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1. Can I receive legal advice from the City Attorney?

No. The City Attorney serve as the attorney for City government and City officials, rather than individual citizens. Individuals must retain their own attorneys for legal advice and representation.

2. Where can I get legal advice if I cannot afford an attorney?

The Washington State Bar Association has information regarding legal resources for low-income individuals on their “Find Legal Help” website (http://www.wsba.org/Resources-and-Services/Find-Legal-Help)

3. How do I file a claim for damages against the City?

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.

4. Does the City Attorney write the City's laws?

The City Attorney generally helps City departments and the City Council with all types of important legal documents, including proposed ordinances to change City law. In most cases, these departments and elected officials shape their own policies and proposals for new laws, with the Legal Department providing technical assistance and review.

5. Where can I find City ordinances?

A copy of the Ellensburg City Code can be found online at the City's home page.

6. Where should I take complaints about the City?

In general, if you think a City department is doing something it should not — or not doing something it should — you should contact the head of that department, or the City Manager’s Office. The City Attorney does not supervise other departments, and therefore does not typically address complaints other employees unless it involves unlawful or unethical conduct.

7. How should I report a crime?

For emergencies, report crimes to the Ellensburg Police Department through the “911” phone system. For non-emergencies, please call the Ellensburg Police Department non-emergency number at (509) 962-7280.

8. What number do I call to file a police report?

Please call the Ellensburg Police Department non-emergency number at (509) 962-7280.

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1. What are the Residential Parking Zones (RPZ)?

The Residential Parking Zones or RPZ are the residential neighborhoods immediately adjacent to the campus of Central Washington University. You are required to display a city-issued permit to park on the street in these zones during the day.

2. How do I get an RPZ permit?

Bring a proof of residency, i.e. copy of a lease, ID, or mail addressed to an address within one of the RPZ zones to the payment desk at City Hall. You will also need to have vehicle information for any vehicle receiving a permit. There is no cost for these permits.

3. Where can I pay my parking citation?

There are several ways in which you can pay a parking citation. Cash or check payments may be made at the Police Department weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Credit card payments may be made either at City Hall, or by telephone at (509) 962-7207. Payment may also be made via the internet using Remit Online. There is a non-refundable fee for this site. Payment can also be made by mail (do not send cash) to:
Ellensburg Police Department
100 North Pearl St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926

In order to avoid a late fee of $25 all payments must be made (or postmarked if mailed) within 15 days from the date of issuance.

4. Why was my car marked for impound?

Within the City of Ellensburg vehicles are required to move every 24 hours. When we receive a complaint, or notice a vehicle that obviously hasn’t moved in a while, we chalk the tires and place a “We have checked this vehicle” notice on the windshield.

In order to keep the streets clear of abandoned vehicles, a vehicle may be impounded 24 hours after it has been tagged. We try to alert any owners prior to this and can allow short extensions for extenuating circumstances.

5. Can I get a permit to park in the downtown?

No, however for businesses that offer services that may take longer than two-hours there are monthly permits available. These permits may only be used by patrons of a business, not the proprietors or employees. Additionally, there is a map, which shows many locations near the downtown core which are designated as all-day parking.

6. How do I contest a parking infraction?

If you would like to request a hearing to explain the circumstances or to contest a parking citation you need to check the appropriate box on the reverse side of the citation and complete the personal information section.

Responses need to be received (or postmarked if mailed) within 15 days from the date of issuance. Requests received after that time will not be honored and will have an additional $25 late fee added to the original fine.

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1. What is exempt from a building permit?

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

2. Do I need a permit to replace windows, siding or roofing?

Yes, a permit is required.

A building permit is required to install a new roof, install new windows and replace siding on any commercial, multi-family, public and/or residential single family house or storage shed. However, if the building is exempt from permit requirements to construct, then a permit is not required for re-roof, window replacement and/or siding replacement.

3. How do I schedule an inspection?

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

4. Do you own a covered commercial building over 50,000 square feet?

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.

5. Can I convert my garage or basement into a bedroom?

An unfinished basement or, a portion of a finished basement, in a single family residence, may be able to be converted into a bedroom or other type of habitable living area. However, a permit is required for this type of construction work prior to any work commencing and a thorough plan review and inspections are required to ensure all code requirements are met. Please contact the Community Development Department to determine if the work can be permitted and to obtain the permitting requirements prior to commencing work.

A garage may be allowed to be converted to a bedroom or habitable living space but there are more code requirements than a basement conversion. A permit is required for a garage conversion prior to commencing any work and a thorough plan review and inspections are required to ensure all code requirements are met. Please contact the Community Development Department to determine if the work can be permitted and to obtain the permitting requirements prior to commencing work.

6. What plans are required to submit for a permit?

Building Permit Submittal Requirements

7. What is required for a “site-plan?”

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)

8. How long does it take to get a building permit?

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.

9. Where can I view Public Notices?

The City of Ellensburg Community Development Department posts all planning permit and land use activity Public Notices in the local Daily Record newspaper as prescribed by the State of Washington and local ordinance.

