homeowners association
I have never belonged to a Homeowners Association before. What is it?
A homeowners association (HOA) is an organization that makes and enforces rules and guidelines for homeowners in the same neighborhood or community. The Cobblestone Northwest Homeowner Association is a corporation formed by the original builder, Riverside Homes, for the purpose of marketing, selling and managing homes and lots in our subdivision. In 2008, Riverside Homes turned the Association over to the owners. Membership in the Cobblestone Northwest HOA was and continues to be a condition of purchase, to follow the Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&Rs), the Association Bylaws, and other governing documents.The owners are the Association.
What is its purpose?
The purpose and goal of the Association is to provide for maintenance of the common areas which include the storm water treatment system, to preserve the look and feel of the development, and to improve the value of the property.
Where does it get its authority?
The source of authority for the Association lies in the governing documents, including the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, which apply to each lot and the lot owner in Cobblestone. The official documents giving this authority are filed with Clark County, and at any property closing are presented to the buyer and are endorsed as part of the process. Homeowners cannot opt out, as they have signed a contract to abide by these CC&Rs.
Is the HOA registered with the State of Washington?
Yes, the Association is registered with the State of Washington Secretary of State as a non-profit corporation. The registration (UBI) number is 602-450-375.
Who runs the Homeowners Association?
The Cobblestone Northwest Homeowners Association is run by the community’s homeowners. A volunteer Board of Directors, elected during Annual Meetings by the homeowners, is in charge of managing the day-to-day concerns of the Association, meeting legal requirements, clarifying issues, enforcing conditions and restrictions, proposing and managing the budget, and carrying out all other duties assigned by the governing documents. An Association President and Treasurer are chosen from the Board of Directors. The Vice President and Secretary are then selected by the Board. Each person has duties that keep the organization running smoothly. The volunteer committees are formed by the Board.
Does the Homeowner Association have the right to tell me what I can and cannot do to my own property?
Yes, to a certain extent. The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that homeowners agree to follow when purchasing their home define the extent of what the Association can require. The CC&Rs are a contract of agreement between each homeowner and all of the other homeowners. The Association is required to enforce that contract.
Can the Homeowners Association be disbanded?
The CC&Rs, and thus the Homeowners Association, are effective in perpetuity. Unless the laws change in the State of Washington, the Homeowners Association cannot be disbanded. Amendments can be made to the CC&Rs with a positive vote of 75 percent of the Total Association (homeowners), but cannot be amended to delete the obligation of the Association to maintain the common areas or to delete the obligation to collect money to accomplish this without formal approval of Clark County.
What laws and documents govern the Homeowners Association?
The Cobblestone Northwest HOA Governing Documents include:
A homeowners association (HOA) is an organization that makes and enforces rules and guidelines for homeowners in the same neighborhood or community. The Cobblestone Northwest Homeowner Association is a corporation formed by the original builder, Riverside Homes, for the purpose of marketing, selling and managing homes and lots in our subdivision. In 2008, Riverside Homes turned the Association over to the owners. Membership in the Cobblestone Northwest HOA was and continues to be a condition of purchase, to follow the Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&Rs), the Association Bylaws, and other governing documents.The owners are the Association.
What is its purpose?
The purpose and goal of the Association is to provide for maintenance of the common areas which include the storm water treatment system, to preserve the look and feel of the development, and to improve the value of the property.
Where does it get its authority?
The source of authority for the Association lies in the governing documents, including the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, which apply to each lot and the lot owner in Cobblestone. The official documents giving this authority are filed with Clark County, and at any property closing are presented to the buyer and are endorsed as part of the process. Homeowners cannot opt out, as they have signed a contract to abide by these CC&Rs.
Is the HOA registered with the State of Washington?
Yes, the Association is registered with the State of Washington Secretary of State as a non-profit corporation. The registration (UBI) number is 602-450-375.
Who runs the Homeowners Association?
The Cobblestone Northwest Homeowners Association is run by the community’s homeowners. A volunteer Board of Directors, elected during Annual Meetings by the homeowners, is in charge of managing the day-to-day concerns of the Association, meeting legal requirements, clarifying issues, enforcing conditions and restrictions, proposing and managing the budget, and carrying out all other duties assigned by the governing documents. An Association President and Treasurer are chosen from the Board of Directors. The Vice President and Secretary are then selected by the Board. Each person has duties that keep the organization running smoothly. The volunteer committees are formed by the Board.
