By-Laws of the Woodmont Country Club

Woodmont Country Club By-Laws (PDF Version)

Club Rules of the Woodmont Country Club

Club Rules
  1. Members share, with the WCCBOD, the responsibility for maintaining, protecting, and keeping Club property in order.  Those who use Club property must clean up after themselves, their guests, and their pets.
  2. Use of Club property and facilities is limited to current members and their guests.  Guests are defined as persons residing outside the Club boundaries or non-paying household within the club boundaries who are visiting members at their Woodmont homes.  Guests must be accompanied at all times by their member hosts when using Club property in any way.  Please do not give out gate codes to non-members.
  3. Members may store small boats, kayaks and paddleboards at the plaza for a nominal annual fee.  Each boat and kayak must be clearly marked with the owner’s name and registered with the WCCBOD.
  4. Fires in the Plaza fire pit are not to be left unattended and must be completely extinguished.  Only clean wood can be burned – no beach wood, drift wood, or old building lumber that may be treated with chemicals.  Do not burn toxic items such as Styrofoam, plastics, or garbage.  Burning on Club property is prohibited on days when a county or city ban is in effect due to air pollution or other adverse conditions.
  5. Fireworks are prohibited on Club property at all times, as required by the City of Des Moines Fireworks regulations.
  6. Garbage, yard trimmings, and other refuse must not be dumped on the beach or on any Club property including the plaza fire pit.
  7. Dogs must be leashed; dog waste must be picked up and disposed of properly and NEVER DISPOSED OF IN SANI-KANS! 
  8. Plaza area parking must avoid encumbering mailboxes, adjacent driveways, fire hydrants, the boat ramp, and emergency accessibility.
  9. The footpaths/trails are to be used for pedestrian traffic only.
  10. The Club shall in no way be held responsible or accountable for swimming, boating, or any other activity by either Club members or non-members using Club property.
  11. Police will be called when non-members trespass on any Club property.
  12. There is a Tree Policy covering the trimming, pruning, and removal of trees on Club property.  As Woodmont resides within an environmentally “Critical Area” as designated by the City of Des Moines, our community is subject to the restrictions detailed in Des Moines Municipal Code 16.25.  Please see the WCC Tree Policy for more information. 

Tree Policy
The purpose of the Woodmont Country Club tree policy is to provide guidelines for the WCCBOD in administering tree trimming and removal efforts.  This is to ensure tree maintenance is both beneficial to the club and compliant under current municipal code.  Tree maintenance is the responsibility of the WCCBOD.
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In September 2014, the City of Des Moines adopted a comprehensive tree cutting/trimming regulation (16.25 DMMC).  As a result, residents located in “Critical Areas” must obtain a permit to remove, cut, or prune trees.  Woodmont Country Club property resides within the designated critical areas. 

Any request for tree trimming on Club property from Woodmont Community Club members will be subject to City regulations. Any Permit fees will be the responsibility of the requesting Club member.  

WCC Policy Details - Reasons for Trimming 
To save the tree from starvation.
  1. To thin out overcrowded areas to promote a more natural growth pattern.
  2. Balance the “leaners” to keep them from falling and destroying the banks, steep slopes and private property.
  3. To reasonably maintain or restore marine views for current WCC member homeowners, so long as it does not detract from the natural character of Club property or contribute to erosion issues.
* Evergreen and deciduous trees shall not be trimmed or removed except as authorized by the WCCBOD.​

Reasons for Removal
Dead trees that represent a danger. Tree is obviously diseased and is dangerous. Tree is leaning dangerously.

Replacement
When a tree of any species is removed, a transplant of proper vigor, size, and variety must replace it – preferably at least 2 to 3 years old.

Procedures for Requesting Trimming or Removal of Trees:
  1. A request form (available online at the Woodmont website) must be filled out and submitted to the WCCBOD Tree committee.
  2. The Tree Committee will investigate the request and make a determination within 30 days specifying what action may be taken.
  3. Trees may be trimmed only in accordance with the guidelines of the National Arborist Association through a method called Natural Target Pruning.  Trees must be trimmed at the appropriate time of the year for the tree-type.  Spikes may not be used in climbing, no wound dressing or pruning paint is to be used and no topping of trees is allowed. (See City of Des Moines Tree Regulations DMMC 16.10. 16.20)
  4. Trimming and pruning debris from trees must be removed.
  5. Bushes/shrubs and small growth along the paths/trails may be trimmed in a neat fashion at any time during the year and are considered maintenance.  All debris must be removed.  Filberts and Laurels are included in this category.  To assure health and survival of shrubs and bushes no more than 1/3 of the total height of bushes and shrubs should be removed.  Invasive plants such as ivy and blackberries may be cut to ground level.

