FAQs

Building Department

  • Most permits are figured on the valuation of the project. However some permits do have set fees. Time frames vary and our departments work as fast as possible to get you started on your project.  Please talk with the Building Official about your plans 360-495-3667 ext 111. 

  • Yes, on April 1, 2011 the City of McCleary implemented an energy conservation program to promote the reduction in energy usage and provide rebates for certain conservation measures. Click here for more information.

  • Calls can be made to 360-495-3667 Ext 111.

  • Permit applications are available at City Hall, both at the front desk and at the Building Department.  Permits must be approved by the Building Official and fees paid prior to any construction.

General City Questions

  • No. The City does not require you to have a license.

  • Yes the City of McCleary does maintain a Small Works Roster of Contractors.
    Applications may be submitted at anytime.
    Forms are available at City Hall or Click here for the application. 

  • Please click here for current weather conditions and forecasts.

  • City Hall is located at 100 South 3rd Street, across from Beerbower Park at the main intersection of town.

    The hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.

  • The City provides a Notary, dog licenses, burn permits, maps, directions, copies.

  • Click here for Mayor, Council and meeting times.

Parks and Cemetery

  • Yes, the Cemetery is located at the West end of Simpson Ave. Current pricing for Cemetery services are located on the Public Facilities page. Click here.

  • Yes, the Community Center is located at 718 W Simpson Avenue next to the Cemetery. The Center has a full kitchen, tables, and chairs. The occupancy is 85 people.

  • Yes, Beerbower Park is located in the heart of the City across from the City Hall. There is a kitchen and covered picnic area, two baseball fields, playground for kids. The kitchen is available for rent. Call for Current Cost. Reservations are recommended for the kitchen but the park is a first come first serve area.

Police and Court

  • The McCleary Municipal court has been merged with the GH Count District Court and can be reached during normal business hours at 360-249-3441.

  • During normal business hours, for a non-emergency, you may call 360-495-3107, and after hours call 1-800-281-6944. In all emergency cases call 911.

  • Fines can be paid directly to the Grays Harbor County District Court located at 102 W. Broadway in Montesano.

Shoreline Master Program

    • The Washington State Department of Ecology provides a checklist to help with conducting the Periodic Review
      • The Watershed Company, who helped the City develop their first SMP, has completed a draft of this checklist, including recommended amendments to the SMP
        • The recommended amendments to the SMP are limited in number and effect, and are to keep the SMP current with amendments to state lawsPer state law, a public hearing on the proposed SMP amendments will occur in the coming months
    • Consistent with grant requirements, the aim is for the City Council to adopt the amended SMP by the end of June of this year
      • SMPs carry out the policies of the Shoreline Management Act at the local level, regulating the use and development of shoreline areas
      • The City of McCleary adopted its first SMP in 2016
    • The state requires and funds “Periodic Reviews” of SMPs every eight years
    • Periodic Reviews are relatively minor updates intended to keep SMPs current with:
      • Amendments to state laws
      • Changes in local plans and regulations
      • Changes in local circumstances
      • New or improved data and information
    • The City’s shorelines include Wildcat Pond and Mox Chehalis Creek (although the creek itself is located outside of the City, shorelands adjacent to the creek are within the City’s shoreline jurisdiction)

Solar Array Project

  • The McCleary Solar Project involves installing a 714.5 kW-DC/675 kW-AC ground-mounted fixed-tilt solar array on an 8.6-acre parcel owned by the city. This project aims to enhance local utility infrastructure, promote sustainability, and provide economic and environmental benefits to the community.

  • The city applied for and received a $2,745,000 grant through Department of Commerce. The city is exploring options to secure additional funds to expand the solar installation to a total of 900 kW-AC if feasible. The city is also contributing $50,000 in-kind matching through labor and equipment, over the three-year project.

  • The project seeks to increase McCleary's energy independence, reduce reliance on external power sources, and support the city's commitment to a sustainable future. It aligns with state goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aims to provide affordable, clean energy to the community.

  • The solar array will be installed on city-owned land located at coordinates 47.064110, -123.269418, with Parcel Number 618051114039 (colloquially named “Fireman’s Field”).

  • The benefits include generating clean, renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing air quality, promoting environmental stewardship, reduced power costs, and creating local job opportunities.

  • No, this project is not expected to increase electricity rates. In fact, it should assist by defraying some of the on-going costs to purchase power from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). An Investment Grade Audit (IGA) will be completed as a first phase in the project and will help determine the long-term financial benefits the project may provide.

  • The project will use a ground-mounted fixed-tilt solar array with SilFab panels, which have a minimum 25-year performance warranty. The system will include a Solectria three-phase inverter and a weather station for monitoring.

  • The project aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air and water quality. It supports the state's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and enhances the community's resilience against environmental challenges. It's estimated to save about 229 metric tons of CO2 equivalents annually.

  • A robust monitoring system will track energy production, consumption, and savings. Regular maintenance and inspections will ensure continued efficiency and functionality.

  • The City of McCleary plans to engage the community through educational workshops on solar energy, environmental benefits, and practical considerations for installing solar systems. These initiatives aim to raise awareness and encourage broader adoption of renewable energy.

  • The project is currently in the planning and predevelopment stage. The timeline includes phases for energy audits, design, procurement, installation, and commissioning. The exact timeline will depend on funding, permitting, and other logistical factors. However, we anticipate the project will be completed and operational by November 2025.

  • Yes, the project will create job opportunities in construction, operation, and maintenance of the solar array. It also aims to foster workforce development in the renewable energy sector, providing training and employment opportunities for local residents.

  • The City of McCleary is partnering with Ameresco, a company specializing in Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC), which will help streamline project management and ensure cost-effectiveness.

  • Updates will be provided through the city's official website and social media channels. The community is encouraged to follow these platforms for the latest news and information.

  • For more information, please contact Chad Bedlington, Director of Public Works, at chadb@cityofmccleary.com or visit the city’s official website at www.cityofmccleary.com.

Utilities

  • We offer a senior rate on the Sewer only, and you must be 65 years old to qualify. You must request this as we do not ask your age.

  • The City does not require a deposit but landlords may require one.  If you are an owner with a rental, you must complete a tenant form for each of the tenants.  As the owner you would be responsible for setting an amount for the deposit or waiving it. 

  • If the problem occurs during the normal hours of business you can call 360-495-3667. 

    After hours and weekends call 1-800-281-6944.

  • The City provides Electric, Water, Sewer and Stormwater . Billing is monthly.

    Garbage service is provided and billed by LeMay’s.

  • Bills are mailed the last working day of the month and due on the 15th of the next month, if you do not pay by the 15th there will be a 5% penalty assessed to your account. You can pay your bill at City Hall, by mail, or use the drop box outside the front door. We now also accept credit and debit cards in person or over the phone.

  • If you are an owner you would not need to make a deposit.  If you are a renter, that your landlord has required a deposit, your deposit would be used toward the final billing when you move. If there is unused monies they would be returned to you.

  • Garbage service inside City Limits is mandatory from LeMay’s in Aberdeen. To set up service or questions regarding an existing account call 1-800-345-1529.