Kittitas County hereby adopts the following codes, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council pursuant to RCW 19.27 for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for the construction, alteration, removal, demolition, equipment, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of buildings and structures.
1. 
The most current edition of the International Building Code (IBC), published by the International Code Council as adopted and amended by the State of Washington in Chapter 51-50 WAC; with the following adopted appendices and amendments:
a. 
Appendices
i. 
Appendix C: Agricultural Buildings
b. 
Amendments
i. 
Section 105.2 Work Exempt from Building Permit.
1. 
One story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet and is not used as habitable space and does not contain plumbing or mechanical. Square footage is determined by the dimensions to the outside of the exterior walls or posts and any usable space under the roof overhang or cantilever greater than 24”. Any area built into the roof system higher that 36” shall be considered in the square footage total. The distance between structures on the same lot shall be ten (10) feet otherwise they will be considered the same building and total square footage includes both structures. All accessory structures must meet all zoning and building setbacks, and must comply with the requirements of KCC Title 17A (Critical Areas) and KCC Chapter 14.08 (Flood Damage Prevention).
2. 
Other exemptions as specified in Section 105.2.
ii. 
Section 105.3.2 Expiration of Application
1. 
If, after a plan review has been initiated, an application for building permit requires corrections, a letter will be sent notifying the applicant of those items necessary to complete the review of the application and that the application will expire 180 days from the date of notification if the corrections are not submitted or are not adequate to resolve the corrections items listed. The Building Official is authorized to grant one extension, not to exceed 365 days. The extension shall be requested in writing, prior to permit application expiration, and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated. If expired, the application becomes null and void and the deposit is forfeited.
2. 
After a plan review has been completed, a letter will be sent notifying the applicant that the permit is ready for issuance and that if not purchased 180 days from the date of notification, the application will expire. The Building Official is authorized to grant one extension, not to exceed 365 days. The extension shall be requested in writing, prior to permit expiration, and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated. If expired, the application becomes null and void and, the deposit is forfeited.
iii. 
Section 113 Board of Appeals
1. 
All appeals shall be heard by the Kittitas County Hearings Examiner.
2. 
The most current edition of the International Residential Code (IRC), published by the International Code Council as adopted and amended by the State of Washington in Chapter 51-51 WAC; with the following adopted amendments:
a. 
Amendments.
i. 
Section R105.2 Work Exempt from Building Permit
1. 
One-story detached accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet, is not used for habitable space and does not contain plumbing or mechanical. Square footage is determined by the dimensions to the outside of the exterior walls or posts and any usable space under the roof overhang or cantilever greater than 24”. Any area built into the roof system higher that 36” shall be considered in the square footage total. The distance between structures on the same lot shall be ten (10) feet otherwise they will be considered the same building and total square footage includes both structures. All accessory structures must meet all zoning and building setbacks and must comply with the requirements of KCC Title 17A (Critical Areas) and KCC Chapter 14.08 (Flood Damage Prevention).
2. 
Platforms, sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
3. 
Other exemptions as specified in Section 105.2.
ii. 
Section R105.3.2 Expiration of Application
1. 
If, after a plan review has been initiated, an application for building permit requires corrections, a letter will be sent notifying the applicant of those items necessary to complete the review of the application and that the application will expire 180 days from the date of notification if the corrections are not submitted or are not adequate to resolve the corrections items listed. The Building Official is authorized to grant one extension, not to exceed 365 days. The extension shall be requested in writing, prior to permit application expiration, and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated. If expired, the application becomes null and void and the deposit is forfeited.
2. 
After a plan review has been completed, a letter will be sent notifying the applicant that the permit is ready for issuance and that if not purchased 180 days from the date of notification, the application will expire. The Building Official is authorized to grant one extension, not to exceed 365 days. The extension shall be requested in writing, prior to permit expiration, and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated. If expired, the application becomes null and void and, the deposit is forfeited.
iii. 
Section 112 Board of Appeals
1. 
All appeals shall be heard by the Kittitas County Hearings Examiner.
3. 
The most current edition of the International Mechanical Code (IMC), published by the International Code Council as adopted and amended by the State of Washington in Chapter 51-52 WAC; including the adoption of and amendments to the most current edition of the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), the most current edition of the National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) and the most current edition of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58).
4. 
