CC&R enforcement in Seattle HOAs is governed by WUCIOA (RCW 64.90). Associations may impose fines, suspend privileges, and pursue legal action for covenant violations. The board must provide written notice of violations and an opportunity to be heard before imposing sanctions. Fines must be reasonable and authorized by the declaration or rules.
Under WUCIOA (RCW 64.90), the association has broad authority to enforce covenants, conditions, and restrictions recorded in the declaration. Before imposing fines or suspending owner privileges, the board must provide written notice of the specific violation and an opportunity for a hearing. Fines must be reasonable, proportionate to the violation, and authorized by the governing documents or properly adopted rules. The association may also suspend an owner's right to use common elements (except access to the unit) for a reasonable period following persistent violations. Enforcement actions must be applied uniformly to avoid claims of selective enforcement. The association may recover attorney fees and costs incurred in enforcement proceedings. Liens for fines may be recorded against the unit but are subordinate to the priority assessment lien. WUCIOA prohibits certain covenant provisions, including those that unreasonably restrict the transfer of units or discriminate based on protected classes.
Owners who violate CC&Rs face written notice, hearing, fines, suspension of common element privileges, and potential legal action. Fines accrue as assessments and are subject to the statutory lien. The association may recover attorney fees in enforcement proceedings. Persistent violations may result in injunctive relief through the courts.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle cc&r enforcement.
See how Seattle's cc&r enforcement rules stack up against other locations.
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