Residential Development Incentives

Learn about Residential Development Incentives

Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE)

Apply for an 8-12 year multifamily tax exemption for new multifamily developments within the downtown area.

The City of Ellensburg offers tax incentives for multifamily housing in the downtown area to: encourage increased residential opportunities within the central commercial (C-C) and Central Commercial II (CC-II) zones. The MFTE program provides 8-12 years and is intended to stimulate new construction or rehabilitation of existing vacant and underutilized buildings for multifamily housing in the central commercial zone; and to assist in directing future population growth to the central commercial zone, thereby reducing development pressure on single-family residential neighborhoods. For complete details, visit Chapter 2.30 of the Ellensburg City Code.

Park Impact Fees

Parks, trails, and green spaces are important to the quality of life in a community. To fund future park development as the City grows, a park impact fee is assessed to new residential development. In some instances, land donation is considered in lieu of impact fees. To determine if a property is eligible, contact Parks and Recreation Director at caseb@ci.ellensburg.wa.us or 509-962-7210.

Density Bonus Incentives for Housing Development

Developers that qualify may apply for various density bonus incentives offered by the City.

The City of Ellensburg offers density bonus incentives to promote a variety of housing types; to promote green building policies and practices; to promote compact development patterns that encourage the use of nonmotorized forms of transportation; to promote the integration of trails into new development; and to encourage the preservation of valuable resource lands outside of the City.

Developments may use a combination of bonus elements provided they comply with the maximum density provisions in the table below (part of City of Ellensburg code). For complete details, visit Chapter 15.330 of the Ellensburg City Code.