The most current edition of the International Fire Code (IFC), published by the International Code Council as adopted and amended by the State of Washington in Chapter 51-54A WAC; including those standards of the National Fire Protection Association specifically referenced in the International Fire Code: PROVIDED, that, notwithstanding any wording in this code, participants in religious ceremonies shall not be precluded from carrying hand-held candles. The following appendices and amendments are specifically adopted:
a. 
Appendices.
i. 
Appendix B: Fire Flow for Buildings
ii. 
Appendix C: Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution
iii. 
Appendix D: Fire Apparatus Access Roads
iv. 
Appendix E: Hazard Categories
v. 
Appendix F: Hazard Ranking
vi. 
Appendix G: Cryogenic Fluids-Weight and Volume Equivalents
In case of conflict among the codes enumerated in subsections 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this section, the first named code shall govern over those following.
b. 
Amendments.
i. 
Section R109 Board of Appeals
1. 
All appeals shall be heard by the Kittitas County Hearings Examiner.
ii. 
Section B103 Modifications
1. 
Within those unincoporated areas designated as Urban Growth Areas served by a Municipal Water System (MWS) as defined in RCW 90.03.015, and where the proposed project is within the said MWS Retail Service Area as defined in WAC 246-290-010 of said MWS, and said MWS has service lines capable of delivering the MWS Water System Plan’s required fire flow that are within 100 feet of the proposed project boundary, and said MWS has sufficient water rights to serve the proposed project, water lines shall be extended and the proposed project shall meet the MWS Water System Plan as it relates to fire flow and/or automatic sprinkling of structures.
2. 
Within those unincorporated areas outside of a UGA but within an area designated as a LAMIRD served by a Municipal Water System (MWS) as defined in RCW 90.03.015, and where the proposed project is within the said MWS Retail Service Area as defined in WAC 246-290-010 of said MWS, and said MWS has service lines capable of delivering the MWS Water System Plan’s required fire flow that are within 100 feet of the proposed project boundary, and said MWS has sufficient water rights to serve the proposed project, water lines shall be extended and the proposed project shall meet the MWS Water System Plan as it relates to fire flow and/or automatic sprinkling of structures.
3. 
Within all other unincorporated areas outside of a UGA and LAMIRD served by a Municipal Water System (MWS) as defined in RCW 90.03.015, and where the proposed project is within the said MWS Retail Service Area as defined in WAC 246-290-010 of said MWS, and said MWS has service lines capable of delivering the MWS Water System Plan’s required fire flow that are within 100 feet of the proposed project boundary, and said MWS has sufficient water rights to serve the proposed project, water lines shall be extended and the proposed project shall meet the MWS Water System Plan as it relates to fire flow and/or automatic sprinkling of structures.
4. 
All other unincorporated areas outside of the above where a proposed project does not meet the criteria as established in Sections 1, 2 and 3 above shall not be required to provide fire flow or automatic sprinklers for residential development on lots that average more than thirty-five thousand square feet in size, but shall meet the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code as adopted and amended by Kittitas County except where said code requires automatic sprinklers and/or fire flows.
5. 
The most current edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials as adopted and amended by the State of Washington in Chapter 51-56 WAC and Chapter 51-57 WAC.
6. 
The most current edition of the Washington State Energy Code, as set forth in Chapter 51-11 WAC, Chapter 51-11C WAC (Commercial) and Chapter 51-11R (Residential).
7. 
The most current edition of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), as published by the International Code Council.
8. 
The most current edition of the International Wildland Urban Interface Code, as published by the International Code Council; with the following adopted appendices and amendments:
a. 
Appendix B: Vegetation Management Plan
b. 
Appendix C: Fire Hazard Severity Form
c. 
Amendments to the Wildland Urban Interface code specific to Kittitas County shall be located in KCC Title 20.
9. 
The most current edition of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), as published by the International Code Council.
(Res. 84-29, 1984; Ord. 92-29, 1992; Ord. 93-4, 1993; Ord. 95-7, 1995; Ord. 98-23, 1998; Ord. 2004-18, 2004; Ord. 2007-19, 2007; Ord. 2007-29, 2007; Ord. 2008-22, 2008; Ord. 2010-003, 2010; Ord. 2010-010, 2010; Ord. 2011-001, 2011; Ord. 2013-006, 2013; Ord. 2013-013, 2013; Ord. 2016-012, 2016; Ord. 2017-001, 2017; Ord. 2018-005, 2018; Ord. 2021-003, 2021; Ord. 2023-010, 2023; Ord. 2025-001, 1/7/2025)
1. 
