Welcome to Sudden Valley
We are thrilled that you have decided to make Sudden Valley your home; we believe the Valley is one of the most beautiful places in the Northwest. Sudden Valley was conceived in the late 1960’s and is now home to over 7,000 residents and an abundance of wildlife.
Amenities
Sudden Valley is proud of its community and offers activities for all ages and abilities. There are eleven neighborhood parks, some with basketball courts and playground equipment for children.
For a list of all amenities, click here. There are miles of hiking trails along the water’s edge and the upper woodlands. We also have an 18 hole golf course designed by the renowned golf course architect Ted Robinson, which offers the golfer two distinct nines. The front nine plays along the shore of the lake while the back nine is an adventure through the tree-lined hills.
The Community Center, located inside Gate 2 and housed in the historic Dance Barn, is our recreation hub. It hosts a state of the art fitness center, coffee shop, free WiFi, a small reading center, and multiple activity rooms for kids of all ages. Our two pools, the Family Pool and the Quiet Pool, are adjacent to the center.
Sudden Valley also has five tennis courts, a basketball court, a marina, a library, and miles of trails. Please visit the Recreation page for more information.
See also:
Covenants
As a homeowners association, Sudden Valley operates under covenants, rules, and restrictions (CC & R’s) that govern property within the Community. A few examples of these include (but are not limited to) restrictions on cutting or trimming trees and making changes to the exterior appearance of one’s property and fencing. Such activities require prior approval from our Architectural Control Committee. Check out our Architectural Control Committee (ACC) for more information. This may seem like an inconvenience, however such actions require review in order to preserve property values, wildlife safety, protection of soil stability, water quality and related aspects of drainage, and adherence to the overall concept of Sudden Valley.
Governing Documents
The Sudden Valley Governing Documents consist of several documents which outline and describe the fundamental practices by which the land, Membership, Board of Directors, Committee Members and the Staff Members are governed.
Articles of Incorporation
Registered with the State of Washington Corporation Commission, the Articles establish the legal entity under which Sudden Valley operates. The Articles:
- Identify the name of the corporation
- Defines Sudden Valley as a non profit established under Section 24.03.35 RCW
- Designates governance of the Association by a Board of Directors
- Defines the responsibilities of the members to the Corporation
Restrictive Covenants
Restrictive Covenants are applicable to all Sudden Valley platted lots.
- For the mutual and reciprocal benefit of each lot
- The owner of the lots operate as covenants for the benefit of each lot
- All plans and specifications for any structure or improvement whatsoever to be erected on any lot, and the proposed location thereof on any lot or lots, the construction material, the roofs and exterior color schemes, any later changes or additions after initial approval thereof, and any remodeling, reconstruction, alterations or additions thereto on any lot shall be subject to and shall require the approval in writing before any such work is commenced of the Architectural Control Committee (herein called “Committee”), as the same is from time to time composed
Bylaws
Are the standing rules governing the regulations of the internal affairs of Sudden Valley
- Associations standards by which the meetings, voting, duties and audits will be conducted
Board Resolutions, Rules & Regulations
The resolutions, rules & regulations governing the Association’s operations are adopted by resolution by the Board of Directors and must be consistent with restrictions and powers contained in federal and state laws as well as the Association’s Deed, Articles of Incorporation, and Bylaws. They also must reasonably relate to the Association’s purposes and policies and, their enforcement must be reasonable and fair.
- Articles of Incorporation
- 2022 SVCA Bylaws per 2021 AGM changes
- Restrictive Covenants
- Rules & Regulations (Updated 11.7.19)
- SVCA Policies
- ACC Policies (Updated June 2021)
- Nominations and Elections Manual (Updated and Approved September 2022)
Paying Dues
Dues are due the first day of the month with a 30 day grace period, and thereafter interest and late fees will accrue. Payment books are mailed each year to owners.
Payment Options:
- At the Administration Office: Current hours due to COVID-19, Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. We are only able to accept cash or check for dues payments at the Front Desk.
