Public Comment Period Now Open Until April 30
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. The deadline for homeowner feedback is April 30, 2023. Your feedback will be reported to the board during the May 2023 board meeting. Visit the Issaquah Highlands calendar for meeting details.
Note proposed changes in italics. To read the original documents in full, please visit Use Restrictions & Rules.
Signage
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.
Air Conditioner Units
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 here. 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.
Clotheslines
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.