Conflict between Codes: Whenever there is a conflict between a Referenced Code in Section 14.04.010 of this code and the General Requirements contained in Section 14.04.020 of this code, the General Requirements shall apply.
2. 
Table R301.2(1), Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria, of the International Residential Code, is amended as follows:
TABLE R301.2(1)
CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA
Ground Snow Load
Wind Design
Seismic Design CategoryF
Subject To Damage From
Winter Design TempE
Ice Barrier Underlayment RequiredH
Flood HazardsG
Air Freezing IndexI
Mean Annual TempJ
Speedd (mph)
Topographic effortsk
Special wind regionl
Wind-born debris zonem
Weatheringa
Frost line depthb
Termitec
Case study (min. 30 psf roof)1
110 V ult
No
No
No
C, D0, D12
Severe
24"
Slight to Moderate
2° F
Yes
Date Entered Into NFIP: 9/1979, Date of Current FIRM Maps Adopted: 5/5/1981
1,000-2,000
50°F
MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIA
Elevation Ellensburg AP
Latitude
Winter heating
Summer Cooling
Altitude correction factor
Indoor design temperature
Design temperature cooling
Heating temperature difference
1760
47
6
91
0.94
72
75
70
Cooling temperature difference
Wind velocity heating
Wind velocity cooling
Coincident wet bulb
Daily range
Winter humidity
Summer humidity
 
16
-
-
64
High
-
-
 
1All snow loads are site specific and shall be determined by the Building Official.
2The seismic design category between C, D0 and D1 will be determined on a site-specific basis.
For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kPa, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
a.
Where weathering requires a higher strength concrete or grade of masonry than necessary to satisfy the structural requirements of this code, the frost line depth strength required for weathering shall govern. The weathering column shall be filled in with the weathering index, “negligible,” “moderate” or “severe” for concrete as determined from Figure R301.2(4). The grade of masonry units shall be determined from ASTM C34, C55, C62, C73, C90, C129, C145, C216 or C652.
b.
Where the frost line depth requires deeper footings than indicated in Figure R403.1(1), the frost line depth strength required for weathering shall govern. The jurisdiction shall fill in the frost line depth column with the minimum depth of footing below finish grade.
c.
The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table to indicate the need for protection depending on whether there has been a history of local subterranean termite damage.
d.
The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the wind speed from the basic wind speed map [Figure R301.2(5)A]. Wind exposure category shall be determined on a site-specific basis in accordance with Section R301.2.1.4.
e.
The outdoor design dry-bulb temperature shall be selected from the columns of 971/2-percent values for winter from Appendix D of the International Plumbing Code. Deviations from the Appendix D temperatures shall be permitted to reflect local climates or local weather experience as determined by the building official. [Also see Figure R301.2(1).]
f.
The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the seismic design category determined from Section R301.2.2.1.
g.
The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with (a) the date of the jurisdiction’s entry into the National Flood Insurance Program (date of adoption of the first code or ordinance for management of flood hazard areas), (b) the date(s) of the Flood Insurance Study and (c) the panel numbers and dates of the currently effective FIRMs and FBFMs or other flood hazard map adopted by the authority having jurisdiction, as amended.
h.
In accordance with Sections R905.1.2, R905.4.3.1, R905.5.3.1, R905.6.3.1, R905.7.3.1 and R905.8.3.1, where there has been a history of local damage from the effects of ice damming, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES.” Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “NO.”
i.
The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the 100-year return period air freezing index (BF-days) from Figure R403.3(2) or from the 100-year (99 percent) value on the National Climatic Data Center data table “Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 32°F).”
j.
The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the mean annual temperature from the National Climatic Data Center data table “Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 32°F).”
k.
In accordance with Section R301.2.1.5, where there is local historical data documenting structural damage to buildings due to topographic wind speed-up effects, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES.” Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table.
l.
In accordance with Figure R301.2(5)A, where there is local historical data documenting unusual wind conditions, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES” and identify any specific requirements. Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table.
m.
In accordance with Section R301.2.1.2 the jurisdiction shall indicate the wind-borne debris wind zone(s). Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table.
n.
The jurisdiction shall fill in these sections of the table to establish the design criteria using Table 1a or 1b from ACCA Manual J or established criteria determined by the jurisdiction.
o.
