Building Division

Building permits that are applied for after February 1, 2021, can use either the 2015 or the 2018 Building Codes as adopted by the City of Ellensburg and Washington State

Building permits that are applied for after July 1, 2021, shall use the 2018 Building Codes as adopted by the City of Ellensburg and Washington State

The Community Development office is currently open to the public with restrictions. Customers must wear face coverings per the Governor’s Orders. Please adhere to 6-foot physical distancing. Please stay home if you are not feeling well.

Building Permit Application Submittals:

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are asking that all building and planning permits be submitted in electronic format only, which can be applied for online at the SMARTGov permit tracking portal, or submitted via email. For general building submittal questions, or to submit a Building permit, Mechanical or Plumbing Application, please email Kelli McDonald or call (509) 962-7239.

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

Permit Issuance and On-Site Safety during COVID-19

Issuance of a permit does not authorize construction unless specifically authorized by the current order of the Governor of the State of Washington. If construction is allowed by order of the Governor, inspections will only be performed in accordance with the current order of the Washington State Governor for COVID-19 Job Site Safety Requirements. In-person inspections may be canceled if Contractors or other persons at the worksite are not compliant with the current Governor’s Job Site Safety Requirements that are in effect.

The Building Division is responsible for ensuring all new structures and major remodel work on existing structures are built to the nationally recognized standards in the International Building and Fire Code(s).

The goal for the Building Division is to have construction in the City designed and built structurally sound and free of any major life safety hazards. Accomplishing this goal requires staff to engage in all phases of a building's life cycle - - from initial questions about the building posed at the Community Development counter in City Hall to major repair and retrofitting projects to demolitions resulting in a building's life cycle starting over again.

Building Code Questions: 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.

Email Building Inspector II or call (509) 962-7103