Notice of Proposed Rule Updates

by SARAH HOEY IHCA Executive Director

Per the Issaquah Highlands Community Association's (IHCA) governing documents, changes to the Use Restrictions and Rules (URRs) must be posted for public comment before the IHCA Board of Directors formally approves the changes. The proposed changes to the URRs were presented to the IHCA board on Feb. 27, 2023, and approved for publishing with a 30-day public comment period.

If you have any comments or questions regarding the proposed changes, please contact Jordan Rousu at Jordan.R@ ihcommunity.org. The deadline for homeowner feedback is April 30, 2023. Your feedback will be reported to the board during the May 2023 board meeting. Visit issaquahhighlands. com/events for meeting details.

Note proposed changes in red. To read the original documents in full, please visit issaquahhighlands.com.

There is currently a rule on acceptable yard signage, which prohibits Booster Club signs around school graduation and sports. Last year during graduation season, the IHCA Board of Directors granted an emergency variance to this rule to support all student graduates that reside in the community.

Current rule:

Signage may not be displayed in windows or posted on residential properties, except as otherwise expressly provided in these rules.

Proposed rule update:

Yard signs relating to academics and scholastic sports are allowed to be displayed in windows and yards for 45 days. No more than two signs permitted.

Due to the record-breaking summer temperatures in recent years, the IHCA understands that many owners do not have central air conditioning options.

Current rule:

Prior to the installation of any air conditioning unit, you must seek approval from the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Applications can be found at issaquahhighlands.com. Window air conditioning units must be mounted flush to the window and prohibited to protrude externally.

Proposed rule update: Temporary window air conditioning units, which protrude externally, can be used in extreme hot weather months on a temporary basis only. The following restrictions apply:

• Renters, rental units, apartment complexes and condominiums are required to seek approval from owners or management companies prior to installing.

• AC units must be installed in a professional manor. No man-made wood or metal structures will be allowed to support the unit.

• The City of Issaquah decimal ratings state that AC units may not exceed 75 decimals of noise. Loud or rattling units are not allowed.

• Permanent AC units and heat pumps require ARC approval prior to installing.

• All temporary AC window units must be removed from the windows and stored out of site no later than Oct. 1.

Recommendation to help promote green initiatives and reduce our carbon footprints.

Current rule:

Construction, erection or placement of anything (permanently or temporarily) on the outside portions of the unit is prohibited. This includes but is not limited to signs, swimming pools, swing sets, play equipment, storage sheds and containers, dog runs, fences and other landscape improvements. Clotheslines of any type or style are prohibited within Issaquah Highlands.

Proposed rule update: Clotheslines or drying racks are allowed only under the following conditions. Requirements include:

• All clotheslines or drying racks must be installed in the back yards only. Placement in front yards, porches, front balconies and side yards are not allowed. Clotheslines or drying racks may not be installed or attached to portions of the home visible from the common area property, common areas or streets.

• Clotheslines or drying racks must be retractable or taken down when not in use. They are only allowed in the summer months from May – September.

• Clotheslines may not exceed 6 feet. Drying racks may not extend 60 inches above ground.

• Renters, rental units, apartment complexes and condominiums are required to seek approval from owners or management companies prior to installing.

by SARAH HOEY IHCA Executive Director

Obstructed or missing house numbers are never a good idea. Please take a moment to ensure that your house numbers are not obstructed by vegetation or decorations and clearly stand out on the front of your home.

Emergency services rely on proper house number identification to make timely responses in the event of a crisis. Plus, it helps to ensure proper visitors, package and food deliveries as well. If you are repainting your home, consider updating your address

Did you know…You can install a fence without waiting for the IHCA Architectural Review Committee to get approval. Simply submit an application to the IHCA office and choose one of the pre-approved styles and stains. There is no fee, and approval is immediate if it meets the requirements. Email Blair.k@ihcommunity. org for details.

numbers to ensure they can be clearly seen from the street.

Additionally, having visible and legible house identification is a legal requirement of almost every municipal city government and fire department.

Issaquah Municipal Code (16.04.100) states the following:

Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property. These numbers shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet letters. Numbers shall not be less than 4 inches (102 mm) in height.

Find ARC guidelines and applications at issaquahhighlands.com/ARC.

Any trash (grey), recycling (blue), or yard waste (green) containers and/or bags and other trash containers must be stored indoors in a garage or in an ARC approved enclosure during non-pickup hours. Trash cans may only be placed at the curb/street for pickup 12 hours prior and 12 hours after pickup time.

For complete rules and standards, visit issaquahhighlands.com. Questions? Call the IHCA at (425) 427-9257 or email asktheihca@ihcommunity.org.

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