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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Listmates,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Developer begins the process of subdividing their property in 2006. Property is located in Everett. Developer submits a short plat application with plans prepared by XYZ Company. While the short plat application is pending, Developer sells a portion of their parcel that would have been one of the lots created once the short plat was approved. That buyer executes a development covenant at closing, acknowledging/agreeing that:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>The property is being subdivided, “into 4 separate lots as per the attached proposed subdivision prepared by XYZ Company dated 10-13-06 (“Subdivision”)”, (Note that although the proposed subdivision is referenced as being attached, it was not attached to the recorded version of the development covenant).<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>“It will take several months for the proposed Subdivision to be approved and recorded,” <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>That Buyer agrees to cooperate and assist with any efforts of Developer to make and process its application with the City of Everett for the development of the Subdivision,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Buyer will not take an action that would impair, restrict or prohibit Developer’s ability to complete the subdivision.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>The development covenant binds Buyer, their successors and assigns.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:0in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>That no delay in exercising the rights under the development covenant shall operate as a waiver.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There is more to it, but these are the relevant terms. The Snohomish County Assessor acknowledged the sale and division of the land for tax assessment purposes and created two separate tax accounts for the property sold to Buyer and the property retained by Developer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The market tanked in 2007-2008. Developer did not follow through with the short plat and the application with the City of Everett expired. Original buyer sold their property to current Neighbor. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PC purchased the land retained by the original Developer, believing that they had development rights. PC obtained a new set of plans that comply with the current Everett code and began working toward subdividing the property. PC’s new plans differ from the “attached proposed subdivision prepared by XYZ Company dated 10-13-06 (“Subdivision”)” that is referenced in the development covenant (which was not actually attached to the recorded document).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Neighbor now takes the position that the development covenant is unenforceable because the subdivision application expired, because the referenced plans were not attached, etc…. Neighbor seeks to invalidate the development covenant. PC is unable to proceed with subdividing and developing his land without some involvement from Neighbor because the subdivision with the City necessarily involves Neighbor’s property. Neighbor is now making outrageous demands of PC that Neighbor requires PC to agree to in order to gain Neighbor’s cooperation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Any thoughts on the enforceability of the development covenant? What options does PC have to cause the subdivision of their property and Neighbor’s property? <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TIA for your thoughts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sam<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Samuel M. Meyler</span></b><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Meyler Legal, PLLC </span></b><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>1700 Westlake Ave. N., Ste. 200<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Seattle, Washington 98109</span><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Tel:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'> 206.876.7770<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Fax:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'> 206.876.7771<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>Email:</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><a href="mailto:samuel@meylerlegal.com"><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue'>samuel@meylerlegal.com</span></a></span><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>NOTICE:</span></b><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'> </span><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:blue;mso-ligatures:none'>This electronic message contains information which may be Confidential or Privileged and constitutes an electronic communication within the meaning of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act 18 USC 2510. The information is intended to be for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, please be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution or use of the contents of this information is prohibited. If you received this transmission in error, please notify the sender and delete the copy you received together with any attachments. Thank you.</span><span style='mso-ligatures:none'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>