City Building Permits

Ellensburg, WA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Ellensburg, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Washington Kittitas County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Ellensburg.

Department
Community Development Department, Building Division
Address
501 N. Anderson Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926
Phone
(509) 962-7239
Website
https://ci.ellensburg.wa.us/792/Building-Division

Online Permit Portal

Open SMARTGov Online Permit Center

Platform: SMARTGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  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.

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

General Requirements

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.

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
Permit validity
Work must begin within 180 days of permit issuance.
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)
Contractor requirements
Washington State contractor registration required. Verify at https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/

Fees

Plan check fee
65% of the building permit fee
Permit fee formula
Based on ICC Building Valuation Data (contact Building Division for current fee schedule)
Reinspection fee
Contact building department for current amount
Payment note
Commercial pre-application meeting: $500. Inspections outside normal hours available by request.

Work That Does NOT Require 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

Important: 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.

Inspections

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 inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: footing/setback, foundation/form and rebar, framing, insulation, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, final inspection.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Community Development Department, Building Division before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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