Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association

House Rules

Table of Contents

Building Exterior and Common/Limited Areas
Decks, Patios, and Building Exterior
Cable and Satellite  TV
Chimney and Fireplaces
Entry for Inspection and Repairs
Heat Pump - Air Conditioning
Hoses
Insurance
Landscape
Offensive Activity
Parking
Pets
Propane  Tank
Residential Usage
Sale of Unit
Leasing
Signs
Trash Containers and Collection
Unit Interiors
Unit Owner Remodeling Responsibilities
Wild Animals
Damage Responsibilities
House Rules and the CC&Rs

 

Inner Harbor Village House Rules promote and encourage a harmonious environment for Village residents.  The House Rules provide a community guide to protect common interest in property, and to serve as an avenue for resolution of problems.  The Rules are not intended to limit reasonable conduct.  The Inner Harbor Village CC & R’s, South Bay Community Association (SBCA) CC & R’s and SBCA Design Standards shall prevail regarding any inconsistency with the House Rules.

The Inner Harbor Board of Directors (BoD) is responsible for the standard of appearance and condition of buildings and common/limited-common areas with respect to the necessity for and manner of maintaining, repainting, or decorating.

The BoD will notify owners and residents in writing regarding any violations of House Rules.  A reasonable time period of not less than five (5) or more than thirty (30) days shall be granted by the BoD for owner/resident compliance with the rules.

Section 14.4 (see attachment at the end of this document) of the IHVCA CC&Rs provides the authority to adopt these House Rules.

A.      Building Exterior and Common/Limited Common Areas

  1. The BoD controls paint colors applied to buildings, including doors, railings, siding and trim.
  2. Homeowners or residents may not modify or alter the color or material of the exterior of their unit without prior written approval of the BoD.
  3. Plain white screen and storm doors are permitted.

 

B.  Decks, Patios, and Building Exterior

  1. Individual homeowners bear the responsibility for cleaning and caring for any patios, decks, porches, and railings immediately adjacent to their dwelling units.  This includes activities such as sweeping, washing, grease removal, keeping free of debris and unsightly items.  Railings should be kept free of flower pots or other items that could fall and cause damage or that may mar, stain or otherwise damage surfaces.  If flower pots or other items are placed on decks, they should be periodically moved to prevent staining or water damage, and water retention saucers should always be used.  Individual homeowners also bear responsibility for informing the Board of Directors, in writing, of any deterioration observed.
  2. Owners may refinish decks, porch floors, and rails upon approval by the board.  The BoD shall approve material and color.
  3. Any nail or screw holes in common area siding or trim must be repaired by the resident prior to resale, repainting, etc.  Such holes must be kept to an absolute minimum.
  4. Owners of units with shared porches may add furniture, plants and decorative articles that neighbors agree to and that do not detract from the overall appearance of the Village.
  5. Except for areas specifically designed for storage, items will not be kept in common areas or on or under decks, porches, patios or stairways.
  6. Decorative lighting is permitted October 27-November 1 and December 1- January 15. 
  7. Residents objecting to articles on porches, decks or patios for aesthetic or view impairment reasons are encouraged to discuss the matter with the neighbor. Unresolved disputes can be sent to the BoD in writing for resolution.  The BoD’s decision in these matters is final.

 

C.  Cable and Satellite TV

  1. Satellite TV antennas are permitted at the owner’s expense in a location approved by the SBCA Architectural Review Committee.

 

D.  Chimney/Fireplace

1.      Owners must maintain their fireplaces and chimneys in a manner that prevents discoloration in the area of the chimney top surround.  If material is burned in the fireplace, the chimney must be inspected once per year, and cleaned if required.  Propane fireplaces are exempted from inspection and cleaning.

2.   Wet or resinous wood can cause a creosote buildup in the chimney.  Refrain from  burning more than one artificial log or one
 with a paraffin binder at a time.  This can result in a chimney fire due to excessive heat.

      3.   Fireplace wood may not be stacked next to buildings. Wood may be stacked in designated common areas (check with BoD).

 

E.  Entry for Inspection or Repairs

  1. The BoD or its agents may enter individual units for inspection, repairs, or emergencies.  Owners will be provided advance notice and explanation for the entry except in times of great emergency.
  2. Owners leaving the area for extended periods must provide entry availability to the BoD or agent during their absence.
  3. Entry will be made with minimal inconvenience to the unit residents.

