Guide to Initiating a Compliance Request

If you (the "Initiator") believe a neighboring property (the "Subject") is not compliant with the Innis Arden Covenants (e.g., obstructed views, unapproved construction), follow this process to initiate a compliance review.

1. Understand the Standards

Review the relevant Restrictive Mutual Easements (Covenants) for your plat (Innis Arden No. 1, 2, or 3).
Identify the specific section or rule you believe is being violated.

2. Attempt Neighbor-to-Neighbor Resolution

Contact your neighbor directly to discuss the concern. Be respectful, clear, and try to develop a shared understanding of the problem (often caused by the vegetation and not through deliberate action of your neighbor).
Encourage problem-solving and voluntary remediation, if possible.
Mutual understanding goes a long way—most issues stem from natural overgrowth or overlooked maintenance, not ill intent.

3. Submit a Formal Request

Document Your Communication

If it is necessary to contact the Board, document your communication with your neighbor, including:

A written record of your outreach efforts (e.g., emails, letters, phone calls, text messages, or notes from verbal conversations).
Dates of communication and any responses received.
Photos or visual evidence supporting the issue (e.g., view obstruction).

Submitting a Request

Send your documentation to the Board at compliance@innisarden.org and include:

A summary of the issue.
Relevant covenant references.
Your record of communication.
Supporting photos.

4. Board Review of Initiator

Upon receipt, a compliance case is created. The Compliance Committee reviews the information and may schedule a site visit. After internal deliberation, the Committee will advance the matter to the full Board and schedule a site visit of the Initiator's property. Prior to the site visit, the Board will review the submitted materials.

5. Notice to Subject

Once the Board has determined there is adequate justification for action, the Board will escalate the compliance case and formally notify the neighbor (the Subject) of the pending compliance matter. If necessary, the Board will request a site visit of the Subject to understand the constraints of the situation and collect its own information.

6. Hearing and Resolution

If the Board cannot facilitate a reasonable outcome with the subject, the Board will schedule a Compliance Hearing. At the Compliance Hearing, the Board will vote on the matter to determine if a property is in or out of compliance. Once decided at the Compliance Hearing, the Board will provide a formal written decision.

The City of Shoreline may also be involved in the resolution process (i.e. permitting), especially in cases involving trees, critical slopes, or stormwater management. Their regulations can influence timelines and the scope of what actions are permitted. Cooperation and good faith among all parties—including the City—greatly enhance the likelihood of a timely and positive resolution.

Notes

Incomplete requests may be returned.
Anonymous complaints are not accepted.
Legal enforcement is a last resort after good-faith efforts and due process have been exhausted.

Tips for Successful Resident-Led Resolution

Lead with goodwill. Many compliance issues can be resolved with a calm conversation and mutual understanding.
Offer to share in the cost. While not required, contributing to or facilitating tree work or landscaping may encourage cooperation—especially if you are the primary beneficiary.
Discuss long-term solutions. Encourage the replacement of trees or plants with species that stay within compliance thresholds (e.g., shorter shrubs instead of tall trees).
Document progress. Keep a record of any agreements, work performed, or shared decisions in writing.

Building a positive relationship with your neighbor can help avoid future disputes and preserve community harmony.

✅ Quick Submission Checklist

Before submitting a compliance concern, make sure you’ve gathered the following:

[ ] Description of the issue (e.g., obstructed view, structural issue, debris)
[ ] Covenant reference (cite the specific rule or restriction, if known)
[ ] Photographs or visual documentation
[ ] History and timeline of the issue (when it started or was observed)
[ ] Record of your communication with your neighbor (dates, emails, letters, text messages, notes, etc)
[ ] Your contact information
[ ] Send everything to compliance@innisarden.org with the subject line: “Compliance Concern – [Address or Lot/Block]”

Submissions without sufficient documentation or neighbor outreach may be returned for additional follow-up.