Does the Homeowner Association have the right to tell me what I can and cannot do to my own property?
Yes, to a certain extent. The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) that homeowners agree to follow when purchasing their home define the extent of what the Association can require. The CC&Rs are a contract of agreement between each homeowner and all of the other homeowners. The Association is required to enforce that contract.
Can the Homeowners Association be disbanded?
The CC&Rs, and thus the Homeowners Association, are effective in perpetuity. Unless the laws change in the State of Washington, the Homeowners Association cannot be disbanded. Amendments can be made to the CC&Rs with a positive vote of 75 percent of the Total Association (homeowners), but cannot be amended to delete the obligation of the Association to maintain the common areas or to delete the obligation to collect money to accomplish this without formal approval of Clark County.
What laws and documents govern the Homeowners Association?
The Cobblestone Northwest HOA Governing Documents include:
- State of Washington, Chapter 64.38 RCW Homeowners Associations
- Articles of Incorporation
- Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs)
- Conservation Covenant Running with the Land
- Bylaws of Cobblestone Northwest Homeowners Association
- Board Resolutions enacted per the CC&Rs
Architectural Control Committee (ACC)
What does the Architectural Control Committee do?
Read the description on the Committees page.
How do I submit an ACC request?
The preferred method is to submit an ACC request form via the Owner Portal. Otherwise, you can email [email protected].
Can I paint my house or trim a different color?
Any change in exterior trim, shutter or door color must be approved by the ACC in advance. The ACC also has a listing of colors that have been used in the past.
Can I build a different or taller fence?
The CC&Rs restrict fence height to no more than six (6) feet. Any fence changes must be approved in advance by the ACC for neighborhood uniformity in terms of design and color.
Do I need the ACC approval to remove or replace plants in my yard?
No, you do not need ACC approval for removing or replacing plants.
Do I need ACC approval to build or expand a deck in my backyard?
Yes, you should have ACC approval before building or expanding your deck, particularly if it will be elevated or will be seen from the streets.
Can I fence in my front yard?
Fences are not permitted in front of the corner of the house. The ACC can make exceptions for good reason.
Can I build or install a shed on my property?
It depends. Read a more extensive explanation of shed restrictions.
Read the description on the Committees page.
How do I submit an ACC request?
The preferred method is to submit an ACC request form via the Owner Portal. Otherwise, you can email [email protected].
Can I paint my house or trim a different color?
Any change in exterior trim, shutter or door color must be approved by the ACC in advance. The ACC also has a listing of colors that have been used in the past.
Can I build a different or taller fence?
The CC&Rs restrict fence height to no more than six (6) feet. Any fence changes must be approved in advance by the ACC for neighborhood uniformity in terms of design and color.
Do I need the ACC approval to remove or replace plants in my yard?
No, you do not need ACC approval for removing or replacing plants.
Do I need ACC approval to build or expand a deck in my backyard?
Yes, you should have ACC approval before building or expanding your deck, particularly if it will be elevated or will be seen from the streets.
Can I fence in my front yard?
Fences are not permitted in front of the corner of the house. The ACC can make exceptions for good reason.
Can I build or install a shed on my property?
It depends. Read a more extensive explanation of shed restrictions.
COMMUNITY RESTRICTIONS
Where can I put my trash, recycling and yard debris carts?
Trash, recycling and yard debris carts are not to be visible from the street. Residents can store them inside garages, behind fences, or in an area specially screened from the street.
Can I display a flag?
Yes, the State of Washington Code provides that United States Flags may be displayed, providing it is displayed in the manner prescribed by the Federal flag display law (4 U.S.C. Sec 1 et sec.).
Can I put up political signs in my yard?
Yes, the State of Washington Code provides that political signs can be displayed during primary and general elections. Signs are not permitted for local elections.
Can I put up “for sale” or “for rent” signs in front of my house?
“For Sale” signs are permitted by the CC&Rs; consult the ACC for questions. “For Rent” signs are not allowed.
Can I put up holiday decorations?
Yes, seasonal decorations may be displayed. At this time, there are no set guidelines on how long they can be left up.
Can I put up a TV antenna?
Outside TV antennas are not permitted, but satellite dishes can be installed as long as they are properly screened, mounted on the back of the house or the back roof, and/or out of sight of the street in front of the house. There may be other alternatives, too; check with the ACC.
Can I put up a clothesline?
Clotheslines are not permitted if they can be seen from any street.
Am I responsible for maintenance on the side of my corner lot?