 

F. Heat Pumps and Air Conditioning

  1. The installation of heat pumps and/or air-conditioning in duplex units is permitted upon obtaining written approval from the BoD at least 30 days prior to installation.  In some instances, installation may not be feasible.  Installation in four-plex units is not practical because of noise and appearance considerations.
  2. Owners are responsible for all costs associated with the purchase, installation and maintenance of the systems

 

G.  Hoses

  1. Water hoses must be stored inside of garages or out of street view when not in use.

 

H.  Insurance

  1. Liability Insurance on building exterior and common and limited common areas is provided by the Association.  Owners and residents are encouraged to purchase condo or renters insurance to cover interior damage and personal belongings.
  2. Owners and residents shall not permit anything to be done or kept in the unit or in the common and limited common area, which will result or lead to increased rates or cancellation of insurance or is in violation of county, state or federal laws. 

 

I.  Landscape

  1. The association provides landscape service for all common areas.
  2. All owners of units in a building may petition the BoD to change the landscape around their building.  Unit owners are responsible for any and all costs associated with the change.
  3. Removal of weeds by residents is permitted.
  4. Removal or limbing of trees is not permitted without prior BoD approval.

 

J.   Offensive Activity

  1. No rubbish or debris of any kind is permitted on or near any unit that would render it unsanitary, unsightly, offensive or detrimental to any other property in the vicinity or to its occupants.  No loud or offensive noise, excessively glaring or bright lights, foul odors or any other use or practice that annoys residents or interferes with the peaceful enjoyment or possession and proper use of the properties, or any portion of them, is permitted.
  2. No exterior speakers, horns, whistles, bells or other sound devices except security devices used exclusively for security purposes, may be placed on any unit without the prior written approval of the BoD. 
  3. Unreasonable noises penetrating beyond the private property of an Owner are not permitted between the hours of 11:00 P.M. and 7:30 A.M.  The BoD, in its sole discretion, shall determine the existence of any such nuisance.
  4. Air drying of personal articles (laundry, etc.) is not permitted if viewable by others.

 

K.  Parking

  1. One off street parking area is provided for each condo unit.
  2. Only properly licensed and insured operable automobiles, motorcycles and light pickup trucks are permitted.  Light pickup trucks are defined as having no more than 4 standard wheels and a footprint no greater than ½-ton pickup.
  3. Vehicles are not permitted to extend into the street.
  4. If a conflict arises because occupants or guests prevent other occupants from occupying a space near their unit, the BoD reserves the right to request that the offending party move all but one of their vehicles elsewhere.
  5. Vehicle maintenance such as changing oil, engine repairs, etc. is not permitted in common areas.
  6. Owners and Residents are responsible for keeping driveways free of oil drips and debris.
  7. Parking in driveways on a regular basis is discouraged.

 

L.  Pets

  1. Dogs must be leashed or carried and under the owner’s or resident’s control in common areas.
  2. Pet waste must be immediately removed from common areas.
  3. Barking and other pet noise that disturbs or threatens residents is not permitted.
  4. Damage to common or personal property caused by a pet will be repaired and/or replaced at the pet owner’s expense.
  5. Decks, patios, porches, and storage rooms shall not be used to kennel pets, tethered or not, nor are pets to be allowed to relieve themselves in these areas.

 

M.  Propane Tanks

  1. The installation of propane tanks for gas fireplaces is permitted if approved by the BoD and the SBCA Architectural Review Committee.
  2. Tanks must be screened with shrubs at owners’ expense.
  3. Owners must submit written requests, with tank placement and shrub screen plan, and signed by neighbors in view of the tank, for approval.  Allow 30 days for review and response.

 

N.  Residential Usage

  1. Units are to be used for residential purposes only.

 

O.  Sale of Units

  1. Units must be in full compliance with Inner Harbor House Rules, and applicable Inner Harbor and South Bay Design Standards at time of sale.

 

P.  Leasing

  1. Leasing of units in their entirety is permitted.  Lease terms must be for at least six months.
  2. Leases must be in writing and copies of completed and signed leases are to be returned to the BoD at least 14 days prior to tenant occupancy.
  3. Owners must provide tenants with copies of Inner Harbor Village House Rules and CC & R’s; and South Bay Community Association CC & R’s and Design Standards.
  4. Owners are required to provide the BoD with an owner/tenant signed House Rules/CC & R’s compliance agreement form, available from the BoD. 
  5. Owners must provide the BoD with tenant information, including, names, and emergency telephone numbers. 
  6. Owners shall be held responsible for any damage to buildings, common, and limited common areas caused by tenants, tenant’s family members or visitors.  Leasing of a condo unit does not constitute a waiver or relinquishment of the owner’s responsibilities as specified in the House Rules, Inner Harbor Village and South Bay Community Association CC & R’s.

