Hollis v. Garwall, Inc.

945 P.2d 717
Procedural entryThis page is a short order in Hollis v. Garwall, Inc.. Read the opinion of the Court — 88 Wash. App. 10
Court of Appeals of Washington·Decided October 21, 1997·No. 16033-5-III·Published

Opinion

945 P.2d 717 (1997)
88 Wash.App. 10

Jim C. HOLLIS and Connie M. Hollis, husband and wife; Richard L. Mansor and Toni C. Mansor, husband and wife, Respondents,
v.
GARWALL, INC., a Washington Corp.; Stephen Garner and Jane Doe Garner, husband and wife; Charles Wallin and Jane Doe Wallin, husband and wife; Ibex Construction Inc., a Washington Corp., Appellants,
Beattie Explosives, Inc., a subsidiary of Explosives Technologies International, an Idaho Corporation; Defendants.

No. 16033-5-III.

Court of Appeals of Washington, Division 3, Panel One.

July 29, 1997.
As Amended on Denial of Reconsideration October 21, 1997.

*718 David E. McGrane, McGrane & Schuerman, Colville, James E. Reed, Spokane, for Appellant.

David Davidson, Winslow, for Respondent.

BROWN, Judge.

Today we determine whether restrictive language contained in a subdivision plat applies to all parcels included in the plat. We hold that it does and affirm the trial court's granting of injunctive relief.

Connie and Jim Hollis purchased two lots in a residential subdivision in Stevens County, Washington. Tonia and Richard Mansor also purchased property in this quiet, rural area. Both properties were included on a document entitled "Short Plat 79-80 by Survey." The first two pages of the document contain a map of the entire subdivision, consisting of 14 parcels labelled as Tracts A through N, and four parcels labelled as SP-1 to SP-4. Each of the four latter parcels contain fewer than 20 acres.

Three numbered paragraphs appear on the third page of the document under the heading "RESTRICTIONS." The third paragraph provides:

3. This plat is approved as a residential subdivision and no tract is to have more than one single family residential unit. Conversion of any lot to other than its authorized occupancy must be in accordance with authorizations and associated with separate application and procedure.

Certifications by the surveyor, the county planning director, and members of a partnership consisting of 11 individuals described as owners, appear beneath this language. The document was filed for public record on January 15, 1981.

The Hollises and the Mansors believed all parcels within the subdivisions were restricted to residential use. Garwall, Inc., purchased property in the subdivision. In May, 1995, Garwall began preparations for operating a gravel mine on its property. The Hollises and Mansors promptly complained to Garwall, but Garwall proceeded with its operation. The mining operation caused dust, noise, and disruption of the natural beauty of the area. Believing this to be a clear violation of restrictions applicable to all property in the subdivision, the Hollises and Mansors commenced this action against Garwall for damages and injunctive relief.

The court granted the Hollises' and Mansors' motion for partial summary judgment, enjoining continued mining and rock crushing *719 activity, and reserving the issue of damages for trial. Garwall, Inc., appeals.

Property owners are entitled to the enforcement of restrictive covenants. Mountain Park Homeowners Ass'n v. Tydings, 125 Wash.2d 337, 883 P.2d 1383 (1994). The threshold issue is whether the restriction here is an enforceable covenant running with the land. To be enforceable, a covenant must have been enforceable among the original parties, concern both the burdened and benefitted land, be intended to bind successors in interest, and there must be privity among the original parties, and between them and the present disputants. Leighton v. Leonard, 22 Wash.App. 136, 139, 589 P.2d 279 (1978).

Garwall contends the "restrictions" are merely statements of government regulations, rather than an enforceable agreement among the original parties. Garwall further argues even if the restriction is enforceable it applies only to the four "short plat" parcels, not to the larger tracts. This argument assumes the word "plat" is merely an abbreviated reference to a short plat. Under such a definition, the restriction which by its own terms applies to "this plat" would apply only to the four parcels subject to "short plat" regulations. Examination of the relevant statutory definitions discloses the flaw in this reasoning: RCW 58.17.020 states:

As used in this chapter, unless the context or subject matter clearly requires otherwise, the words or phrases defined in this section shall have the indicated meanings.
(1) "Subdivision" is the division or redivision of land into five or more lots, tracts, parcels, sites or divisions for the purpose of sale, lease, or transfer of ownership, except as provided in subsection (6) of this section.
(2) "Plat" is a map or representation of a subdivision, showing thereon the division of a tract or parcel of land into lots, blocks, streets and alleys or other divisions and dedications.
....
(6) "Short subdivision" is the division or redivision of land into four or fewer lots, tracts, parcels, sites or divisions for the purpose of sale, lease, or transfer of ownership....
....
(8) "Short plat" is the map or representation of a short subdivision.

Under these definitions, the document filed with the Stevens County Auditor, although entitled "Short Plat 79-80 by Survey" was a final plat, that is, a final drawing of the entire subdivision.[1] The phrase "this plat," used in that document, necessarily refers to the entire subdivision.

"A court must construe restrictive covenants by discerning the intent of the parties as evidenced by clear and unambiguous language in the document." Mountain Park Homeowners Ass'n, 125 Wash.2d at 344, 883 P.2d 1383. The language of the restriction contained in the recorded plat clearly and unambiguously applies to the entire subdivision.

Garwall contends even if the restriction applies to its property, the language of the restriction is ambiguous. Garwall argues the actual intent of the original parties should be considered in construing restrictions and present affidavits from the original parties stating they did not intend to prohibit non-residential use such as mining and rock crushing. It is also contended the language is capable of being understood as inclusive not exclusive.

In construing a restrictive covenant, the court's primary objective is to determine the intent of the parties, giving the language of the covenant its ordinary and common meaning. Metzner v. Wojdyla, 125 Wash.2d 445, 886 P.2d 154 (1994). Language *720 in a plat indicating the use of the land is restricted to residential purposes is construed to prohibit any commercial or business use of the property. Id.; Mains Farm Homeowners Ass'n v. Worthington, 121 Wash.2d 810, 854 P.2d 1072 (1993); Hagemann v. Worth, 56 Wash.App.

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Hollis v. Garwall, Inc.
945 P.2d 717 (Court of Appeals of Washington, 1997)