Yes, owners of corner lots are responsible for maintenance of fences, sidewalks, plantings or other features along the sides of their houses.
Am I responsible for the plantings between the sidewalk and the gutter along my house?
Yes, the homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of the space between the sidewalks and the gutters.
Who does the fence that borders my property belong to? Who has to maintain it?
The fence that borders your property and faces the common areas belongs to you and it is up to you to maintain and replace it. The fence between you and your neighbors may belong to you, to your neighbors, or both you and your neighbors, but it does not belong to the HOA for maintenance purposes.
Can I raise chickens or rabbits in my back yard?
No, chickens and rabbits are considered livestock and cannot be raised on property in Cobblestone. Some animals, however, may be classified as pets, and may be allowed if not deemed a nuisance. Ask the HOA Board before bringing outdoor animals to your home.
Can I run a business in my home?
Home businesses are allowed in Cobblestone if they do not materially increase congestion, nor result in more parking on the streets. The Clark County Code does not allow a flow of customers into and out of a house and restricts the number of additional vehicles to two.
Can I have a yard sale?
As an event, a one- or two-day yard sale would be permitted, but a long-term yard sale would be deemed a home business/occupation and would likely not be permitted. Clark County also has laws governing garage sales.
What can I do about dog poop on my lawn?
Identify who is letting their dog poop on your lawn and speak with them about it. If it continues, log and/or photograph the incidents and dog owners and report it to the HOA Board for action (accessible through the Owner Portal).
What do I do about a barking dog?
Talk to the owner first to see if the issue can be resolved. The HOA can address the problem as a nuisance through the restriction enforcement process (accessible through the Owner Portal). This will require some logging of the time and duration of the annoyance by the homeowner. Reporting the issue to the Clark County Animal Control office should be a last resort, as it requires the cooperation of other neighbors similarly annoyed.
Can I park my trailer or RV in the driveway?
Yes, under certain conditions. Recreational vehicle(s) may park overnight on one occurrence within a
48 hour period and 8 overnight events within 30 days.
Where can I park if I don’t have room in my garage and/or driveway?
Each house has at least four parking spaces: two in the garage and two in the driveway. For some houses with three-car garages, there are six parking spaces. Any overflow must be parked outside of the Cobblestone development. Some residents park on adjacent NE 20th Avenue or NE 159th Street.
What is the definition of a “commercial” vehicle?
The County has a different definition for “Commercial Vehicles” than the HOA. For HOA purposes, “Commercial Vehicles” are determined in the sole discretion of the Board considering one or more of the following factors:
Can the restrictions be changed?
Yes, the restrictions can be changed by a positive vote or petition of 75 percent of the total Association.
Trash, recycling and yard debris carts are not to be visible from the street. Residents can store them inside garages, behind fences, or in an area specially screened from the street.
Can I display a flag?
Yes, the State of Washington Code provides that United States Flags may be displayed, providing it is displayed in the manner prescribed by the Federal flag display law (4 U.S.C. Sec 1 et sec.).
Can I put up political signs in my yard?
Yes, the State of Washington Code provides that political signs can be displayed during primary and general elections. Signs are not permitted for local elections.
Can I put up “for sale” or “for rent” signs in front of my house?
“For Sale” signs are permitted by the CC&Rs; consult the ACC for questions. “For Rent” signs are not allowed.
Can I put up holiday decorations?
Yes, seasonal decorations may be displayed. At this time, there are no set guidelines on how long they can be left up.
Can I put up a TV antenna?
Outside TV antennas are not permitted, but satellite dishes can be installed as long as they are properly screened, mounted on the back of the house or the back roof, and/or out of sight of the street in front of the house. There may be other alternatives, too; check with the ACC.
Can I put up a clothesline?
Clotheslines are not permitted if they can be seen from any street.
Am I responsible for maintenance on the side of my corner lot?
Yes, owners of corner lots are responsible for maintenance of fences, sidewalks, plantings or other features along the sides of their houses.
Am I responsible for the plantings between the sidewalk and the gutter along my house?
Yes, the homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of the space between the sidewalks and the gutters.
Who does the fence that borders my property belong to? Who has to maintain it?
The fence that borders your property and faces the common areas belongs to you and it is up to you to maintain and replace it. The fence between you and your neighbors may belong to you, to your neighbors, or both you and your neighbors, but it does not belong to the HOA for maintenance purposes.
Can I raise chickens or rabbits in my back yard?
