As part of our mission to foster a harmonious living environment for all residents, we're spotlighting the importance of responsible dog ownership, which includes following our neighborhood leash requirement, controlling pet waste, minimizing dog barking, and understanding the relevant Skagit County ordinances.
1. Decoding Skagit County Leash Laws
While there is currently no leash law in unincorporated Skagit County, where Cedar Ridge Estates community is located, the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R's) for Cedar Ridge Estates states that household pets, at all times whenever they are outside the owners Lot, shall be confined on a leash. The neighborhood’s leash requirement applies separately from the county’s general rules. As always there are exceptions to these rules. A dog may be deemed "Dangerous" by the court system if it shows a documented pattern of aggressive behavior towards people or livestock. Please contact Skagit County Animal Control via the Skagit 9-1-1 Communications Center (emergencies dial 9-1-1 non-emergencies dial (360) 428-3211) to report aggressive dogs in our neighborhood.
Homeowners associations (HOAs) usually recommend keeping dogs on leashes primarily to ensure safety and harmony within the community. Dogs, regardless of their size or temperament, can behave unpredictably in certain situations, potentially leading to accidents or altercations with other pets or people. Leashing your dog not only ensures their safety but also that of others in the community. A leashed dog is less likely to run into the road, approach people who are uncomfortable with dogs, or engage in unsolicited interactions with other animals.
Not all residents in a neighborhood may be dog lovers, and even those who are may not appreciate an unfamiliar dog approaching them off-leash. By keeping dogs on leashes, homeowners demonstrate respect for these differing comfort levels and preferences. A leash also keeps a dog from trespassing on private property or causing damage to shared community spaces, making leashing an essential aspect of being a good neighbor.
2. Cedar Ridge Estates Pet Related CC&R's
Section 4.28 Animals and Pets:
No animals, livestock or poultry of any kind may be raised, bred, kept or permitted on any Lot, with the exception of dogs, cats and other usual, common household pets. Same shall be kept in a reasonable manner as determined by the Association's Board. Any household pet determined to, in the sole discretion of the Architectural Control Committee, endanger the health, make objectionable noise, or constitute a nuisance or inconvenience to the owners of any other Lots or the owner of any other property located adjacent to the community, may be removed by the Board. No pets shall be kept, bred, or maintained for any commercial purpose. Dogs which are household pets, at all times whenever they are outside the owners Lot, shall be confined on a leash. Without prejudice to the Architectural Committee's right to remove any such household pets, no household pet that has caused any damage or injury may be left unrestrained in the community. In no case may there be more than two dogs or two cats per Lot.
3. The Eco-Logical Approach: Managing Pet Waste
Proper disposal of dog waste goes beyond neighborhood aesthetics; it's a matter of environmental stewardship. Canine feces can introduce harmful parasites and pathogens into our environment, contaminating our soil, our water resources and our protected wetlands. Following rainfall, this waste can end up in our storm drains, contributing to water pollution. By responsibly handling your pet's waste, we maintain the health and beauty of Cedar Ridge Estates and the wider Skagit County ecosystem. Canine fecal pollution in Skagit County rivers and streams can lead to shellfish contamination downstream.
4. Minimizing Dog Barking: Skagit County Ordinances
Under Skagit County's noise ordinances, excessive dog barking that disrupts the peace and comfort of the neighborhood is considered a public nuisance. While we appreciate the natural behavior of our canine companions, it's important to control excessive barking to maintain our community's serenity. If your dog tends to bark excessively, consider investing in training or noise deterrent devices.
For a fuller explanation of the neighborhood covenants and county requirements, read Noise, Pets and Neighborly Living at Cedar Ridge.
Skagit County Noise Ordinance: Effective 1/1/2008 the county has adopted a new noise ordinance. In general terms no one is allowed to cause noise that unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort and repose of property owners usually between the hours of 10:00pm and 7:00am. However, there are exceptions to these rules. Please view the full county code here Chapter 9.50
Cedar Ridge Estates CC&R's Section 4.28 Animals and Pets states that, "Any household pet determined to, in the sole discretion of the Architectural Control Committee, endanger the health, make objectionable noise, or constitute a nuisance or inconvenience to the owners of any other Lots or the owner of any other property located adjacent to the community, may be removed by the Board."
5. Responding to Dogs Running Loose
Cedar Ridge Estates is in unincorporated Skagit County. For animal-control concerns here, use the Skagit County Sheriff’s resources. Mount Vernon’s city impound fees and citation schedule do not establish the process or charges for a Cedar Ridge incident.
For an emergency or immediate threat, call 911. For a non-emergency animal complaint or to ask how to report a loose, lost or found dog, call dispatch at 360-428-3211. The county directs animal complaints through dispatch; see Skagit County Animal Control for its current contact information.
Describe the location, the animal and what you observed. Keep a safe distance from an unfamiliar or aggressive dog. Ask the responding agency or receiving shelter about the applicable recovery process and any fees rather than relying on a city fee list.
6. Embracing Good Neighborliness
Being part of Cedar Ridge Estates means embracing a culture of respect and community-mindedness. When we leash our dogs, manage their waste appropriately, and control their barking, we're not just abiding by the law - we're nurturing a harmonious living environment. This respect for communal spaces and the comfort of our neighbors enhances our shared experience of Cedar Ridge Estates.
7. The Power of Positive Role Modeling
Following the neighborhood leash requirement, managing pet waste, and mitigating excessive dog barking are more than acts of legal compliance or environmental conservation - they're powerful demonstrations of community responsibility. In doing so, we set a positive precedent for others, especially our younger residents, underscoring the values of respect, accountability, and community harmony.
Conclusion
Our dogs are cherished members of our Cedar Ridge Estates community. By following applicable Skagit County animal and noise rules, our neighborhood CC&R's, managing our pets' waste responsibly, and taking steps to control barking, we contribute to our community's safety, serenity, and overall aesthetics.
Let's keep fostering responsible pet ownership and community pride, setting the standard for others to follow. Together, we can ensure Cedar Ridge Estates remains a welcoming, peaceful, and attractive place to call home.