The jurisdiction shall fill in this section of the table using the Ground Snow Loads in Figure R301.2(6).
3. 
Professional Preparation of Plans: Kittitas County shall require a Washington State licensed design professional, licensed under the provisions of RCW 18.08, WAC 308-12 (for Architects) or RCW 18.43 (for Engineers) to stamp, prepare or oversee the preparation of plans and calculations for buildings or structures when ANY of the following criteria are met but is not limited to the following:
a. 
A building of any occupancy over 4,000 square feet. Exception: residential buildings that do not contain more than 4 dwelling units; buildings such as garages, sheds, barn or shelters for animals and machinery that are accessory to residential buildings of four dwelling units or less.
b. 
Buildings containing five or more residential dwelling units. Exception: buildings less than 4000 square feet.
c. 
All log and timber frame structures and log and timber frame structural components. This includes any log or beam style trusses used in stick framed buildings.
d. 
All structures located above 70-psf ground snow load that are regulated by the International Residential Code.
e. 
All structures located above 50-psf ground snow load that are regulated by the International Building Code.
4. 
Permit application and construction plan submittal: All submitted construction documents must be of sufficient detail and clarity to indicate the nature and extent of the work proposed. The amount of detail required will vary, depending on the nature and complexity of the project. Buildings and structures require site plans, floor plans, foundation plans, roof framing plans, elevations, cross sections and construction details at a minimum. Additional documentation such as truss engineering, lateral and gravity calculations, energy code information, etc. may also be required. Building permit applications and drawings deemed incomplete by Kittitas County Community Development Services will not be accepted. The following are minimum submittal standards for construction drawings:
a. 
Plans drawn to a minimum of 1/4" scale on minimum page size of 11" x 17".
b. 
Plans must have clear and readable text.
c. 
Permit application in compliance with RCW 19.27.095 and RCW 19.27.097.
d. 
Prior to submittal of a building permit application, a completed and approved Preliminary Site Analysis shall be obtained for each lot. A copy shall be submitted with the building permit documents. A Preliminary Site Analysis for new developments may be grouped together per requirements developed by CDS policy.
e. 
Each parcel or lot a building permit application is submitted for must have a parcel number and address prior to permit submittal.
5. 
Recorded easements: The applicant shall identify all recorded easements on the construction documents submitted with the permit application. The permit application shall also include a copy of recorded easements along with the site plan as required by Section R106.2 of the IRC. All existing easements, rights-of-way, well protections zones, etc. shall be identified on the site plan and considered for the placement of buildings, septic systems, roadways, and other infrastructure. The location of all easements on the site plan shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
6. 
All building permits for structures to be located within the Bowers Field Overlay Zoning District as boundary defined by Kittitas County shall first be approved by the Airport Director prior to application submittal.
Without these minimum standards, an application cannot be accepted.
(Ord. 2004-18, 2004; Ord. 2007-29, 2007; Ord. 2008-22, 2008; Ord. 2009-15, 2009; Ord. 2010-003, 2010; Ord. 2013-006, 2013; Ord. 2015-010, 2015; Ord. 2016-012, 2016; Ord. 2016-023, 2016; Ord. 2018-001, 2018; Ord. 2021-003, 2021)
1. 
Buildings moved to or within Kittitas County shall require a building permit and must meet current snow load and will require engineering to prove snow load.
a. 
Appropriate inspections shall be approved by the building department for setback requirements, foundation, structural, mechanical, plumbing, life safety, energy, ventilation and fire codes.
b. 
Electrical approval shall be made by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
c. 
Final access approval shall be made by the Kittitas County Department of Public Works prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or use of the structure.
d. 
Final approval for potable water and sewage disposal from the Kittitas County Environmental Health Department is required prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or use of the structure.
2. 
Refer to Chapter 5.16 KCC for definitions including other requirements for building relocation.
(Ord. 98-23, 1998; Ord. 2004-18, 2004; Ord. 2007-29, 2007; Ord. 2008-22, 2008; Ord. 2010-003, 2010; Ord. 2013-006, 2013; Ord. 2017-001, 2017; Ord. 2021-003, 2021)
1. 
