Summary
stating that structure on one lot could not be "appurtenant" to structure on an adjoining lot
Summary of this case from Viking Props., Inc. v. HolmOpinion
No. 7271-4-I.
June 2, 1980.
[1] Covenants — Enforcement — Estoppel. Whether estoppel may be applied to prevent enforcement of a restrictive covenant is a question of fact.
Appeal and Error — Findings of Fact — Review — In General.
[3] Covenants — Construction — Meaning of Words — Ordinary Meaning. Unambiguous language in a covenant restricting the use of land will be given its plain and reasonable meaning so as to give effect to the obvious purpose of the restriction.
[4] Covenants — Construction — Residential Use — Garage. A garage located on a lot which is used in connection with a dwelling house located on an adjoining lot violates a restrictive covenant limiting the use of lots in a subdivision to residential purposes.
Nature of Action: A developer sought to enjoin the purchasers of two lots in a subdivision from erecting a storage building on one of the lots. The deed was subject to a covenant restricting the use of each lot to residential purposes.
Superior Court: The Superior Court for Whatcom County, No. 56196, Marshall Forrest, J., granted a permanent injunction on January 15, 1979.
Court of Appeals: Holding that the developer was not estopped from enforcing the covenant and that the building violated the restriction in the covenant, the court affirms the judgment.
Gary M. Rusing and Rusing Platte, for appellants.
Larry Daugert and Brett, Daugert Erickson, for respondent.
Plaintiff Sandy Point Improvement Company was granted a permanent injunction enjoining defendants Leonard and Delores Huber from constructing a building on the Hubers' property. We affirm.
The Hubers purchased two adjoining lots within the Sandy Point Heights development in Whatcom County. On one of the lots they started construction of a storage building to store their boats, car, tractor, camper, 32-foot travel trailer, washer and dryer, rock-cutting equipment and canned goods. The Declaration of Restrictions, Easements and Reservations of Sandy Point Heights read in relevant part:
Except for portions of the real property as may be used for recreational purposes or common service facilities by Sandy Point Improvement Company, a Washington corporation, no lot in the plat of Sandy Point Heights shall be used for any purpose other than for residential purposes . . .
(Italics ours.) The trial judge found that the storage building was not for residential purposes and enjoined further construction.
The Hubers first contend Sandy Point should be estopped from enforcing the covenant against them because it had allowed construction of similar structures on other lots within the development. We do not agree.
[1] If a covenant which applies to an entire tract has been habitually and substantially violated so as to create an impression that it has been abandoned, equity will not enforce the covenant. Reading v. Keller, 67 Wn.2d 86, 406 P.2d 634 (1965); Mt. Baker Park Club, Inc. v. Colcock, 45 Wn.2d 467, 275 P.2d 733 (1954). However, the applicability of estoppel is a question of fact. Bersos v. Cape George Colony Club, 4 Wn. App. 663, 484 P.2d 485 (1971).
The Hubers attempted to show four instances in which similar buildings had been constructed in Sandy Point Heights, which consisted of over 1,000 lots. However, an examination of the record discloses that one of the buildings in question was not actually on the development property; another was used as a service building for maintaining the golf course and was permitted. Two other buildings were built without permission of the Sandy Point development committee. However, during the pendency of this litigation, attempts were being made to require their removal.
[2] The trial judge found that:
There may be one or two buildings similar to that proposed by the Defendants in the 1000 lot development as a whole, but they are each smaller than the Defendants' proposed structure, and have never been authorized by the Plaintiff, with exception of the golf course storage building.
Finding of fact No. 8. Because that finding is supported by substantial evidence, it will not be disturbed on appeal. Grayson v. Nordic Constr. Co., 92 Wn.2d 548, 599 P.2d 1271 (1979); Beeson v. Atlantic-Richfield Co., 88 Wn.2d 499, 563 P.2d 822 (1977). That finding in turn supports the trial judge's conclusion that "[t]he Defendants have not proved the elements of estoppel." Conclusion of law No. 3.
The Hubers next contend the building did not violate the restrictive covenant because it was not intended to be used for any purposes other than residential. The trial judge found that "[t]he Defendants' building plan, given its size and purpose, is not consistent with any reasonable interpretation of residential use." Finding of fact No. 7. We conclude the finding is supported by substantial evidence.
[3] It is well settled in this jurisdiction that words in a deed of conveyance or any instrument restricting the use of real property by the grantee are to be construed strictly against the grantor and those claiming the benefit of the restriction. Restrictive covenants upon the use of real property will not be extended beyond the clear meaning of the language used. Weld v. Bjork, 75 Wn.2d 410, 451 P.2d 675 (1969). In Bersos v. Cape George Colony Club, supra at 665, the court stated:
[T]he intent of the parties to the covenant is the key factor in determination of the effect to be given restrictions.
When meaning is doubtful, surrounding circumstances must be considered to determine proper meaning. Doubts must be resolved in favor of free use of land, but intended necessary implications from the writing may be enforced. Burton v. Douglas County, 65 Wn.2d 619, 399 P.2d 68 (1965). Intent is preeminently a question of fact.
However, unambiguous language in a covenant will be given its plain and reasonable meaning; the courts will not apply a rule of construction when it will defeat the obvious purpose of the restriction. Rush v. Miller, 21 Wn. App. 156, 584 P.2d 960 (1978).
[4] A private garage is a proper appurtenance necessary to the enjoyment of a dwelling house and does not violate a "for residence purposes only" covenant. Mt. Baker Park Club v. Colcock, supra; Annot., 175 A.L.R. 1191 (1948). However, if the garage is placed on an adjoining lot, it is no longer deemed to be appurtenant and does violate such a restriction even though used in connection with a residence on an adjoining lot. Biltmore Dev. Co. v. Kohn, 239 Ky. 460, 39 S.W.2d 687 (1931).
Affirmed.
RINGOLD and DURHAM-DIVELBISS, JJ., concur.