a building where the sum of nonresidential, hotel, motel and dormitory floor areas exceed 50,000 gross square feet, excluding the parking garage area. The Department of Commerce (Commerce) will be posting compliance requirements and a full list of possible covered commercial buildings on the Clean Buildings webpage, available beginning July 1, 2021. The list was generated using records obtained from each county assessor and other available information sources. Commerce will also be mailing notification letters to building owners after quality assurance checks on the list are complete.

The Early Adopter Incentive Program also launches on July 1, 2021. The program provides financial incentives to encourage early compliance with the Standard. A form will be available on the webpage on the day of the launch for building owners to communicate their intent to apply. Incentive funds are limited to $75 million. For more information about this program and the qualifications for applying, please visit the Clean Buildings Early Adopter Incentive Program webpage.

The site plan or plot plan is a graphical presentation of an entire lot as seen from an aerial view. This site plan will be used by City of Ellensburg Community Development Department, Public Works Department and Energy Services Department to check many things that are critical for the issuance of a building permit, including: setbacks, easements, driveway and parking lot, utility locations, lot coverage, street frontage improvements and critical areas. Three (3) copies of the site plan are required for residential building permit applications and five (5) copies for Commercial or Multi-Family building permit applications. (See the example drawing and for more information view the Site Plan Requirements Bulletin BB-10)

Over the counter Mechanical and Plumbing Permits Most mechanical and plumbing permits for work such as replacing or adding a furnace, air conditioner, water heater, toilet, shower, etc. can be issued over the counter and take approximately 30 minutes. Windows, Doors, Siding and Re-Roof Most of these types of permits can be issued the same day over the counter. However, if the project is located in a critical area or structural changes or repair are needed, then the permit cannot be issued the same day over the counter. New Single Family Residence, Garage, Shop A permit for a new house, garage or shop takes approximately 5-6 weeks to review and issue. All new construction permits must be routed to Public Works, Energy Services, Planning and the Fire Marshal for review and approval. Commercial, Multi-Family and Public There is no definitive time that can be established for review and approval for either new commercial, multi-family or public buildings. These types of structures usually require much more time for review due to the complexity of the structure and the site infrastructure. A Pre-Application meeting is required for these structures and staff may be able to provide an approximate review time at this meeting. Commercial Tenant Improvement Simple tenant improvement permits, that only involve interior work, can usually be issued in 1 week. However, if water, electrical or gas meters will be modified or location change the permit may take longer to issue. Tenant improvement permits that involve additions and/or exterior work will require more review time and no definitive review time can be provided, each project will require the time necessary for a complete review.

The City of Ellensburg has several designated  ‘critical areas’. The city shall regulate all uses, activities, and developments within, adjacent to, or likely to affect, one or more critical areas, consistent with the best available science and the provisions herein. Critical areas regulated by ECC Chapter 15.600 include wetlands, frequently flooded areas, critical aquifer recharge areas, geologically hazardous areas, and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas. Please contact Community Development prior to any clearing next to a stream.

Refer to Table 15.320.030 Form and intensity standards table – Residential zones and 15.320.040 Form and intensity standards – Nonresidential zones for setback requirements.

If your business is located downtown in the Downtown Historic District, please contact the Historic Preservation planner, Stacey Henderson (509) 925-8608, before any changes have been made to your structure.

Ellensburg requires all businesses to be licensed with the city if they are:

• Located within city limits, or
• Conducting business within city limits.

Ellensburg general business license – every person engaging in business in the City of Ellensburg is required to obtain a business license. Engaging in business means commencing, conducting, or continuing in any business, and also the exercise of corporate or franchise powers, as well as liquidating a business when the liquidators hold themselves out to the public as conducting such business.

Ellensburg general business (non-resident) license – businesses located outside the City of Ellensburg that engage in any business activity inside the City limits.

Ellensburg home occupation business license – any activity undertaken for gain or profit that results in a product or service and is carried on in a dwelling, or building accessory to a dwelling inside the City limits requires an Ellensburg home occupation business license.

Home occupations will also need a Home Occupation Permit through the City of Ellensburg Community Development Department. See Ellensburg City Code 15.340.020 for applicable standards.

However, if the proposed activity consists entirely of office procedures and tasks in support of a particular business, and involves no customer or delivery traffic in conjunction with the business, such activity shall be considered an accessory residential use and shall instead require a General Business License.