Definitions:
"Manufactured home"
is a single family dwelling built after June 15, 1976 and according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, which is a national, preemptive building code. A manufactured home means a structure designed and constructed to be transportable in one or more sections, and is built on a permanent chassis, and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities that include plumbing, heating, and electrical systems contained therein. (See also RCW 46.04.302 and RCW 43.22.335):
"Mobile home"
is a factory built dwelling built prior to June 15, 1976, to standards other than the HUD Code, and acceptable under applicable state codes in effect at the time of construction or introduction of the home into the State. Mobile homes have not been built since the introduction of the HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act. A mobile home (pre June 15, 1976) from outside Kittitas County cannot be brought into Kittitas County; however, a mobile home may be moved from one site to another within Kittitas County if a fire & life safety inspection is first performed and approved by Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
"Modular home"
means a factory-assembled structure designed primarily for use as a dwelling when connected to the required utilities that include plumbing, heating and electrical systems contained therein, does not contain its own running gear and must be mounted on a permanent foundation. A modular home does not include a mobile home or manufactured home.
2. 
All manufactured, mobile or modular homes shall meet area specific snow load requirements. Snow load requirements shall be determined in the same method utilized for stick framed homes by the Building Official. If the home does not meet the site specific snow load, a snow roof shelter designed to meet the snow load may be constructed over it. A permit for the snow roof must be issued prior to or concurrent with the permit for the placement of the manufactured, mobile or modular home. The roof shelter must be completed and the permit finaled within 90 days of issuance regardless of the status of the manufactured, mobile or modular home placement permit.
3. 
All mobile, manufactured or modular homes to be located in a Flood Hazard area shall comply with KCC Chapter 14.08 (Flood Damage Prevention).
4. 
All mobile, manufactured or modular homes located in a Wildland Urban Interface area, as determined by Kittitas County, shall comply with the provisions of the current adopted International Wildland-Urban Interface Code per KCC § 14.04.010(8).
5. 
All mobile and manufactured homes are State inspected dwellings and shall be placed on foundation systems that meet the requirements per the manufacturer's installation instructions or if the manufacturer is not specific, then to the standards listed in Chapter 296-150I WAC. All footings, foundations, skirting, landings, additions and other external appendages shall be inspected and approved by Kittitas County prior to occupancy.
6. 
Mobile and manufactured homes may be placed on stands or blocked in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and skirted with materials approved for ground contact or below grade applications. Either of these dwellings placed on a basement shall require engineering. All alterations to a mobile or manufactured home shall require a permit through Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
7. 
All modular home footings shall be designed by an engineer and specific to the home.
8. 
Any additions to a mobile, manufactured or modular home shall be by separate permit through Kittitas County. An additional permit may also be required by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.
(Ord. 71-3 § 2, 1971; Ord. 80-2 § 3, 1980; Ord. 98-23, 1998; Ord. 2004-18, 2004; Ord. 2007-29, 2007; Ord. 2008-22, 2008; Ord. 2015-010, 2015)
1. 
Definitions.
"Park model trailer," "recreational park trailer"
is a trailer-type unit that is primarily designed to provide temporary living quarters for recreational, camping or seasonal use, that meets the following criteria:
a. 
Built on a single chassis, mounted on wheels;
b. 
Having a gross trailer area not exceeding 400 square feet (37.15 square meters) in the set-up mode;
c. 
A park model trailer does not include a modular home, a mobile home, or manufactured home
"Recreational vehicle"
means a vehicular-type unit primarily designed for recreational camping or travel use that has its own motive power or is mounted on or towed by another vehicle. The units include travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, folding camping trailers, truck campers, and motor homes. An RV does not include a park model trailer for purposes of this section. A recreational vehicle is not considered a mobile or manufactured home and is not constructed to the International Building Code standards. A recreational vehicle has an approval insignia from a state licensing authority. For the purposes of this code section, an insignia is defined as an official emblem of proof of construction to the state standards in the state it was constructed and does not include a license plate.
2. 
A park model trailer may not be placed anywhere within the County, unless it is used as a primary residence and is located in manufactured/mobile home community as defined in RCW 59.20.030 that was in existence before June 8, 2008, except that a park model trailer may be used as a special care dwelling unit per KCC § 17.08.500. Placement of park model trailer is further restricted in KCC § 14.08.295 and KCC § 14.08.310. Additionally, such placement shall be conditioned upon meeting all the requirements placed upon a mobile and/ or manufactured home in the same location.
3. 