Definition of Evergreen and Deciduous trees for the purpose of this policy:
  1. Evergreen:  Fir, Pine, Hemlock, Yew, Holly, Madrona, or other needle- bearing trees native to this area.
  2. Deciduous:  Oak, Maple, Ash, Alder, Willow, Chestnut, or any other leaf-bearing tree native to this area. 

Link to City of Des Moines Tree Regulations
http://www.desmoineswa.gov/documentcenter/view/1839
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Link to City of Des Moines Municipal Code
http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/desmoines/

Link to City of Des Moines Critical Area Map
http://www.desmoineswa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/43
Request to Trim Trees Form (PDF Document)

Club Maintenance Policy
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the WCCBOD is aware of all work done on Club property; that all work done is consistent with existing codes, policies, and agreements; and to have a record of work authorized by the WCCBOD.  The WCCBOD has established these procedures for all residents planning to perform maintenance or improvements on Club property.

  1. All plans for improvement or maintenance must be presented in writing to the WCCBOD for approval. The WCCBOD will respond to all requests within 10 days following its next meeting.
  2. Once approved, the work must be completed within 90 days unless stated otherwise.
  3. Prior to beginning any work, the party making the request must obtain all necessary permits.
  4. This policy applies to maintenance and improvement projects, including grading, other earth-moving, work on the bulkhead, and drainage improvement issues. It does not apply to routine trimming of plants infringing upon the road, parking area, pathways and trails.

Sports Court and Playground Rules
  1. Sports court and playground use is for Woodmont Country Club members and families with paid membership.
  2. Guests must be accompanied by their Club member host at all times when using the sports courts or playground.
  3. Adult supervision is required for very young children.
  4. The sports court and play area closes at 10pm.
  5. No bikes, rollerblades, roller skates, or other equipment that may cause damage to the court surface are allowed.
  6. No glass containers are allowed.
  7. Garbage and personal items must be taken with you when you leave.
  8. No amplified music.
  9. Dogs are not allowed inside the sports court.
  10. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep this area clean and in good order. 

Plaza Rules
Use of the plaza is for the enjoyment and use of dues-paying members and their guests, with minimal impact on the surrounding properties.
  1. Current year dues must be paid (due by June 1) before any Plaza reservation can be made.  Payment of dues will be verified prior to a reservation being issued and approved.
  2. Reservations are required for group events when more than 30 people will be attending. These events will require WCCBOD approval.
  3. No reservation may be made until the WCCBOD has established the dates for Woodmont Club sponsored events.  Once these dates have been established, reservations will be accepted.
  4. Each member household is allowed one weekend reservation and one weekday reservation per summer.  Additional reservations beyond this must be approved by the WCCBOD.  No reservations will be accepted for Friday evenings after 5:00 PM.  Friday evenings will be kept open and available for spontaneous use by the membership.  If a Friday daytime reservation is in place, the plaza must be cleaned up and vacated by 5:00 PM. 
  5. Each reserved event will be for a 4-hour block of time.  If more time is needed beyond this 4-hour window, WCCBOD approval is required.
  6. The club member making the reservation must be present at all times when guests are present and during any group gathering.
  7. Group events must begin to wind down by 10 PM.  All clean-up procedures must conclude by 11 PM.
  8. Plaza area must be cleaned up and all trash removed (not burned) from the plaza after the event.
  9. Club umbrellas are available to use. These umbrellas are located behind the shed.  The umbrellas should be returned dry and in good condition for the next person’s use.
  10. If the fire pit is used, burn only clean wood—not beach wood or old building lumber that may be treated with chemicals.
    *   Fires must be extinguished before leaving the plaza.
    *   Do not burn or throw into fire pit any toxic items, such as Styrofoam, plastics, or garbage.
    *   In addition, those using the fire pit are asked to consider the effects such use will have on the surrounding neighbors and to consider the prevailing winds on any given day.
    *   Only charcoal may be burned in the mounted barbecue grills in the plaza area.  Members are responsible to ensure that coals are extinguished before leaving the area.  In addition, member shall remove the ashes and clean the grills after each use.
  11. Loud or amplified music is not permitted at non-Club events unless permission is granted by the WCCBOD prior to the event.
  12. Limited parking is available at the plaza. Do not block driveways, beach access, boat ramp or North Beach Road.
  13. You are responsible for your guests’ behavior. Please instruct your guests to respect private property, such as the kayaks and boats and private yards. Nothing except trash should be removed from the beach.  Rocks, driftwood, shells and marine life should remain on the beach.
  14. ​Woodmont Club members are allowed to use the beach and surrounding areas at any time regardless of whether an event is scheduled. Two tables shall be allocated for club member use during reserved events if requested.
  15. Fireworks are prohibited on Woodmont Club Property and in the City of Des Moines.
  16. Dogs must be leashed and dog waste picked up and disposed of properly. Dog waste is prohibited to be disposed of in the Sani-kans.

