HOA governing documents are public record in Washington. An HOA must record its governing documents with the county land records to be enforceable.
A building permit shall not be required for the following: One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the projected roof area does not exceed one hundred twenty square feet. Fences not over six feet high. Oil derricks.
State law: Washington state has laws that specifically grant HOAs and COA (inium Owner Associations) the authority to create and enforce CC&Rs.
The local law supersedes the rules and regulations of the HOA, meaning that HOAs must ensure they are operating under the law.
The WUCIOA provides a legal structure for the creation, management, and termination of iniums, cooperatives, and planned communities. Effective since July 1, 2018, the Act is codified in Chapter 64.90 RCW and outlines the responsibilities of HOAs, developers, and owners within common interest communities.
The Bylaws are the rules of operation for the corporation and are required by state law. Bylaws are not filed with the state. A nonprofit should keep a file of the Bylaws and any associated amendments in the office.
Original declaration and organizational documents along with any amendments. Financial statements and tax returns for the past seven years. The most recent annual report delivered to the secretary of state (if any) Copies of any contracts which the association was a party within the last seven years.
You have legal grounds to sue the previous owner if they failed to disclose unpermitted work. Real estate practices require sellers to disclose any known unpermitted improvements. If the previous owner intentionally hid this information, you might have a case for misleading real estate practices.
The quick and simple answer is: you usually don't need a permit if the shed is 120 square feet or less. In California, most jurisdictions have adopted the 120 square foot rule. If your shed area is larger than 120 square feet, it needs a building permit.