- Monthly dues payments can be set up free of charge through automatic withdrawal (ACH). Click here for ACH enrollment for dues payments.
- Online via Credit or Debit, see notes below about CIT Bank.
NOTE: Mutual of Omaha Bank merged with CIT Bank. An owner’s login and account information did not change they will just be rerouted to the CIT site, which is propertypay.cit.com
Once logged into their account an owner will need to click on the property address to be taken to a new window where they will be able to change the Association ID from SVCA to 0603.
After the change is made the owner will be able to make payments again.
If you are signing up and need the Management ID, it is 5545. Contact SVCA Administration for your SVCA Account number if needed, 360-734-6430.
Please note: Online payment via card includes a fee. CIT Bank charges an additional 2.95% through their website, or a flat fee of $1.95 through their mobile app. There is no fee to use the e-check option.
For more information about payment options, please contact Accounts Receivable at 734-6430 x214 or ar@suddenvalley.com
Public Assistance
SVCA recognizes that from time to time anyone could need a little help. If you ever find yourself in need of assistance with your dues payments, we are here to help. Please contact our Collections Specialist at (360) 746-8435 and we’ll be happy to work with you to create a manageable plan. Additionally, please click HERE for other avenues of public assistance should the need arise.
Architectural Control Committee
In this section you will find the entire set of Architectural Control Committee Policies as revised periodically by the SVCA Board of Directors. The guidelines are administered by the Architectural Control Committee (ACC), and enforced by the ACC, Security staff, and the Board of Directors. The Fines schedule for violations is approved by the Board of Directors.
ACC Helpful Information
Listed here is helpful information from the ACC, including a comprehensive overview of things that are allowed without prior ACC approval.
- 2021 ACC Policies (Updated June 2021)
- ACC Review Informational Brochure
- Hazard Tree Information
- 2020 ACC Meeting Dates & Deadlines
- 2021 ACC Meeting Dates & Deadlines
- 2023 ACC Meeting Dates & Deadlines
Tree removals almost always require county approval, with a few exceptions. We recommend filing for a county permit early. Find the Whatcom County Tree Removal page and application here.
Pre-Approved Color Palette is available to view at the Admin Office between 10 am – 4 pm. A list of Benjamin Moore color names can be found on page 47 of the ACC Policies (see link above) and Sherwin Williams paint colors can be found here.
ACC Request Forms
Please print the appropriate form below, fill it out, and drop it off at the Admin Office. You can use the night drop box below the Admin window to submit your request after business hours.
- Exterior Alteration Request
- Tree and Vegetation Removal Request
- Fence Request
- Variance Request
- Extension and Re-approval Request
- New Construction Application Request
- 2020 New Construction Submittal Dates
- Revocable Encroachment Permit
- ACC Inspection Request Form
Safety, Compliance & Complaint Resolution
SVCA offers members a form which can be used to initiate investigation and action, where necessary. Our complaint form is anonymous, and Administrative Staff will assist you in directing the information you provide to the correct department to get it addressed. Call (360) 734-6430 for more information.
Barking Dog Complaints
To report barking dog complaints, complainant(s) are invited to contact the Animal Control Dispatch office at the Whatcom Humane Society.
Before Whatcom Humane Society can issue any citations or make contact with the dog owners, they will need the complainant(s) to file a report, and fill out a Barking Log. Sudden Valley Security may work in conjunction with the Humane Society to resolve Barking Dog Complaints for our members, with animal safety and community well-being in mind.
Community Safety
Contact Sudden Valley 24-Hour Dispatch at (360) 319-8200, CALL 9-1-1 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
SVCA Security is contracted through Pacific Security. We have one guard on duty per shift. Our guards are friendly and can help a lot of issues you may encounter around the Valley! Give them a call to report non life-threatening situations, and they can help document reports for Law Enforcement if necessary.
Suggestions for community safety can be directed to both the Emergency Preparedness Committee, and the Board of Directors.
