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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Ellensburg
Any owner, contractor, or authorized agent planning to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure must obtain a permit.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, or playhouses where floor area does not exceed 120 square feet with no plumbing or mechanical systems
Fences under 7 feet in height
Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall)
Cosmetic work: painting, wallpapering, flooring, cabinetry not affecting structural elements
Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, or playhouses where floor area does not exceed 120 square feet with no plumbing or mechanical systems
- Exempt Fences under 7 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall)
- Exempt Cosmetic work: painting, wallpapering, flooring, cabinetry not affecting structural elements
- Exempt Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
Note: Even exempt work must comply with critical areas protection, zoning setbacks, lot coverage limits, and other local, state, and federal requirements. Review Bulletin BB-11 or contact Community Development at (509) 962-7231 before starting any project.
Required documents
- Completed signed permit application
- Site plan showing setbacks, easements, driveways, utilities, lot coverage, and street improvements
- Floor plans, foundation plans, roof framing plans, elevations, and cross sections
- Washington State Energy Code compliance forms
- Engineered truss sheets and truss layout drawings (when trusses are used)
- Signed Mechanical/Plumbing Permit Application if new or altered systems
- Plans stamped by licensed engineer and/or architect
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 Washington State Energy Code with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024)
- Permit validity
- Work must begin within 180 days of permit issuance.
- Contractor requirements
- Washington State contractor registration required. Verify at https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Over-counter permits: 30 minutes; windows/doors/re-roof: same day; simple commercial: 1 week; new single-family residence: 5-6 weeks
- 01 Determine your permit category (residential, commercial, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, etc.) and download the applicable submittal bulletin.
- 02 Prepare construction documents including site plan, floor plans, foundation plans, roof framing plans, elevations, and cross sections.
- 03 Ensure plans are stamped by a licensed engineer and/or architect unless exempted.
- 04 Submit application and all required documents through SMARTGov portal, email (permits@ci.ellensburg.wa.us), or in-person by appointment.
- 05 City staff reviews for completeness and routes to relevant departments (Public Works, Energy Services, Planning, Fire Marshal).
- 06 Pay plan review fees (65% of permit fee) at time of submittal.
- 07 Review comments are returned; applicant responds to corrections and uploads revised documents.
- 08 Pay remaining permit fees upon approval.
- 09 Permit issued; proceed with work and schedule required inspections.
Typical processing time: Over-counter permits: 30 minutes; windows/doors/re-roof: same day; simple commercial: 1 week; new single-family residence: 5-6 weeks
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective March 23, 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
65% of the building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Based on ICC Building Valuation Data (contact Building Division for current fee schedule)
03
Reinspection fee
Contact building department for current amount
Commercial pre-application meeting: $500. Inspections outside normal hours available by request.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 962-7142 — Inspection Request Line (phone)
- SMARTGov portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call by 4:00 PM for next-business-day inspection. Requests after 4:00 PM scheduled two business days out.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (in-person appointments during business hours)
Typical sequence: Typical residential sequence: footing/setback, foundation/form and rebar, framing, insulation, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, final inspection.
Source: Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Ellensburg permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Ellensburg, WA? ▸
Any owner, contractor, or authorized agent planning to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure must obtain a permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Ellensburg, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Ellensburg, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on ICC Building Valuation Data (contact Building Division for current fee schedule). Plan check fee: 65% of the building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Ellensburg, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Ellensburg, WA, follow these steps: 1. Determine your permit category (residential, commercial, mechanical, plumbing, demolition, etc.) and download the applicable submittal bulletin. 2. Prepare construction documents including site plan, floor plans, foundation plans, roof framing plans, elevations, and cross sections. 3. Ensure plans are stamped by a licensed engineer and/or architect unless exempted. 4. Submit application and all required documents through SMARTGov portal, email (permits@ci.ellensburg.wa.us), or in-person by appointment. 5. City staff reviews for completeness and routes to relevant departments (Public Works, Energy Services, Planning, Fire Marshal). 6. Pay plan review fees (65% of permit fee) at time of submittal. 7. Review comments are returned; applicant responds to corrections and uploads revised documents. 8. Pay remaining permit fees upon approval. 9. Permit issued; proceed with work and schedule required inspections.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Ellensburg, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Ellensburg, WA typically run Over-counter permits: 30 minutes; windows/doors/re-roof: same day; simple commercial: 1 week; new single-family residence: 5-6 weeks. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Ellensburg, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Ellensburg, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, or playhouses where floor area does not exceed 120 square feet with no plumbing or mechanical systems; Fences under 7 feet in height; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall); Cosmetic work: painting, wallpapering, flooring, cabinetry not affecting structural elements; Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep; Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade. Note: Even exempt work must comply with critical areas protection, zoning setbacks, lot coverage limits, and other local, state, and federal requirements. Review Bulletin BB-11 or contact Community Development at (509) 962-7231 before starting any project. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Ellensburg, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Ellensburg, WA via: (509) 962-7142 — Inspection Request Line, SMARTGov portal. Call by 4:00 PM for next-business-day inspection. Requests after 4:00 PM scheduled two business days out..
last verified April 2026
source Community Development Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/washington/kittitas/ellensburg
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.