History of Sammamish Heights and the SHCA

  • First home was constructed in 1967. The first residents were the Harveys.
  • The SHCA was founded March 1972.
  • There were 24 homes in Sammamish Heights at the time, and 16 represented at the first meeting
  • As a result of this initial meeting, the SHCA Bylaws were drafted and approved
  • The Bylaws establish the association, membership rules, dues, and decision-making rules. They state that the purpose of the association is:
      1. the promotion and maintenance of the general attractiveness of the community as a whole, the conditions, and the values of the properties in the plat known as Sammamish Heights in King County;
      2. the representation of the membership in dealings with governmental agencies and other organizations; and
      3. the promotion of the civic and social betterment of the community.
  • Around the same time the SHCA reached out to the neighbors on the other side of 26th to develop the beach – set up separate association (Sammamish Beach Club) because of the other neighborhoods involved.
  • The SHCA also worked in its first two years to draft and ratify the Covenants & Restrictions of Sammamish Heights.
  • The covenants establish the architectural board which covers buildings and alterations and landscaping, drainage, tree height, boats, RVs, garbage, roaming dogs, chickens, yard signs and clothes lines. Interestingly, all homes in the neighborhood have either signed onto the original covenants, purchased their home subject to the covenants, or paid dues to SHCA at some point.
  • Some of the projects the SHCA has taken on in its history:
      • Beach Club
      • Entry signs and landscaping
      • Street lights working
      • King County Police attention
      • Annexation into the City of Bellevue
      • Move from Issaquah school district to Bellevue school district
      • Lowering speed limit on W Lake Sammamish Parkway to 30 mph near Sammamish Heights
      • Lake view restoration
      • SE 26th street improvements
      • Annual social events and cleanups – junk removal or power washing

Much of this was recorded by original resident Paul Harvey many years ago, and updated by John Raffetto in June 2009.