The Cedars (Phase 1)
History
1973 — 2012: A Volunteer Community is Established
Phase I of The Cedars is a unique, tree-lined neighborhood adjacent to the Gordy Jolma Family Natural Area near Battle Ground, Washington. The first lots were sold in 1973. Neighbors soon formed work crews to fix up the entry and log sign, and built a scenic footpath and bridge. They started a Neighborhood Watch program, and held picnics and barbecues. Together, they fashioned a 48-home community.
Lot owners moving into The Cedars receive a copy of The Cedars CC&Rs with their title. The CC&Rs include rules and regulations for all lots in several phases of The Cedars, on both sides of Salmon Creek. But the defined Cedars HOA was never formed due to a lack of need. With no formal HOA or mandatory dues, the neighborhood began functioning as a simple, volunteer community.
2012 — 2017: The Bogus "Cedars I HOA"
The Cedars CC&Rs don't permit separate HOAs for the individual phases; they apply equally to all the phases. But in December 2011, five new lot owners formed a bogus “Cedars Phase I HOA,” seating themselves as its directors. A board member(s) altered The Cedars CC&Rs to be specific for only Phase I, altered the boundary map, and distributed the misleading documents to the residents. Next, the board demanded membership and fees from the residents, and threatened liens on the homes of neighbors who objected!
It was several years before residents discovered that the CC&Rs and its associated boundary map had been switched, and that the homeowners had been misled. In truth, the directors had no lawful authority to demand membership and collect dues. In 2015, attorneys examined the original 1973 CC&Rs and boundary map. They readily determined that the Cedars I HOA was illegal. The State of Washington dissolved the Cedars I HOA in April 2017.
Today
Cedars Phase I continues as an informal volunteer community, with folks working together to keep the neighborhood clean and safe. Because Cedars I is such a small neighborhood, it only takes a small amount of cooperation and effort on everyone’s part.
The CC&R Rules for Properties
Even though there is no active legal HOA, The Cedars CC&Rs are in effect and remain a binding legal contract between all lot owners. The CC&Rs include simple rules for street parking, noise, fences, new construction, and maintaining properties to uphold the community “look and feel."
If you become aware of a violation, talk to the lot owner about it — they may not know about the CC&R rules. If respectful communication doesn’t work, lot owners can bring suit against violators as a last resort, and recover attorney fees if they have a good case according to the CC&Rs and Washington law.
Residents must also abide by various county laws concerning things such as noise, pollution, fireworks, trash and burning. Violations can be reported to the Clark County authorities if direct communication with a neighbor is ineffective.
Please see the “CC&Rs” page of this website for more info and a summary of rules.
Streets
If you see a street light out, a water line leak, or a street in need of repair — its easy to report it to the appropriate Clark County official. We’ve included a list of contacts on the "CC&Rs” page of this website. And if you see litter on our streets, don’t wait for someone else to do something; just pick it up and toss it!
The Entry Area
Maintaining the entry sign area is a community responsibility. If you think the entry needs weeding or trimming, grab some tools or organize a work party! Traditionally, neighbors have donated native, draught-resistant plants and flowers if new ones are needed.
This factual website about The Cedars Phase I is the voluntary work of the Cedars Homeowners Coalition. It also includes general information about legal issues. Such materials are for informational purposes only, and are not intended as legal advice. If you need legal counsel, you should contact a lawyer licensed for advice on specific legal issues or problems.
If you know any of the information on this site to be incorrect, please send us an e-mail!
Battle Ground, WA, USA