No, chickens and rabbits are considered livestock and cannot be raised on property in Cobblestone. Some animals, however, may be classified as pets, and may be allowed if not deemed a nuisance. Ask the HOA Board before bringing outdoor animals to your home.
Can I run a business in my home?
Home businesses are allowed in Cobblestone if they do not materially increase congestion, nor result in more parking on the streets. The Clark County Code does not allow a flow of customers into and out of a house and restricts the number of additional vehicles to two.
Can I have a yard sale?
As an event, a one- or two-day yard sale would be permitted, but a long-term yard sale would be deemed a home business/occupation and would likely not be permitted. Clark County also has laws governing garage sales.
What can I do about dog poop on my lawn?
Identify who is letting their dog poop on your lawn and speak with them about it. If it continues, log and/or photograph the incidents and dog owners and report it to the HOA Board for action (accessible through the Owner Portal).
What do I do about a barking dog?
Talk to the owner first to see if the issue can be resolved. The HOA can address the problem as a nuisance through the restriction enforcement process (accessible through the Owner Portal). This will require some logging of the time and duration of the annoyance by the homeowner. Reporting the issue to the Clark County Animal Control office should be a last resort, as it requires the cooperation of other neighbors similarly annoyed.
Can I park my trailer or RV in the driveway?
Yes, under certain conditions. Recreational vehicle(s) may park overnight on one occurrence within a
48 hour period and 8 overnight events within 30 days.
Where can I park if I don’t have room in my garage and/or driveway?
Each house has at least four parking spaces: two in the garage and two in the driveway. For some houses with three-car garages, there are six parking spaces. Any overflow must be parked outside of the Cobblestone development. Some residents park on adjacent NE 20th Avenue or NE 159th Street.
What is the definition of a “commercial” vehicle?
The County has a different definition for “Commercial Vehicles” than the HOA. For HOA purposes, “Commercial Vehicles” are determined in the sole discretion of the Board considering one or more of the following factors:
- Vehicles with exposed/uncovered business advertising
- Trucks rated over Class 3 (over 1 ton)
- Flatbed trucks
- Stake side trucks
- Box panel (enclosed) trucks
- Vehicles with ladder/pipe racks/holders
- Trucks with utility bodies
- Trucks with mounted tool boxes (except cross bed storage boxes behind the cab)
Can the restrictions be changed?
Yes, the restrictions can be changed by a positive vote or petition of 75 percent of the total Association.
restriction enforcement
Who is responsible for enforcing the restrictions?
The HOA Board of Directors is responsible for enforcing the restrictions and other terms of the Governing Documents.
What are the steps in the restriction enforcement procedure?
There are several formal steps to the enforcement procedure with amicable resolution of the issue being sought at each step. Notices are delivered through the mail or electronically, if a homeowner has opted to receive electronic notices.
I just received a restriction reminder. How serious is it?
This “gentle” reminder is to bring to the homeowner’s attention that there is an issue that needs to be addressed. Usually, but not always, a reminder is sent out after multiple observations of the same infraction. The reminder is not a part of the formal enforcement process and may come in the mail or electronically, if a homeowner has opted to receive electronic notices.
Are the restrictions enforced uniformly, or am I being singled out?
The HOA Board does its best to ensure that all homeowners are treated fairly and equally.
Does someone patrol the neighborhood looking for restriction violations?
Yes, and sometimes photos are taken to ensure accurate data and to provide the materials required for successful resolution.
What will happen if I don’t follow the restrictions?
Continued restriction infractions will lead to notices, fines or other legal actions.
How come I get a restriction reminder when some of my neighbors are doing the same thing?
If your neighbors are doing the same thing, chances are they are also in the enforcement process and you just don’t know it. Please contact the HOA Board if you have concerns.
The HOA Board of Directors is responsible for enforcing the restrictions and other terms of the Governing Documents.
What are the steps in the restriction enforcement procedure?
There are several formal steps to the enforcement procedure with amicable resolution of the issue being sought at each step. Notices are delivered through the mail or electronically, if a homeowner has opted to receive electronic notices.
- Courtesy Notice – Formally notifies the homeowner of a specific infraction or infractions and gives 30 days to correct the issue(s). Homeowners can request a hearing before the HOA Board.
- Notice to Correct – Notifies the homeowner of a fine being levied and requires that the infraction be corrected within 30 days. Homeowners have a right to a HOA Board hearing on the fine.
