What kinds of restrictions are found in Covenants (CC&Rs) in the Sequim area? Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions are common in real estate developments in and around Sequim. It’s good to know that surrounding properties are subject to restrictions, because when you buy a lot or a home, the last thing you want is a neighbor destroying the value of your lot. Here are the kinds of common restrictions you will see in Covenants in Clallam County, including Sequim and Port Angeles.
Covenants and Specific Restrictions
Residential Character.  Covenants will set out the intent of the restrictions–to maintain the residential character of the property. This precludes commercial or industrial uses of any kind. No one wants a junkyard next door or a pig farm upwind.
Single Family Homes.  Covenants will also specifically prohibit all but single family homes. When you build your retirement home, you’re most likely hoping that a 100 unit apartment complex will not be built in your backyard.
Architectural Control. Most developments will have limitations on the size or height of a home. In an area like Sequim where you have gorgeous water views and stunning mountain views, and sometimes both, there will be some restrictions on the location (setbacks) and height of homes.
View Easements. If many of the homes have water views, especially on a hillside, there may be a view easement. Trees on your property that could grow up tall enough or fill out enough to hinder an adjacent property’s water view must be trimmed by you to preserve your neighbor’s water view.
Covenants and Animals
Animal Control. The Sequim valley is an agricultural and farming area, so you will also typically see a clause which states that you can have household pets but not animals raised for sale, and some Covenants with larger lots will specifically state that you can have no more than two horses (or Llamas or sheep).
Private Nuisance. A private nuisance can mean a lot of things, but discharging firearms is considered a private nuisance.
Fences. There is often a height restriction on fences, for example, six feet.
Covenants in the Sequim area are not typically much more restrictive than these items. The idea is to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood, and that is simple enough and a good thing.
Last Updated on October 8, 2013 by Chuck Marunde
