Ellensburg Development News
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CC_0615_2026
Published: Jun 16, 2026
City Council Considers Development Regulation Amendments for State Law Compliance and Housing Goals
The City Council considered Ordinance 4990, which proposes amendments to Titles 3 and 15 of the Ellensburg City Code concerning development regulations. These amendments are intended to comply with state laws, revise landmark and mural review sections, and support housing goals by modifying regulations for manufactured homes and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The amendments do not involve changes to the zoning map, comprehensive plan, or future land use map. Key changes include statutory compliance with state preemption laws affecting manufactured housing siting, ADUs, and exterior building cladding materials. Amendments also address landlord consent for landmarks, permit childcare centers as-of-right in residential zones, and update affordable housing minimum affordability terms. The ordinance also clarifies exterior building cladding material regulations and revises rules for landmarks designation and murals. Staff recommended approval of the first reading of the ordinance.
City and County Approve Joint Funding for Opioid Abatement Programs
The City Council considered and approved Resolution 2026-15, a joint resolution with Kittitas County to authorize funding for opioid abatement. The resolution allocates previously approved city opioid settlement funds ($100,000) to be combined with Kittitas County funds ($300,000) for a joint grant opportunity. Four applicants requested funding: Kittitas County Alano Club, Kittitas County Health Network, Kittitas County Jail, and Piers Rising. All four applicants received full funding for their requests, as their total requests were below the available funding. The resolution also authorizes staff to proceed with the grant distribution.
City Launches 'Our Lawn is Going Blonde' Campaign to Conserve Water This Summer
The City presented its 2026 voluntary summer water conservation campaign, themed 'Our Lawn is Going Blonde.' This initiative aims to reduce peak seasonal water demand by 10%, increase public awareness of conservation, drive participation, and strengthen community engagement. The campaign encourages residents to let their lawns go dormant (blonde) rather than watering them excessively during the summer months. Key components include a voluntary 'lawn go blonde' pledge with yard signs, weekly messaging on conservation themes, and potential participation in a drawing for prizes. The city will also lead by example by having its City Hall lawn go blonde and reducing watering at park facilities by 10%, prioritizing tourism-generating facilities, youth soccer fields, and urban canopy health, while maintaining water features for community benefit. The campaign aligns with the 2026 drought emergency declaration and initiatives from Kittitas County and the Yakama Basin integrated plan.
City Council Advances Annexation Intent for Properties South of Ellensburg High School
The City Council considered a notice of intent to commence annexation proceedings for an area adjacent to South Locust Street and Seattle Avenue, south of Ellensburg High School. The proposed annexation area, shown in light blue on a map, would involve parcels requiring simultaneous adoption of zoning. Staff recommended approving the intent to annex, setting the boundary as shown in Exhibit 3, directing the simultaneous adoption of residential medium zoning for parcels 066733 and 116733, residential suburban zoning for parcel 326733, and requiring the assumption of all existing city indebtedness by the annexed area. One property owner, Ms. Rosenberg, expressed her intent to develop the property as quality multifamily residential housing, offering much-needed housing for residents and families, including those connected to Central Washington University. She committed to working closely with city staff and the council throughout the process. Another resident, Victoria Thomas, living adjacent to the property, spoke against commencing annexation, citing concerns about wildlife, the creek running through the area, increased traffic, noise, pollutants, and water contamination, and the impact on the local area and wildlife. The council discussed that this is only a notice of intent and that decisions on development, zoning, and environmental impact would follow in subsequent stages. Ultimately, the council voted to approve the intent to commence annexation proceedings, setting the boundary, directing zoning adoption, and requiring assumption of indebtedness, with one council member abstaining.
Ellensburg City Council Adopts 'Commitment to Community' Resolution
The City Council reviewed and adopted Resolution 2026-13, establishing the Ellensburg City Council's Commitment to Community. This resolution was developed after the council adopted an ordinance amending chapter 1.88 and at the request of Council Member Goodlo to make a collective statement to the community. The resolution was presented to community members and the AE Commission before being brought before the council. Council Member Palmer thanked Council Member Goodlo for her work on this initiative, noting she reached out to many community members and the AE Commission.
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