- Demand Letter – Notifies the homeowner of additional, accelerated fine and interest and demands payment in full. The owner is notified that the account will be turned over to collections in 30 days.
- Collections – Account turned over to a Collections Agent who will begin the collections process, including putting a lien on the property and garnishment initiation.
- Legal Action – The HOA Board may also take other legal actions to resolve the infraction such as cease and desist, injunctions, and/or lawsuits.
I just received a restriction reminder. How serious is it?
This “gentle” reminder is to bring to the homeowner’s attention that there is an issue that needs to be addressed. Usually, but not always, a reminder is sent out after multiple observations of the same infraction. The reminder is not a part of the formal enforcement process and may come in the mail or electronically, if a homeowner has opted to receive electronic notices.
Are the restrictions enforced uniformly, or am I being singled out?
The HOA Board does its best to ensure that all homeowners are treated fairly and equally.
Does someone patrol the neighborhood looking for restriction violations?
Yes, and sometimes photos are taken to ensure accurate data and to provide the materials required for successful resolution.
What will happen if I don’t follow the restrictions?
Continued restriction infractions will lead to notices, fines or other legal actions.
How come I get a restriction reminder when some of my neighbors are doing the same thing?
If your neighbors are doing the same thing, chances are they are also in the enforcement process and you just don’t know it. Please contact the HOA Board if you have concerns.
Rental Property
What do I need to do if I want to rent my property?
The decision to rent is solely up to the homeowner. However, the tenants must also follow the CC&Rs, just like all other homeowners. The CC&Rs do provide for a three-month minimum lease duration for renters in order to prevent high turnover and also require tenant registration by the owner with the HOA. Submit a request via the Owner Portal or contact the HOA Board for registration instructions.
What if my tenants do not follow the CC&Rs?
It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that tenants understand and follow the CC&Rs. Since the HOA has limited leverage to require tenant compliance, owners are responsible for resolving enforcement notices and ultimately, any fines.
What are the most common issues with tenants?
The biggest issues we have with renters are parking on the street and maintenance of the landscaping. Once in a while, we have issues with garbage cans left out and with garage doors open when not in use. Dogs barking and waste disposal can also be an issue.
What should I have in my lease to protect myself if my tenants do not follow the CC&Rs?
Owners who rent should consult an attorney about what should be in their lease agreement. The owner may want to consider a fine payment clause and/or termination clause in the rental agreement that can be enforced if the tenant does not follow the CC&Rs.
Is there a restriction on the number of rental units?
No, there is no restriction on the number of rental units in Cobblestone.
Is there a minimum lease duration?
Yes, all leases must have a minimum term of three months.
The decision to rent is solely up to the homeowner. However, the tenants must also follow the CC&Rs, just like all other homeowners. The CC&Rs do provide for a three-month minimum lease duration for renters in order to prevent high turnover and also require tenant registration by the owner with the HOA. Submit a request via the Owner Portal or contact the HOA Board for registration instructions.
What if my tenants do not follow the CC&Rs?
It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that tenants understand and follow the CC&Rs. Since the HOA has limited leverage to require tenant compliance, owners are responsible for resolving enforcement notices and ultimately, any fines.
What are the most common issues with tenants?
The biggest issues we have with renters are parking on the street and maintenance of the landscaping. Once in a while, we have issues with garbage cans left out and with garage doors open when not in use. Dogs barking and waste disposal can also be an issue.
What should I have in my lease to protect myself if my tenants do not follow the CC&Rs?
Owners who rent should consult an attorney about what should be in their lease agreement. The owner may want to consider a fine payment clause and/or termination clause in the rental agreement that can be enforced if the tenant does not follow the CC&Rs.
Is there a restriction on the number of rental units?
No, there is no restriction on the number of rental units in Cobblestone.
Is there a minimum lease duration?
Yes, all leases must have a minimum term of three months.
Meetings
When are the Board of Directors meetings held?
The CC&Rs require that a Board of Directors meeting be held at least once per quarter (four times per year). The schedule of Board meetings is posted in the Calendar section of the Owner Portal.
Can anyone come to the Board meetings?
Yes, Board meetings are open meetings, so any homeowner or homeowner’s agent can attend.
When is the Annual Homeowners Meeting?
The Board is required to hold an Annual Homeowners Meeting, which is typically held in November. The schedule of HOA meetings is posted in the Calendar section of the Owner Portal.
What takes place at the Annual Homeowners Meeting?
