Cle Elum, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Cle Elum. Building inspections and permitting administered through an interlocal agreement with Kittitas County Community Development Services.

Department

Building Department (through Kittitas County CDS interlocal agreement)

Address

119 West First Street, Cle Elum, WA 98922

Phone

(509) 674-2262

Website

https://cleelum.gov/city-services/building-department/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact City Hall at (509) 674-2262 to confirm current application intake process and whether to submit to city or Kittitas County CDS.
2. Determine permit type and confirm requirements.
3. Prepare all documents as separate, labeled PDF files.
4. Submit application with all required documents and current Washington State Contractor's License and City of Cle Elum Business License (for contractors).
5. Plan review is conducted (timelines vary by project type).
6. Pay fees and receive permit.
7. Schedule inspections with Kittitas County CDS as work progresses.

Typical processing time: Varies by project type. Contact City Hall for estimates.

Source: Building Department (through Kittitas County CDS interlocal agreement)

General Requirements

Any owner, contractor, or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or install or alter any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system must obtain a permit.

Required Documents

• Current Washington State Contractor's License
• City of Cle Elum Business License (for contractors)
• Completed permit application
• Site plan
• Construction drawings
• Additional documents as required by permit type

Permit validity

Not specified; contact City Hall for details.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2021 Washington State Energy Code with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024)

Contractor requirements

Washington State contractor registration required. Verify at https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$124

Plan check fee

65% of the permit fee (minimum $110)

Permit fee formula

Tiered by valuation: $124 for first $7,000 + $11 per additional $1,000 (for $1-$40,000); escalating rates for higher valuations

Reinspection fee

$110/hour (1-hour minimum)

Payment note

Plan review fees paid at time of submittal. Deposits required and credited toward final fees: new residence/commercial $900, modulars $500, new accessory structure $500, alterations/additions $300, other $300.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current schedule on city website).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet (no plumbing or mechanical)
• Fences under 7 feet
• Retaining walls under 4 feet
• Cosmetic interior work (painting, flooring, cabinets not affecting structure)
• Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade

Important: Confirm specific exemption applicability with City Hall at (509) 674-2262.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (509) 962-7694 — Kittitas County CDS Inspection Request Line (phone)
• cds@co.kittitas.wa.us (email)

Scheduling deadline

Requests submitted by 2:00 PM typically performed the next business day.

Inspection hours

Inspections 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: form/rebar before concrete pour, framing after roof/sheathing and concealed systems in place, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, insulation, final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2021 Washington State Energy Code with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024)
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Cle Elum Building Code Information
• Forms and Applications
• Kittitas County CDS Inspection Services
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Kittitas County