Public Notices can be view on the City's SMARTGov Online Permit Center

For questions regarding a particular Notice, please call the Planning Department at (509) 962-7231.

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1. What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A Comprehensive Plan is a twenty-year community vision for growth and development. Ellensburg’s Comprehensive Plan was adopted October 2008, the plan identifies the density, type, and intensity of land uses throughout the City, as well as the character and capacity of public facilities and services like streets and utilities.

The Comprehensive Plan serves as the basis for the City's adoption of development regulations such as zoning and subdivision standards. The Appendix provides the most current capital improvement programs.

2. What is the annual Comprehensive Plan amendment process?

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 prior to July 1 of the current year for possible consideration during that year’s review process.

Council reviews all proposed amendments at the first 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.

3. What is annexation and how does it work?

Another aspect of the comprehensive plan is annexation 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.

4. What is an Urban Growth Area?

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 or Town. The Growth Management Act limits the land that a city may annex to land within its urban growth area.

5. What is the Growth Management Act?

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 eight years to ensure they remain up-to-date.

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1. Can I Cut Down Trees or Bushes, or Build a Structure Next To A Stream On My Property?

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.

2. Can I Operate A Business In My Home?

The City of Ellensburg defines a home occupation as: 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. Please contact Community Development for more information regarding what home occupations are permitted.

3. Can I Convert My Garage or Basement Into An Apartment?

Garage or basement conversions may be possible with proper permitting procedures. Several factors must be reviewed. For example zoning, lot coverage, open space and adequate off street parking are elements of housing type standards that must reviewed to determine if such a conversion would be allowed. Contact Community Development for more information.

4. What Are The Setbacks On My Property?

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.

5. Can I Paint The Outside Of My Downtown Business?

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.

6. Can I Build A Duplex Or Apartment On My Property?

Duplexes or multifamily buildings may be possible with proper permitting procedures. Several key factors must be reviewed. For example zoning, lot coverage, open space and adequate off street parking are elements of housing type standards that must reviewed to determine if such a structure would be allowed. Contact Community Development for more information.

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1. How do I apply for a City of Ellensburg business license?

Follow this weblink to read about the business licensing process, fees, and make application.

2. Where can I locate information about Ellensburg's zoning and permitting?

The Community Development Department at the City of Ellensburg staffs a Planning and Building Division who can answer zoning and permitting questions.

3. I'd like information about utilities - electric and natural gas services.

The City of Ellensburg is unique in that it operates both an electric and natural gas utility. The Kittitas Public Utility District (electric) and Puget Sound Energy (natural gas) also serve the greater Ellensburg area with utility services.

4. What features does the EBDA Airport Building have?

The EBDA Airport Building is a light industrial space, home to up to seven businesses. The building has 9,000 SF usable space broken into 4 bays, full service utilities (cable, phone, high speed internet, water/sewer, 3 phase electric and natural gas). For more information contact CenterFuse. 

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1. Who needs a City business license?

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

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

2. What type of City business license do I need?

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.

3. How much does a City business license cost?

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

See Requirements and Fee Calculation Instructions

City license	Fee	Apply/Pay
Ellensburg general business license	Variable	State of Washington
Ellensburg home occupation business license (in City limits only)**	$10	State of Washington
Ellensburg general business - non-resident license	Variable	State of Washington
Ellensburg nonprofit business license*	$0	State of Washington
Ellensburg temporary business license	$25 per 30 day period	City of Ellensburg

Other fees that may apply	Fee	Apply/Pay
State tax registration	No fee	State of Washington
Registering your business name as trade name	$5	State of Washington
Open/Reopen a Business	$90 (non-refundable)	State of Washington
Adding an Additional Location	$0	State of Washington
Any other Purpose	$19 (non-refundable)	State of Washington
Renewal	$10 (non-refundable)	State of Washington
Home Occupation Permit	$65	City of Ellensburg

*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.

4. How do I apply for a business license?

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

5. Where do I get more information?

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

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1. What jobs are open at the City of Ellensburg?

We maintain a complete list of open employment opportunities. Job postings can change from one day to the next, so we encourage you to check back often.

2. How do I apply for a job at the City of Ellensburg?

A City of Ellensburg employment application is required for all city job openings. A link to the job application is associated with each job opening.

3. I'd like to apply for the Public Safety position. What is the process?

The majority of positions at the Police Department are filled through the Civil Service process.

Candidates seeking an entry-level or lateral police officer position first test through Public Safety Testing. Check their website for information and upcoming test dates or call (866) HIRE-911.

Candidates for positions at the Police Department are selected from the Public Safety Testing eligibility list.

4. I have questions about a job posting. How can I get questions answered?

As questions arise, either send us an email or give us a call at (509) 962-2220.

5. The job I want to work in at the City of Ellensburg isn't open at this time. May I submit an application for future consideration?

You may submit an application to the City of Ellensburg at any time; however only those applications for specific open jobs are considered.