All park model trailers shall meet area specific snow load requirements. Snow load requirements shall be determined in the same method utilized for stick framed homes by the Building Official. If the park model trailer does not meet the site specific snow load, a snow roof shelter designed to meet the snow load may be constructed over it. A permit for the snow roof must be issued prior to or concurrent with the permit for the placement of the park model trailer. The roof shelter must be completed and the permit finaled within 90 days of issuance regardless of the status of the park model trailer placement permit.
4. 
All park model trailers located in a Wildland Urban Interface area, as determined by Kittitas County, shall comply with the provisions of the current adopted International Wildland-Urban Interface Code per KCC § 14.04.010(8).
5. 
All park model trailers are State inspected dwellings and shall be placed on foundation systems that meet the requirements per the manufacturer's installation instructions or if the manufacturer is not specific, then to the standards listed in Chapter 296-150P WAC. All footings, foundations, skirting, landings, additions and other external appendages shall be inspected and approved by Kittitas County prior to occupancy.
6. 
A park model trailer may be placed on stands or blocked in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions and skirted with materials approved for ground contact or below grade applications. Otherwise the park model must be placed on a basement or poured concrete foundation and such placement shall require engineering. Alterations to a park model trailer are prohibited.
7. 
Additions to a park model are prohibited.
8. 
An RV may not be used as a residence, except if it is a primary residence and is located in a manufacturer/mobile home community as defined in RCW 59.20.030 that was in existence before June 8, 2008, except that a park model trailer may be used as a special care dwelling unit per KCC § 17.08.500. Such placement shall be conditioned upon meeting all the requirements placed upon a park models, mobile and/or manufactured home in the same location.
9. 
Except as provided in KCC § 17.92.010, unless an RV is being used as a primary residence pursuant to subsection (8) above, an RV may be used for no more than four (4) weeks out of any six (6) weeks and shall be fully licensed and ready for highway at all times. An RV must be disconnected from utilities during the weeks that it is not in use.
10. 
A park model trailer must be connected to government approved utilities during use.
(Ord. 2010-002, 2010; Ord. 2015-010, 2015; Ord. 2021-003, 2021; Ord. 2022-017, 2022)
1. 
Factory built dwellings that are not certified as having been constructed to HUD Standards are prohibited.
2. 
This section shall not apply to mobile, manufactured, and modular homes as defined in KCC § 14.04.040.
3. 
This section shall not apply to recreational vehicles and park model trailers as defined in KCC § 14.04.045.
(Ord. 2010-002, 2010; Ord. 2015-010, 2015)
1. 
Dry cabins may be utilized as recreational dwelling units and may be located only in those remote areas where electrical power is not available. They may be utilized for no more than 90 days per year. The Building Official shall make the final determination regarding locations that qualify. These cabins shall have the following requirements and/or restrictions:
a. 
A permit shall be required including critical areas approval before construction proceeds. Structural aspects will be enforced as with any other permitted building. Fire and life safety issues such as roof covering, solid fuel or gas appliance location and installation and smoke detectors shall apply as with any other habitable structure.
b. 
The usable floor space shall be no less than 121 square feet and no more than 800 square feet of living area and not more than 200 additional square feet of attached garage or accessory use area. If the cabin has a loft area that could be utilized for sleeping purposes it must have an egress window as defined in the current adopted edition of the IRC. If heated with propane or oil, minimum insulation requirements will be required.
c. 
Dry cabins shall be provided with either a privy or composting toilet for which a permit will also be required from the Kittitas County Environmental Health Department.
2. 
Only under special circumstances and by decision of the Building Official, in its entirety, shall decisions conflicting with this policy be made.
3. 
Dry cabins may be constructed of alternative materials as approved by the Building Official. Factory assembled structures are not included in this category.
4. 
Habitable dry cabins intended for recreational use may be unheated.
5. 
Dry cabins located within the area designated as a Wild-Land Urban Interface area shall comply with the Wildland Urban Interface code with the following exception:
a. 
Properties may be exempt from the sprinkler requirement, upon Fire Marshal approval. All other applicable Wild-Land Urban Interface Codes shall apply.
(Ord. 98-23, 1998; Ord. 2004-18, 2004; Ord. 2007-29, 2007; Ord. 2008-22, 2008; Ord. 2010-003, 2010; Ord. 2017-001, 2017; Ord. 2021-003, 2021)
1. 
