Showing ordinances that apply to White Center, WA
White Center is an unincorporated community (population 16,631) in King County, Washington. Because White Center is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, King County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The architectural review rules below are the ones that govern your area.
King County HOAs commonly require architectural review for exterior modifications. Washington law (RCW 64.90, RCW 64.38) allows reasonable controls but protects solar, flags, and clotheslines.
Most HOAs and condominium associations in King County enforce architectural review requirements through their CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) and design guidelines. Common reviewed items include exterior paint colors, roofing materials, fences, decks, patios, windows, doors, landscaping, outbuildings, and any addition or exterior modification. An Architectural Review Committee (ARC) or Design Review Board typically reviews applications and must approve or deny within a timeframe specified in the governing documents (often 30 to 60 days). Under Washington law, architectural controls must be reasonable and applied uniformly. WUCIOA (RCW 64.90) imposes a duty of good faith on board and committee decisions. Several state laws override HOA restrictions on specific items. RCW 64.38.055 and RCW 64.90.510 protect installation of solar energy panels — HOAs cannot prohibit solar panels but may impose reasonable aesthetic restrictions such as placement guidelines that do not significantly reduce efficiency or increase cost. RCW 64.38.030 protects display of the American flag. RCW 59.18.255 allows clotheslines in certain contexts. HOAs also cannot prohibit political yard signs under First Amendment principles applied through case law, though reasonable time, size, and placement rules are allowed. Homeowners denied approval may appeal through internal processes, mediation, or ultimately civil litigation in King County Superior Court. Failure of an ARC to respond within the specified timeframe may result in deemed approval under the governing documents.
Unapproved modifications typically trigger fine schedules in the CC&Rs starting at 25 to 100 dollars per violation with daily fines for continuing violations. The HOA can pursue injunctive relief and require removal of non-conforming modifications through civil court. Homeowners denied approval may challenge decisions as unreasonable under state law.
See how White Center's architectural review rules stack up against other locations.
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