At each Annual Meeting there is an election for one or more Board members, an update on HOA activity, and an open discussion of any topics the participants want to address. In order to hold the Annual Meeting, a quorum of homeowners must be in attendance (25 percent of the homeowners, including attendance by proxy).
The CC&Rs require that a Board of Directors meeting be held at least once per quarter (four times per year). The schedule of Board meetings is posted in the Calendar section of the Owner Portal.
Can anyone come to the Board meetings?
Yes, Board meetings are open meetings, so any homeowner or homeowner’s agent can attend.
When is the Annual Homeowners Meeting?
The Board is required to hold an Annual Homeowners Meeting, which is typically held in November. The schedule of HOA meetings is posted in the Calendar section of the Owner Portal.
What takes place at the Annual Homeowners Meeting?
At each Annual Meeting there is an election for one or more Board members, an update on HOA activity, and an open discussion of any topics the participants want to address. In order to hold the Annual Meeting, a quorum of homeowners must be in attendance (25 percent of the homeowners, including attendance by proxy).
Dues & Assessments
How are the dues determined each year?
Generally the annual budgeting steps include:
What if I can’t pay my dues on time?
If you find you cannot pay your dues on time, contact the HOA Board to discuss possible payment plans.
What if I don’t pay my dues at all?
Typically, dues are payable by January 31. If not paid by the end of January, a reminder will be sent out. If not paid by mid-February, a $25 late fee will be added. If not paid by the end of February, a demand letter will be sent out and interest will be charged for February and interest charges will continue until paid. If unpaid at the end of March, the account will be turned over to collections.
Who manages collections for the HOA when people don’t pay their dues assessments or fines?
Our collections agent is Vial-Fotheringham, LLC, who specializes in HOA law and runs a collections process for many HOAs. The legal cost for collections is the responsibility of the owner, who is the focus of the collections process, per the CC&Rs.
Generally the annual budgeting steps include:
- Updating the capital reserve study
- Soliciting contract updates and/or bids
- Drafting a proposed budget based on historic spending and new input, complete with proposed dues for the following year
- Approval of the proposed budget and dues by a majority of the Board
- Ratification of the approved budget and dues by the homeowners at a Special Budget Ratification Meeting
- Sending dues invoices to all owners
What if I can’t pay my dues on time?
If you find you cannot pay your dues on time, contact the HOA Board to discuss possible payment plans.
What if I don’t pay my dues at all?
Typically, dues are payable by January 31. If not paid by the end of January, a reminder will be sent out. If not paid by mid-February, a $25 late fee will be added. If not paid by the end of February, a demand letter will be sent out and interest will be charged for February and interest charges will continue until paid. If unpaid at the end of March, the account will be turned over to collections.
Who manages collections for the HOA when people don’t pay their dues assessments or fines?
Our collections agent is Vial-Fotheringham, LLC, who specializes in HOA law and runs a collections process for many HOAs. The legal cost for collections is the responsibility of the owner, who is the focus of the collections process, per the CC&Rs.
Miscellaneous
Why doesn’t the HOA maintain the parkland between the East and West parts of Cobblestone?
The land between the East and West parts of Cobblestone is wetlands, not parkland. With the exception of the playgrounds and the paths, it is not a play area nor a park, but a water detention and distribution system. Clark County is very strict about what can be done in the wetlands because they were created to slow down water flow and to settle and filter out impurities before the water reaches the Columbia River.
Who provides legal assistance to the HOA?
Legal assistance is provided by Vial-Fotheringham, LLC, of Portland, OR.
Does the HOA have insurance?
Yes, the HOA holds two different insurance policies it purchases with homeowner dues. One is a general policy that primarily covers liability insurance for the common areas. The other is Board and Officer liability insurance to protect the volunteer Board of Directors and Officers from lawsuits.
The land between the East and West parts of Cobblestone is wetlands, not parkland. With the exception of the playgrounds and the paths, it is not a play area nor a park, but a water detention and distribution system. Clark County is very strict about what can be done in the wetlands because they were created to slow down water flow and to settle and filter out impurities before the water reaches the Columbia River.
Who provides legal assistance to the HOA?
Legal assistance is provided by Vial-Fotheringham, LLC, of Portland, OR.
Does the HOA have insurance?
Yes, the HOA holds two different insurance policies it purchases with homeowner dues. One is a general policy that primarily covers liability insurance for the common areas. The other is Board and Officer liability insurance to protect the volunteer Board of Directors and Officers from lawsuits.