DESIGN, LAND USE and CONSTRUCTION

At least 45 days before you plan to begin a project to renovate or replace any structure or permanent fixture on your lot, please contact the Design, Land Use and Construction Chair. Design, Land Use and Construction Guideline forms can be downloaded from the website. It is best to do this as early as possible in the process as Windermere Covenants usually apply. It will save you time and money in design and construction costs to know your Windermere Covenant restrictions before you start planning. Almost all Windermere properties have different setbacks than the City of Seattle. Remember to submit your plans for board review and approval ASAP. The Board must review all recommendations from the Design, Land Use and Construction Chair and the Board meets only once a month. This is a short summary of what is needed:
  • A copy of your Statutory Deed
  • A copy of your Windermere Deed
  • A check for $175 payable to Windermere Corporation
  • Board approval is required before any construction begins (per Article VIII; item (3) District Planning Section of the Bylaws)
CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES
The following Guidelines apply to all construction workers who will be working on your property even when not remodeling but hiring workmen for outside repairs, roofing, etc.
  • Working hours are Monday - Friday  7:30 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday 8:00 am - 4:00pm, Sunday no work is permitted
  • Debris must be cleaned up on a daily basis and no debris should be visible from the street or neighbors’ home. Some dumpsters may need covering.
  • Dirt and mud must be kept from the streets
  • Dust control must be maintained in unimproved areas
  • Noise control is essential and loud music and offensive language is not
          allowed
GREEN & GROWING (too much)
The City of Seattle has policies and requirements concerning shrubbery and trees encroaching on the right of way with the following citations from their website:
  • Property owners must trim or remove overhanging trees, plants, shrubs, vegetation or debris which obstructions streets, alleys or sidewalks. In most cases trees interfering with vehicle visibility must be trimmed by the property owner. All trees must be maintained to provide 8 feet of clearance above sidewalks and 14 feet above roadways.
  • Complaints about tree overgrowth on private property should be reported to the Department of Planning and Development at 206-684-7899. Please first speak directly with your neighbor.
  • “Green Seattle Guide” Suggestion #51 is – Remove ivy and other invasive species. Please walk the entire perimeter of your property to check for encroachments from your landscaping.
  • Even well maintained hedges and bushes can obstruct sidewalks or alleys, violating City ordinances and interfering with neighborly use of those spaces. Trees that bend down over the sidewalks are a walking hazard to our residents.
  • Seattle has an ordinance dealing with the maximum number of trees that can be removed in a year.
  • Any "green and growing" issues need to be addressed neighbor to neighbor or via the city as a last resort. The Board has no authority but can contact the neighbor if you have had no luck yourself.
If you have additional questions click here.

Approval & Guidelines

All property owners must obtain prior approval for any exterior construction or improvements to the main structure or any new or existing outlying structures on the property. 
Construction Approval Process
winddesignapproval_2020.pdf
File Size: 82 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Construction Guidelines 2020
windconstguidelines_2020no_name.pdf
File Size: 74 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
STREET LIGHTS
Call City Light at 684-7056 or email at street.light@seattle.gov if you see a streetlight bulb that needs to be replaced.