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Cle Elum sits at the gateway to Washington’s Cascade Mountains — where pine forests, rivers, and wide-open spaces create the ideal setting for a backyard guest house, rental ADU, or private mountain retreat. Whether you’re drawn by the recreation, investment opportunity, or the peaceful pace of small-town living, Cle Elum provides a balance of rustic charm and modern accessibility.
Yet, bringing a tiny home to your property can feel like a complex undertaking. Every area within Kittitas County has its own permitting and zoning requirements, and understanding how to site, install, and connect a modular ADU can be daunting without local guidance.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. Check out our guide below on how to make adding a tiny home or modular ADU to your property easy.Tiny homes are not just a housing trend — they’re a flexible, scalable solution for homeowners in regions like Cle Elum, where land is valuable and outdoor living is part of the lifestyle. Before investing, it helps to clarify what you want your new space to accomplish and how it complements your property.
Many Cle Elum homeowners pursue tiny homes for:
Providing independent living space for family members or guests
Creating a short-term rental for visitors drawn to the mountain trails, lakes, and snow sports nearby
Adding value to a new property purchase through a secondary dwelling
Building a low-maintenance retirement or downsized home with high energy efficiency
A modular ADU offers a cost-effective way to meet these goals while maintaining the beauty and functionality of your property.
The first step in planning your project is determining which permitting authority governs your property. If your site is within Cle Elum city limits, you’ll work with the City of Cle Elum Building Department. If it lies outside, your jurisdiction will be Kittitas County Community Development Services. Both offices provide zoning, land-use, and building code information online.
Once jurisdiction is established, you’ll need to identify the permitted use for your project. Secondary living spaces may fall under categories such as accessory dwelling units, detached accessory structures, or guest houses. Each comes with distinct standards for setbacks, utilities, and lot coverage.
Working with a professional familiar with modular permitting and local codes can help ensure your project proceeds smoothly and stays compliant.
How to Obtain Building Permits in Cle Elum, Washington
Confirm Jurisdiction
Use the City of Cle Elum Building Department or Kittitas County Community Development Services to verify whether your address falls inside city or county boundaries.
Review Zoning Regulations
Check zoning maps to confirm if ADUs are allowed on your parcel. Zoning affects placement, maximum size, and design requirements for secondary dwellings.
Prepare Your Site Plan and Building Documents
Include foundation drawings, utility hookups, setbacks, and access routes for delivery. Modular homes must meet Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) factory-built housing standards.
Submit Your Application
Cle Elum accepts building permit applications at City Hall or online. County permits are processed through Kittitas County’s electronic system.
Schedule Required Inspections
Inspections verify that the foundation, utility connections, and installation meet safety and code requirements.
Receive Final Approval
Once all inspections are complete, the jurisdiction issues a certificate of occupancy, allowing you to begin using your new home.
This Jurisdiction Requires atleast the following permits:
Finding a builder who understands both modular construction and local conditions is essential — especially in a mountain community like Cle Elum where access, snow load, and climate resilience matter.
Evaluate potential builders by reviewing their experience with homes similar in size and complexity to your vision. Ask for photos of completed projects and confirm that they are certified through Washington State’s modular housing program. Read reviews, talk with past clients, and confirm the builder’s track record for quality, communication, and meeting timelines.
Transparency is key. A dependable builder will offer a clear estimate, outline all costs upfront, and communicate about timelines and possible contingencies. They should also provide warranty coverage and post-installation service, ensuring your investment remains protected.
Modular homes are built indoors under strict quality control, then transported to your property and assembled on a permanent foundation. This method eliminates weather delays, ensures consistent workmanship, and allows the site preparation to progress simultaneously with factory construction.
By contrast, traditional stick-built construction happens entirely outdoors, exposing materials to Cle Elum’s unpredictable mountain weather. While site-built methods allow more customization, they often take longer and cost more due to delays and labor coordination.
Modular building offers a faster, more controlled approach — delivering the same or higher quality as traditional homes while meeting Washington’s building codes and energy standards.
Modular home builders offer significant savings when it comes to off-site built ADUs. Here’s an example of how combining the permitting, production and installation of a tiny home adds up:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Model E (Base price) | $97,500 |
| Upgrades (Optional additions & Appliances) | $12,000 |
| Site work, Foundation, Delivery & Setup | $34,000 |
| Sub Total w/ Tax (WA) | $155,172 |
| Permits (Wolf Service Fee & Jurisdiction Fee) | $7,500 |
| Total | $162,672 |
If you’re ready to add a mountain getaway, a family ADU, or a high-return rental unit to your Cle Elum property, our team can help you make it happen. We manage the process from start to finish — from permitting to production to placement — so you can focus on the outcome, not the logistics.
Let’s design a modular home that complements your property and lifestyle.
Free Property Evaluation
Want to know if your address is eligible? Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you with a free property evaluation!
(360) 912-9519
607 SE Eaton Blvd, Battle Ground WA 98604
Sales@Wolfind.com