We believe that everybody wants to get along and live harmoniously in a great neighborhood. We, the HCCA, are here to promote that ideal. However, as with any group of human beings, disputes sometimes occur.
In light of that, here are some guidelines to address common disputes.
Dispute Resources
- The first step in any dispute resolution should be a non-confrontational conversation. HCCA Members can find resident contact information in the Resident Directory.
- City of Bellevue Conflict Resolution Center
- Horizon Crest Codes, Covenants and Restrictions (CC&Rs) – These are the mandatory requirements governing owning a home in Horizon Crest.
- City of Bellevue Land Use Codes – These are the mandatory requirements governing owning a home in Bellevue.
- Code and Covenant Advisory Committee – This committee exists to interpret the above two requirements sources.
- City of Bellevue Code Compliance Office
Common Disputes
- Parking – Your garage or driveway should always be your first option for parking. On street parking is limited to 24 hours by Bellevue Code. Parking on a curve or directly across from another vehicle restricts traffic flow, could contribute to a collision and could impede emergency vehicles. When a snow storm is impending, it is critical that you not park on the street at all! That way, snow plows can better do their work, and there’s less chance of a sliding vehicle colliding with yours.
- Sidewalks – Bellevue Code dictates sidewalk maintenance responsibility to the homeowner. Sidewalks should be kept clear of snow and debris. Vegetation should be cut back one foot inward, and seven feet above the sidewalk. The many residents that walk our neighborhood will thank you! Also, the street sweeper and garbage trucks need this clearance.
- Garbage Cans – Garbage cans should be placed in the street against the curb, not on the sidewalk. Please remove your cans from the street the day they are emptied.
- Trailers, RVs, Motor homes – The CC&Rs prohibit parking these vehicles within sight. You may park them in your garage, or arrange off-site storage.
- Rentals – The HCCA has published a Memorandum of Understanding to clarify the many CC&R and Bellevue Code requirements. Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are prohibited by the CC&Rs. Long-term room rentals are allowed for no more than two rooms, with the owner living in the house, and a City of Bellevue permit granted. Other specific limitations also apply.
- Trees and Views – For only the homes in Area 2, the CC&Rs do require that “Except for existing trees of exceptional beauty now exceeding the height limitations imposed by this paragraph, the height of trees and shrubs shall not be permitted to unreasonably interfere with the territorial view from other lots in this plat.” What this practically means is that if the tree was already view-blocking in 1977, then it is not violating the CC&Rs. For newer trees, the only solution that has been successful to resolve view-blocking tree disputes, is to work cooperatively with the neighbor to either share or take on the entire cost of cutting the tree, or pruning lower limbs. Removal of more than five significant trees (greater than 8 inch diameter 4 feet above ground) within three years requires a permit.