Ellensburg temporary business license – includes any person who engages in business for less than 90 consecutive days within any 12-month period selling and delivering goods, wares and merchandise and who in furtherance of such purpose hires, leases or occupies any building, structure, parking lot or area, motor vehicle, tent, railroad boxcar, public room in hotels, motels, lodging houses, apartments, shops, or other fixed location for the exhibition and sale of such goods, wares, and merchandise.

Ellensburg temporary business licenses are applied for through the City of Ellensburg Finance Department, not through the State’s MyDOR system.

License fee is determined by number of employees (see Ellensburg City Code 6.54.120).

See Requirements and Fee Calculation Instructions

*Nonprofit businesses qualify for the nonprofit license if they submit a copy of the business’ IRS 501(c) certificate with their application and are exempt from the city fees.

**Home occupations shall be permitted in accordance with the use tables in Ellensburg City Code 15.310.040 subject to criteria in Ellensburg City Code 15.340.020. Home Occupations will need a Home Occupation Permit that is applied for and paid through the City of Ellensburg Community Development Department.

Exempt businesses

Some businesses may be exempt from getting a city business license. For more information, please contact the City Clerk directly at 509-925-8614.

With the exception of Ellensburg temporary business licenses which are applied for through the City of Ellensburg Finance Department, apply for ALL other City of Ellensburg business licenses using one of the following options:

• Online with My DOR. My DOR works best with Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.
  1. Login using your Secure Access Washington (SAW) user ID. If you don’t have a user ID or aren’t sure, see if you have an account first before signing up.
  2. Once logged in, click the green "Get Started" button.
  3. Follow the steps below based on your business status.

If you do not have an existing business

• Click File Business License Application. Be sure to select the endorsements for which you wish to apply.

If you have an existing business

1. If you haven’t already, add access to your business. You’ll need a UBI number and letter ID.
2. Click on the business you want to apply for a license/endorsement under, then click on the location.
3. Click Add License Endorsements/Employees.

You can pay using an E–check or a major credit card (gift cards can’t be used).

Find more help for using My DOR, including video tutorials.

• Mail us the appropriate fee with the following completed forms:
  • Business License Application
  • City Business License Addendum

Mail your completed application, supplemental forms, and a check or money order payable to “Department of Revenue” for the fees to:

State of Washington
Business Licensing Service
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034

CONTACT INFORMATION

STATE OF WASHINGTON

BUSINESS LICENSES

P.O. Box 9034

Olympia, WA 98507-9034

MY DOR AND SECURE ACCESS WASHINGTON QUESTIONS

1-360-705-6741

BLS@dor.wa.gov

CITY OF ELLENSBURG

501 North Anderson Street

Ellensburg, WA 98926

GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE QUESTIONS

Ellensburg Finance Department

(509) 925-8614

Email City Clerk

CITY OF ELLENSBURG HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT AND

ZONING QUESTIONS

Ellensburg Community Development Department

 (509) 962-7239

Email Community Development

Ellensburg Central Transit is fare free for all riders.

Everyone is welcome to ride Ellensburg Central Transit.

All buses are equipped with bike racks on the front of the bus which hold two bikes. Riders are responsible to load and unload their own bikes and space on the racks is on a first come basis. Bikes are NOT allowed inside the buses and Ellensburg Central Transit is not responsible for any damage incurred to or caused by bicycles on Ellensburg Central Transit property. Motorized bikes are not allowed.

All Ellensburg Central Transit buses are ADA accessible. Each is equipped with a lift which is available for use by those passengers who cannot use the steps. Due to capacity constraints on the lifts, the weight limit including the person and their mobility device is 600 pounds and the footprint of the mobility device can be no larger than 48” x 30”.

In many cases, the driver will ask where you want to exit the bus when you board. In addition, you may pull the yellow cord running along the bus windows. When it is pulled the driver will stop at the next bus stop on the route.

For the most efficient route, download the new Transit app in the Apple Store or Google Play. You'll be able to see your bus location in real time and plan the most efficient route!

In September 2020, a group of Reed Park neighbors approached the City Council and requested the City develop a new master plan for Reed Park to address the challenges the park causes for them. Some of the challenges brought forward include pedestrian safety, park behavior, the number of cars driving to and from the park, and the driving behaviors of those going to and from the park, along with how some people were using the park and causing nuisances and unsafe conditions.

These are not new issues. For over a decade, the City has received many complaints about unwelcome and unsafe activities in and around Reed Park. In 2018, over 60 residents and stakeholders attended a public meeting held at the American Legion, to discuss concerns about the behavior that takes place at Reed Park.