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1. What's going on with the library during COVID?

Click here to read all our COVID FAQ’s 

2. How do I get a library card?

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.

3. How long is your check out period?

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.

4. How do I access my account online?

Click on Library Catalog and Patron Login and then My Account located at the top of the page. Your "Borrower ID" is your library card number (no spaces) and your PIN # is a 4 digit number that you picked when you got your library card. Often we use the last 4 digits of your library card #. If you need assistance please call Circulation at 509-962-7110.

5. Do you have internet access?

We offer free public computer workstations with a one-hour time limit. We also have wireless internet access available.

We also have a copier / printer (black and white only) available. Copies are $0.10 a page. We have a document scanner with the option to save to a Flash Drive or to email.

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1. How do I reserve a picnic shelter?

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.

2. How do I find out about upcoming recreational activities?

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

3. How do I sign up for swim lessons?

Please call the Ellensburg Memorial Pool (509) 962-7210. Memorial Pool staff will provide information regarding swim lesson dates and times, prices, and other information.

4. Are dogs allowed at City park facilities?

Dogs are allowed at City park facilities, 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.

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1. How do I get involved in Community Policing Programs?

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.

2. How do I report a crime?

To report an emergency or a crime in-progress, call 9-1-1. To report a non-emergency incident call (509) 962-7280 or contact the Ellensburg Police Department in person at:
100 N. Pearl St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926

Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

3. How do I request a copy of a police record?

You can request a copy of a police record several ways. 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; or complete a records request online.

4. Where can I pay my parking ticket?

There are several ways in which you can pay a parking citation. Cash or check payments may be made at the Police Department weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Credit card payments may be made either at City Hall, or by telephone at (509) 962-7207. Payment may also be made via the internet using Remit Online There is a non-refundable fee for this site. Payment can also be made by mail (do not send cash) to:
Ellensburg Police Department
100 North Pearl St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926

In order to avoid a late fee of $25 all payments must be made (or postmarked if mailed) within 15 days from the date of issuance.

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1. When and how does the City address snowy streets?

Winter Road Care

2. There's water over the road, and it's headed to my home. What should I do?

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. As the water level in creeks get high, we post information on the City of Ellensburg Facebook Page and Twitter feed. You can also subscribe to receive Flood Alerts via SMS or email (see the 'subscribe' button at the top of the web page). Sand and sandbags are made available for Ellensburg residents, typically at Kiwanis and Wipple Parks.

3. I have natural gas, and I smell rotten eggs. What should I do?

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.

4. I am a City electrical customer and my power went out. What should I do?

If you are a city customer experiencing an electrical power outage, call (509) 962-7124 workdays or after hours (509) 925-8534. Information about outages is posted on the City's Facebook Page and Twitter feed. 

5. My faucet's water pressure is really low; so is my neighbors. Might be a leak in the water main. Who should I call?

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

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1. What is the fare to ride a Central Transit bus?

Central Transit is fare free for all riders.

2. I was told Central Transit is only for Central Washington University students and faculty. Is there a service available that I can use?

Everyone is welcome to ride Central Transit.

3. Can I bring my bike on the bus?

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 Central Transit is not responsible for any damage incurred to or caused by bicycles on Central Transit property. Motorized bikes are not allowed.

4. I would like to ride the Central Transit bus, but I need to use a walker and cannot use steps. What can I do?

All 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”.

5. Once I am on the bus, how do I tell the driver where I need to stop.

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.

6. Sometimes when I use Google, it picks a path that is out of the way or requires a lot of walking. How can I make sure I am getting the best directions?

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!

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1. Does the city take care of all street trees?

No. The majority of street trees are managed by the City but adjacent property owners have responsibility for maintenance. The City does very limited maintenance on trees in the right of way easement. The City’s maintenance is generally limited to immediate hazards or obstructions to the traveled portion of the right of way: removal of downed branches that block the sidewalk or roadway, removal of trees that fail in wind or snow storms, trimming branches away from street lights, etc. Routine and/or non-emergency pruning and/or removal is the property owner’s responsibility. The City Street or Parks Department maintains street trees planted by the City along some arterial streets and adjacent to City properties such as City Hall. The Parks Department maintains street trees in the Central Business District that were planted by the City.

2. Do I need a permit to plant or prune a street tree?

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.

3. Do I need a permit to remove a street tree?

Permission to remove a live, healthy street tree requires the permission of the City Council. If a removal requires the use of the City right of way, whether on the right of way or on private property, a Public Works Permit may be required, to ensure the safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the right of way, and protect against damage to City streets or infrastructure.

4. Can we rake our leaves into the street? Does the city come by and pick them up?

Onsite composting, garbage company yard debris bins, and hauling leaves to the Kittitas County Compost Center are excellent ways to manage leaves that fall to the ground in October and November. When leaves are blown or swept into the street, the city sweepers attempt to keep up with the high volume but find our equipment is overtaxed by taking additional trips to pick up the leaves that could have been managed as recommended.