Washington county suing homeowners for $7M after allegedly felling 142 protected trees to score better views

What started as a routine wildlife control turned into a millions of dollars of legal bombs.

A pathway camera, which was established to capture the gaze of local wildlife in Issaquah’s Grand Ridge Park, such as Bobcats and Jaguars, caught something completely unexpected: a tree that goes down from a slope.

“A tree flying down the hill was quite concern,” he said. said King 5.

Instead, Pinged Brown’s phone was a sliding tree, and what he discovered when he walked to investigate, he would soon shoot a legal fire storm containing more than 140 felling trees.

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‘Serious and generation damage’

“Many of them are still lying on that slope, which is worrying about our inhabitants.”

Most of the scattered stumps and falling branches were in a protected area of ​​Grand Ridge Park.

In order to score a better appearance of West Tiger Mountain, King County filed a lawsuit seeking about $ 7 million damage, many of whom were classified as “important”.

“This illegal action caused serious and generational damages to a protected natural area,” King County Parks Director Warren Jimenez said. He said. The authority added that the deductions violated the district codes, disrupt the habitat of wildlife and damage the protection investment of the decimal public opinion.

Jimenez, the district civilian penalties, treble damage and contractors participated in what they call environmental confidence violation, he said.

Local resident Caitlin McNulty, his young son Julian walks the trails every day and said that one of the falling trees went down from their homes just a few hundred meters.

“This was quite frightening because this was part of our regular little Julian cycle, which most days come and walk, Mc said McNulty.

He suspects that those responsible can get rid of him.

Orum I imagine that everyone thinks that the possibility of finding it was really a low probability. It would be really hard for someone to know that it was, and I think the only reason we did was that wild life camera there, ”he said.

King 5 speaking With one of the name owners in the case claiming that the tree cutting was legally and for the safety of his family. However, the district officials were not convinced.

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As dos and as a home owner

As a host in the USA, you have freedom, but these freedoms stop when they violate public security, environmental integrity, neighboring rights or zoning laws. Make sure you do your homework before shaking that sledgehammer or targeting that saw.

What can you do

You will want to investigate specific laws related to the project you want to educate, these are general instructions on what you typically allow you to do.

• Home Developments: You can reshape, add rooms, or create a deck, but “any project that goes beyond a simple repair or aesthetic upgrade” usually Requires permission From your local building department. If you take this step, you can expect delays, fines and even forced destruction.

• Rent your property: There is no federal law that prevents you from converting your home into a cash flow machine, but each city, district and zoning board writes its own rules, because in Airbnb or other rental services, be sure to check the local statutes because you control this empty room before listing this empty room.

• Landscape paradise: Do you want a backyard oasis? For this, go, but follow the laws of use of water in drought areas and be careful not to disturb the wild life habitats (especially in the protection landscapes).

• Upload Sun and Eco -Upgrades: “Sun Rights” laws in many states to protect Your right to go green. However, the permits, interim connection inspections and sometimes a HOA notification.

What can you not do

If you do not want to be in trouble, some things you should not do:

• Cut the trees without permission: Even if they are in your own garden, it will get permission before leaving many cities and states trees. Fines and requirements often depend on tree size, species or place.

• Required without permission: Building A fenceThe club, even a pool Without withdrawing the appropriate permissions? Local authorities may give a stop or order to tear and slap you with a fine. This is not just a slap on the wrist; It may be the day of demolition.

• Be a loud neighbor: Constant noiseStrong odors from your bright lights or your property? You can pay $ 20,000 to 50,000 dollars in accordance with local discomfort laws.

• HOA Breaking Rules: To break Hoa Rules, let’s say, paint your home neon green or build an unapproved deck and encounter monthly fines, legal wages and even foreclosure transactions.

In general, some clues of being a good neighbor

• Always consult your municipality before changing the property and check the permissions for everything from re -modeling to large landscape.

• Check the HOA rules, send a plan for confirmation, and store the documented records and communication of each step along the way.

• Before removing the trees, especially large, habitat is very important or protected species.

• Be a thoughtful neighbor by limiting noisy vehicles, bright lights and strong odors.

While the case in King County is now civilian, the King County Prosecutor’s Office says that criminal charges are still on the table.

As for Brown, he is still shocked by what he has seen, “too much damage and as a result improvement of his views bring many questions to the agenda,” he said.

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This article only provides information and should not be interpreted as advice. It is provided without any warranty.