No, the City is not trying to take over the American Legion property.

No. All proposed Reed Park design options allow for some legal parking along the bluff above the American Legion.

The Reed Park Master Plan concepts include an accessible ADA compliant walking path, picnic tables, benches, telescopes, and a bathroom.

City staff has worked with members of the Field Stream Club, the organization who oversees the overnight parking Labor Day weekend, to ensure that the park design options does not negatively impact overnight camping during fair and rodeo. ‘Free Loader’ hill will remain open for business.

Park development will in all likelihood be phased using a combination of funding which could include; REET 2, Park Impact Fees, proceeds from the sale of Whitfield Triangle and sales tax reserves.

• Up to two ADUs can be built per lot with a principal unit (e.g. single family home, duplex, townhome). ADUs can be attached (such as in a basement attic or garage conversion) or detached.
• ADUs can be up to 1,000 square feet of habitable area. See ECC 15.540.040 for full design standards for ADUs. See Building Bulletin-14 (BB-14) Design Criteria & Regulations for relevant code and design criteria references. 
• There is no parking requirement for the first ADU. One space is required for the second ADU. If your ADU reduces off-street parking for your principal unit, you may need to provide alternate parking. See ECC 15.550.040 for additional information about off-street parking.

City permit fees will vary based on the size and complexity of construction. Creation of new dwelling units requires payment of traffic and park impact fees. For recent ADUs, impact fees plus building permits have ranged between approximately $3,400 and $4,600. For more specific fee questions, please reach out to Community Development.   

It depends. Manufactured homes are allowed on City lots that allow single family housing. Units that qualify will have red insignia placed by the manufacturer in accordance with Labor and Industries and US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) construction standards. A building permit is required for placement.

If you are looking to place any other structures, please contact building staff for additional guidance.

One EV-ready parking space is required for each dwelling unit with a private garage in the 2021 Washington State Building Code. If you add an ADU and garage space to your property, this requirement could apply to you project. For more information, see WAC 51-50-0429 or contact the Building Division.  

Consistent with Washington State requirements (RCW 36.70A.681), ADU building permits are exempted from frontage improvement requirements. Other new construction projects that involve ADUs along with other development may still require these improvements. For more information, see ECC 4.06.060, Ordinance 4971 or contact Public Works.

No additional off-street parking is required for the first ADU on a lot. If a second ADU is added, one off-street parking space is required in addition to those required for the principal unit. If ADU construction removes any of the previously required off-street parking for the principal unit (e.g. a garage conversion), the site plan submitted with the ADU building permit must show how off-street parking requirements are met for the entire site. Additional information is available in ECC 15.550.040. Please consult the Planning Division with specific site questions.

Answer: Public input is essential for updating a city's comprehensive plan. It ensures the plan reflects the community’s values, priorities, and lived experiences, not just technical data or legal requirements. When residents show up, share their ideas, and speak out, the City can make better-informed decisions about where and how homes, businesses, parks, and public services are provided.

Throughout the update process, the City will be hosting open houses, attending community events, and offering online surveys and comment tools. All feedback will help inform policies on housing, land use, transportation, climate, and more.

This involvement creates a plan that’s practical and widely supported, as it represents the shared vision of the community. Your voice matters and by participating, you help shape Ellensburg’s future.

Yes! In addition to in-person events, we’ll offer digital engagement tools including surveys, draft reviews, and idea boards. Check back here regularly or sign up for project updates to stay informed.

The periodic update is a state-mandated process that requires cities and counties to review and revise their Comprehensive Plans and development regulations at least once every ten years, as required by Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA). This update ensures that the City’s policies remain consistent with:

• New state laws and planning requirements
• Updated data on population, housing, infrastructure, and climate
• Evolving community values and priorities

Ellensburg’s update must be completed by December 31, 2026. This process provides an opportunity to make the plan more responsive to today’s needs while preparing for the next 20 years of growth. The periodic update also ensures alignment with regional plans and improves coordination with state and local partners.

Public involvement is a key part of the update—your input helps shape how Ellensburg will grow and change over time.

The Growth Management Act allows for comprehensive plan amendments only once per year and City Council has established a process for that yearly amendment review.

Amendments may be proposed by any member of the public; including any member of a City Board or Commission, any member of City Council, or City staff. Proposals must be submitted by March 31st of the current year for possible consideration during that year’s review process. Council reviews all proposed amendments at the second regular meeting in July, and dockets those proposals deemed ready for consideration. The docketed proposals are then forwarded to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation. City Council will then hold a public hearing and take final action beginning in October.