 

Q.  Signs

  1. Temporary “For Sale” or “For Lease” signs of a size and placement designated by the BoD and in compliance with South Bay Community Association CC & R’s are permitted.  These signs should be placed discretely by the dwelling’s garage with the face of the sign parallel to the street.  Neighbors should not be able to view the sign from their units.
  2. No signs of any other kind are permitted without prior written BoD approval.

 

R.  Trash Containers and Collection

  1. Trash containers up to a maximum of 32 gallons are required.
  2. Trash containers must be stored in garages during non-collection periods.
  3. Trash placed only in plastic bags for collection is not permitted.

 

S.  Unit Interiors

  1. Owners are responsible for keeping the interior of their unit in good repair and condition.
  2. Owners are responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting and electrical fixtures, heating and cooling equipment, water heater, etc.
  3. Owners, at their own expense, may remodel the interior of their unit, including walls, ceilings, windows, doors, etc.

4.      Modifications may not be made to unit interiors that adversely affect the structural integrity, sound transmission, mechanical or electrical systems, or diminish in any way, the viability, or remaining useful life of any portion of the building.

 

T.  Unit Owner Remodeling Responsibilities

  1. Tools, equipment, and materials used during remodeling/construction must be stored in the unit and not in common/limited common areas.
  2. Homeowners are responsible for:
    1. Cleaning messes, spills, leaks, or debris left in common/limited common areas.
    2. Reimbursing the Association for damages to common/limited common areas.
    3. Disposing of combustible and environmentally hazardous materials in compliance with environment laws.
    4. Removal and proper disposal of paint cans, carpet, wood scraps, and other construction debris.
  3. Remodeling/construction work causing noise, dust, fumes or clutter is permitted between 7:30 AM and 5:00 PM, weekdays.  The BoD may waive this requirement in special circumstances.

 

U.  Wild Animals

  1. Bird feeders are permitted but must not intrude or cause problems for neighboring units.
  2. Feeding of raccoons and other wild animals is not permitted.

 

V.  Windows and Shades

  1. Window shades, blinds, drapes or other window covering material must be white as viewed from the exterior of the building.

 

W.  Damage Responsibility

  1. Homeowners are responsible for all costs to repair damage caused by any occupant or guest.
  2. If it is necessary for the Association to correct damage caused by an occupant, the cost will be added to the owner’s quarterly assessment.

 

X.  While Away

  1. Maintain heat in unit at 50° F.
  2. Turn off water at the unit shut off valve. Some valves are inside of the unit while others are outside.
  3. When water is turned off to the unit, the water heater needs to be turned off at the electrical panel box in the garage to prevent damage to the water heater.

 

Approved by the IHVCA Board of Directors, October 20, 2005

House Rules Authorization in CC&Rs:

Section 14.4.  The Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association Rules. The Board of Directors shall be empowered to adopt, amend, or repeal such Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association Rules as it deems reasonable and appropriate, which shall be binding upon all persons and entities subject to this Declaration, whether Members of Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association or not; provided, however, that the Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association Rules shall not discriminate among Members and shall not be contrary to or inconsistent with the other Governing Documents. The Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association Rules may also include the establishment of a system of fines and penalties for enforcement of such Rules and may, further, be established, modified or amended at any special or regular meeting of the Board of Directors.

The Inner Harbor Village Condominium Rules are deemed incorporated herein by this reference and shall have the same force and effect as if they were set forth in and were part of this Declaration and shall be binding on all persons or entities having any interest in, or making any use of,  any part of the common areas or any other property within Inner Harbor Village Condominium, whether or not Members of the Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association and whether or not copies of the Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association Rules are actually received by such persons or entities. Said Rules, as adopted, amended, modified or repealed shall be available for review at the principal office of the Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association, or such other location within South Bay as designated by the Board of Directors, to each person or entity reasonably entitled thereto. In the event of a conflict between any provisions of the Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association Rules and any provisions of the Master Declaration or this Declaration, the provisions of the Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association Rules shall be deemed to be superseded by the provisions of the Master Declaration and this Declaration to the extent of any such conflict. Any monetary penalties or fines imposed by the Inner Harbor Village Condominium Association Rules shall be treated as an Assessment which may become a lien against the Members' dwelling unit and enforceable in accordance with the provisions for enforcement set forth herein and/or any other remedies available under Washington law, as adopted or amended hereafter.

10/25/05