Ellensburg schedules Aug. 18 panel on accessory dwelling units

Ellensburg homeowners will have a chance to learn more about accessory dwelling units at a public panel scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026.

The event will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hal Holmes Community Center, 209 N. Ruby St., in Ellensburg. The City of Ellensburg, Kittitas County, Manastash Architecture Planning & Development and TM Construction are jointly hosting the panel.

What the panel will cover

The discussion will focus on accessory dwelling units, commonly called ADUs, and the decisions homeowners face when considering one. The city’s notice identifies planning, construction and development considerations as subjects of the event.

That makes the panel a potential starting point for homeowners who want to understand the steps and issues involved before pursuing an ADU project. The approved notice does not provide details about a specific property, project application or expected construction schedule.

ADUs are the subject of the event, but the notice does not say that Ellensburg has adopted new ADU rules. It also does not describe the panel as a grant, funding program or guarantee that a homeowner will receive a permit.

Housing context and limits of the announcement

The panel reflects current local efforts to expand housing options by giving homeowners information about adding accessory dwelling units. It brings city and county participation together with planning and construction expertise from Manastash Architecture Planning & Development and TM Construction.

For residents, the immediate change is the availability of a scheduled public information event—not a final policy action. The source notice does not identify a new ordinance, formal housing program, grant or other decision tied to the panel.

The event is scheduled for Aug. 18, and the notice places it at the Hal Holmes Community Center. The city’s official news flash is the source for the event’s date, time, location and participating organizations. Kittitas County also maintains an official public-information channel, although the approved packet says a separate rewritten ADU notice was not located there.

Homeowners considering an ADU can use the panel to learn more about planning, construction and development questions. Any later changes to local rules, funding availability or individual permit decisions would require separate official documentation.