Visit the Long Range Community Planning website for more information.

Recent changes to Washington State’s Growth Management Act (GMA) have added new requirements that all cities and counties must address in their Comprehensive Plans. As a result, this update will include:

• A more detailed housing needs analysis across income levels to help communities plan for a range of housing options;
• A review of local policies and regulations to identify any that may unintentionally contribute to housing barriers or displacement;
• Development of strategies to support housing stability, particularly for residents at risk of being displaced;
• A new climate element, which will include policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate-related impacts.

These updates are required by state law and are intended to help communities plan for growth in ways that are equitable, sustainable, and resilient.

In addition to meeting these state requirements, the City wants ideas and feedback directly from community members. This ensures the plan not only complies with state mandates, but also reflects local values and priorities identified through public engagement.

Recent updates to Washington’s Growth Management Act, through House Bill 1181 , require cities to plan for climate resilience. Ellensburg’s new Climate Element will include strategies to reduce risks from flooding, wildfire, and heat, while promoting sustainability and environmental health for future generations.

The Growth Management Act was adopted into law by the Washington State Legislature in 1990 to address ways to accommodate growth. It requires the fastest-growing cities and counties complete comprehensive plans and development regulations to guide future growth. All jurisdictions are required to protect critical environmental areas and conserve natural resource lands, such as farms and forests. The GMA calls for communities to review and, if necessary, revise their plans and regulations every ten years to ensure they remain up-to-date.

The state's Growth Management Act (GMA) requires cities to do several key things. They must plan for expected population and job growth over the next 20 years, making sure there's enough land for homes, businesses, and public services like roads and parks. Cities also have to protect sensitive areas like wetlands and forests, direct most new development into existing urban areas to prevent sprawl, and involve the public in the planning process. The GMA also mandates specific sections in the plan, such as those for land use, housing, transportation, and public facilities.

Urban growth areas are areas around incorporated cities and towns within which urban growth shall be encouraged and outside of which growth can occur only if it is not urban in nature.

Urban growth areas are to include enough land to accommodate the twenty-year population growth projected for the City. The Growth Management Act limits the land that a city may annex to land within its urban growth area.

The city limits define where Ellensburg currently provides services. The Urban Growth Area is land designated for potential future annexation and urban development. The Comprehensive Plan guides how and when UGA areas may be added to the City in a coordinated way.

Annexation is a separate process from the Comprehensive Plan but is influenced by its policies. As the Comp Plan is developed, the City will identify areas within the UGA that may be suitable for future annexation based on service capacity, land use, and community benefit. These factors are currently being study, and decisions about annexation will come later in the process. Any annexation proposal in the future would require public notice and City Council approval.

Another aspect of the comprehensive plan is the possibility of annexation of portions of Ellensburg’s Urban Growth Area (UGA) into the city limits. One of the goals of growth management is planned growth and to establish a process for incorporation of the City’s UGA into city limits.

Through annexation, the City of Ellensburg pursues the long-term financial health of the City by expanding the City’s existing tax base, while providing additional land for future residential, commercial and industrial development that allows the City of Ellensburg to focus infrastructure and resources on areas that can be annexed successfully and cooperatively. Proposed Annexation properties must be located in an adopted Urban Growth Area (UGA), must be contiguous to the City of Ellensburg, and must be designated in the City’s Comprehensive Plan as a potential annexation area.

Annexation Methods
Cities in the State of Washington are given a number of tools to annex unincorporated areas. A brief description of possible annexation methods is outlined in Planning Bulletin PB-35. For a more detailed description of all annexation methods please refer to the Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington’s Annexation Handbook.

Of the available annexation methods, the City of Ellensburg has most often used the Direct Petition method. The direct petition method of annexation requires that a minimum of 10% of the property owners (calculated by assessed value) sign petitions to initiate the annexation process. Upon successful initiation the requested annexation is forwarded to the City Council for an official initiation action. Once successfully initiated by the City Council, a minimum of 60% of the property owners within the annexation area (calculated by assessed value) must sign the petition, PF-02 Petition For Annexation Form.

Once adopted, the Comprehensive Plan becomes the legal foundation for future zoning, infrastructure planning, and capital improvements. The City will update development regulations to align with the new policies. Some implementation actions may be short-term, while others will unfold over many years.

Visit this page regularly for updates, event announcements, and draft documents. You can also sign up for email updates or follow the City on social media to stay connected.