Plaza Boat and Storage Rules
  1. Please do not leave boats in the Plaza without prior approval from the WCC Board Committee.
  2. Members must be in good standing, all dues current, in order to store boats at the Plaza.  Members who fail to pay dues and boat storage fees by June 1st, risk having their boat(s) returned at the owner’s expense.
  3. Please return your boat to your assigned slip.  Be courteous to other members since an empty slip may indicate they are active on the water.
  4. Boats and kayaks stored on the upper rack should be secured by bungee or other tie-down on both bow and stern to avoid dislodgement during inclement weather.  Any damage caused by a poorly secured boat is the liability of the member-owner.  Boats and equipment are stored and secured at the owners’ risk.  The WCC is not liable for any damage or theft to watercraft left in the Plaza.
  5. Members who fail to comply with any of the above listed rules risk having their boats removed and returned to them.
  6. These rules are subject to addition and amendment at any time. 

WCC Plaza Boat Launch Rules
Woodmont Country Club members in good standing may use the existing ramp to launch watercraft. In the interest of protecting our tidelands and limiting damage to beach and marine wildlife, please follow the rules below.

WCC Plaza Boat Launch Rules:

To protect our tidelands and limit damage to shoreline habitat, and to promote the well being of the Club and its members, the following rules are to be respected.

​a)   The Club's existing ramp includes a paved concrete surface "Top Ramp" area running from the upland parking area down to the beach area, ending at the bulkhead; and a "Beach Ramp" paved concrete surface that is frequently covered by sand, rocks, logs, and other beach materials. The ramp[ is approximately 15-feet wide, and runs approximately 22 feet waterward from the bulkhead on its north side and about 17 feet on its south side, as depicted on the attached illustration and aerial photo showing the limits of the lower ramp as it extends into the beach area. Vehicles must not drive (no vehicle tires) beyond the end of the lower concrete "beach ramp" as shown below. A chain or line may be attached to the bulkhead to assist members in measuring the ramp limits.
b)   Only club members can use the boat ramp to launch or retrieve watercraft with a vehicle or a vehicle-trailer.

c)   After launching, move vehicle and trailer to Plaza. Do not block homeowner’s driveways, mailboxes, North Beach road or boat ramp.

d)   Beach driving is prohibited on Club property, and motorized vehicles (including but not limited to any SUV, truck, or car) are not allowed on the beach, provided, vehicles may be authorized on the beach with the prior written approval of the Board for limited property maintenance, utility work, or similar reasons; or for Emergency purposes, which shall be explained in writing to the Board by the responsible party as soon as practicable after the emergency situation is resolved.

e)   Violations of this rule may result in loss of membership and privileges.

f)   In consideration of making use of the WCC boat ramp, all users are advised and informed that:
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There are inherent risks involved in using the boat ramp, so users should carefully observe current conditions before using the boat ramp and take appropriate safety precautions consistent with state and local laws regarding boating safety, use of personal floatation devices, and the like. Boat ramp users acknowledge and assume all risks associated with such activity; release, waive, discharge and agree to hold harmless WCC and its officers, Board members, or agents from any and all liabilities, claims, demands, or injury that may be sustained in connection with using the boat ramp; agree to assume full responsibility for any risks of loss, property damage or personal injury, including death, which may be sustained as a result of using the boat ramp; and agree to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend WCC for any claims, loss, liability, damage or cost, including court costs and attorney’s fees that may occur arising or allegedly arising from use of the boat ramp