Every structure built for habitable purposes with access to water or electricity, and which is less than two hundred (200) square feet, shall be considered a "small residential structure" and will require a building permit per standards of International Residential Code and KCC Title 13 and KCC Title 14. All other provisions of the structural, fire and life-safety codes regulated by the IRC or HUD and Washington State shall also be met. Minimum room sizes, dimensions and fixtures shall be per the current adopted building Code. Small residential structures on wheels shall be classified as Recreational Vehicles and shall bear the insignia of a state agency, see KCC § 14.04.045.
(Ord. 2014-015, 2014; Ord. 2015-010, 2015; Ord. 2016-012, 2016; Ord. 2021-003, 2021)
1. 
All Kittitas County Community Development Service permit fees shall be established by resolution.
2. 
Investigation Fees: Work without a Permit
a. 
Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work.
b. 
An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued. The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the building permit fee. This fee is an additional, punitive fee and shall not apply to the Permit Fees that may subsequently be issued. Payment of the investigative fee does not vest the illegal work with any legitimacy, nor does it establish any right to a Permit for continued development of that project. If the work done remains illegal for 90 days after service of the Stop Work Order, it shall be considered hazardous.
c. 
The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of this code nor from any penalty prescribed by law.
3. 
Fee refunds. The Building Official may authorize the refunding of:
a. 
Up to 100% of any fee erroneously paid or collected. The Building Official shall not authorize refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original permit holder not later than 180 days after the date of fee payment.
(Ord. 71-3 § 5, 1971; Res. 71-6, 1971; Res. 71-15, 1971; Res. 81-5, 1981; Ord. 94-14, 1994; Ord. 98-23, 1998; Ord. 2004-18, 2004; Ord. 2008-22, 2008; Ord. 2010-003, 2010)
1. 
Except as specified in KCC § 14.04.010 (work exempt from permit), no building or structure shall be erected, placed, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from Kittitas County Community Development Services.
2. 
The building permit or copy thereof shall be kept on the site of the work until the completion of the project.
3. 
It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the building official that such work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the person requesting any inspections required by this code to provide safe access to and means for inspection of such work.
4. 
Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official. The building official upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of the permit holder wherein the same fails to comply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected and such portions shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the building official.
5. 
No building or structure shall be used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancy classification of a building or structure or portion thereof shall be made until the building official has issued a certificate of occupancy therefore as provided herein. Issuance of a certificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of Kittitas County. Certificates presuming to give authority to violate or cancel provisions of this code or other ordinances of Kittitas County shall not be valid.
a. 
Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permits.
b. 
Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required for accessory buildings or structures. (All structures require a final inspection).
6. 
All permits shall expire by limitation and be declared void if any one of the following apply:
a. 
Work is not started within 365 days of obtaining a permit.
b. 
Work is abandoned for 365 days or more after beginning work.
c. 
An inspection and approval of work completed has not been performed by Kittitas County Community Development Services for 365 days.
7. 
The Building Official is authorized to grant one or more extensions, not to exceed 365 days per extension, except, building permits obtained as a result of a Code Enforcement violation may be granted no more than one extension. The extension shall be requested in writing, prior to permit expiration, and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated. Fees for extension shall be established by resolution.
8. 
If a permit has expired, a new permit may be obtained for one-half the amount of the original permit fee(s), plus issuance fees, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original construction documents for such work, and provided further that the permit was reviewed under the current adopted codes. If the permit is renewed under a previous adopted code cycle, a plan review must be completed and charged at the current full building permit rate. If construction has or, will, deviate from the original permit, a revisions permit must be submitted, approved and issued in addition to renewal of the expired permit. Fees shall be established by resolution.
9. 
The Building Official, or designee, is authorized to perform a final inspection and issue a Certificate of Occupancy on an expired permit, provided that all building inspections have been successfully completed to include Water Metering that has been installed, inspected and approved and Access and Septic approvals have been completed The Building Official may require a re-inspection fee. A re-inspection fee shall be established by resolution.
(Ord. 71-3 § 6, 1971; Ord. 80-2 § 5, 1980; Ord. 9414, 1994; Ord. 98-23, 1998; Ord. 2004-18, 2004; Ord. 2008-22, 2008; Ord. 2009-05, 2009; Ord. 2010-003, 2010; Ord. 2013-006, 2013; Ord. 2016-012, 2016; Ord. 2021-003, 2021)