Elections, Information, & Member Involvement
Sudden Valley is governed by its members. There is ample opportunity to volunteer as a Committee member or Board Director to directly represent your neighbors in ways that matter.
Find more information on committees here, then complete this form to volunteer.
Disclosure
Members are welcome to request SVCA records and information. In order to protect member privacy, we require a Request for Disclosure form in order to uphold accountability when information has been shared.
Elections
Reserve Studies
- Final 2023 Level 1: Roads Reserve Study
- Final 2023 Level 1: CRRRF Reserve Study
- Final 2023 Level 1: Mailbox Reserve Study
- Final 2022 Budget Year Level 3: Roads Reserve Study
- Final 2022 Budget Year Level 3: CRRRF Reserve Study
- Final 2022 Budget Year Level 3: Mailbox Reserve Study
- Final 2021 Level 3: Roads Reserve Study
- Final 2021 Level 3: CRRRF Reserve Study
- Final 2021 Level 3: Mailbox Reserve Study
- Final 2020 Level 2: Roads Reserve Study
- Final 2020 Level 2: CRRRF Reserve Study
- Final 2020 Level 2: Mailbox Reserve Study
- Final 2019 Level 3: Roads Reserve Study
- Final 2019 Level 3: CRRRF Reserve Study
- Final 2019 Level 3: Mailbox Reserve Study
Audited Financial Statements
- 2021 Audited Financial Statements
- 2021 Internal Control Management Letter from Auditors
- 2020 Audited Financial Statements
- 2020 Internal Control Management Letter from Auditors
- 2019 Audited Financial Statements
- 2019 Internal Control Management Letter from Auditors
- 2018 Audited Financial Statements
- 2018 Internal Control Management Letter from Auditors
- 2017 Audited Financial Statements
- 2017 Internal Control Management Letter from Auditors
- 2016 Audited Financial Statements
- 2016 Internal Control Management Letter from Auditors
- 2015 Audited Financial Statements
- 2015 Internal Control Management Letter from Auditors
Tree, Stormwater, and Land Stewardship
- SVCA Tree Contractor and Arborist List
- SVCA Stormwater Professionals List
- SVCA Forest Management Plan (2015)
- Sudden Valley “Tree-iage” Map
- SVCA Homeowner Stormwater Workbook
- Stormwater Master and Capital Improvement Plan
- Retaining Wall Replacement Design Report
Lake Whatcom Watershed – Tree Removal
- 2016 Stormwater Regulations
- WCC 20.51.430 and WCC 20.51.440
- Tree Removal Permit Application
- Lake Whatcom Tree Retention Regulations Powerpoint
Tree Removal Resources
Additional Info: www.whatcomcounty.us/civicAlerts.aspx?AID=446
Contact Info:
- Belinda Burk – bjaeger@whatcomcounty.us
- Michael Kershner – mkershne@whatcomcounty.us
Maps
- Parks & Trails map via Google
- Parks & Trails 2013 (old) map
- Street Address Map
- Cluster Box Site Map
- Division & Lot Map
- 2020 Snow Map
- 2020 Culvert Plan Map
- 2020 Vegetation Control Map
Marina Resources
- Contact Information for Marine Salvage Companies:
Company Name | Contact Number | Remarks | |
Global Diving & Salvage | 800-441-3483 | info@gdiving.com | http://www.gdiving.com/contact-us |
Top to Bottom Diving | 360-671-7022 | info@toptobottominc.com | http://toptobottominc.com/ |
Vessel Assist (Seattle) | 425-344-3056 | http://www.vesselassistseattle.com/Salvages.htm | |
Whatcom Waterfront Construction | 360-920-8159 | tracy@dillercorp.com | http://www.dillercorp.com/ |
M/G Shipwright 360-371-3119 Alternate number: 360-961-0613
Global Environmental 206-623-0621 DOE approved as primary response contractor
Ballard Diving and Salvage 206-782-6750