Opinion
C.A. Case No. 97 CA 25. T.C. Case No. 96-225.
February 6, 1998.
WILLIAM B. McNEIL, Attorney for Plaintiffs-Appellees.
JOHN E. FULKER, Attorney for Defendant-Appellant.
This matter comes to us from the Common Pleas Court of Miami County, General Division. Defendant-Appellant Dorthea Davis appeals from a declaratory judgment rendered in favor of plaintiffs-appellees Paul E. Dunlavy and Joan Dunlavy. We agree with Davis that a restrictive covenant bars the erection of a storage shed on the Dunlavy's property. Accordingly, the judgment of the trial court is Reversed, and judgment is rendered in favor of Davis.
I.
This case concerns whether restrictive covenants in a subdivision plat prohibit the building of a shed. In the summer of 1996, the Dunlavys announced their intention to build a storage shed on their property. When they did so, they encountered resistance from Davis, who owns the lot next door to the Dunlavys. Davis informed the Dunlavys of her belief that their erection of a shed was prohibited under two restrictive covenants in the neighborhood's subdivision plat. In particular, Davis contended that their building of a shed was absolutely prohibited under the following restrictive covenant:
1. No lot shall be used except for residential purposes. No building shall be erected, altered, placed, or permitted to remain on any lot other than one single family dwelling.
In the alternative, Davis argued that, at minimum, the Dunlavy's proposed building site was prohibited under the following restrictive covenant:
3. No building shall be located on any lot nearer to the front or side property line than the building set back line as provided on the recorded plat.
All of the lots were marked with a twenty-five foot front set back line on the subdivision plat. Using this twenty-five foot front set back line, Davis read restrictive covenant number three as creating side set back lines by prohibiting buildings from being erected any nearer to the side of the lot owners' properties than that front set back line expressly demarcated on the subdivision plat. Applying that reasoning to her case, Ms. Davis argued that the Dunlavys' proposed building site had to be at least twenty-five feet away the side of her property. Given that their proposed building site was less than twenty-five feet from her property line, she argued that their proposed site was prohibited by restrictive covenant number three.
In view of Davis's resistance to their proposed shed, the Dunlavys brought a declaratory judgment action seeking the court to determine whether these restrictive covenants prohibit the construction and/or the location of the proposed shed. On April 7, 1997, the trial court granted declared judgment in favor of the Dunlavys. The trial court found that restrictive covenant number one was ambiguous when read in concert with restrictive covenant number four, which provides that:
4. No trailer, basement, garage, barn or other outbuilding or structure shall be used as a residence. No temporary structure shall be permitted on any lot except during the active period of construction.
The court reasoned that if one is to give meaning to this covenant's prohibition against using such buildings as a residence one must find by implication that such buildings are permitted. Given that restrictive covenant number one seems to be an absolute prohibition against any other buildings than one single family residence and that restrictive covenant number four seems by implication to permit other buildings, the court found the covenants to be ambiguous. Finding an ambiguity, the court acknowledged the law's disfavor of restrictions on the free use of land and interpreted the ambiguity in favor of the Dunlavys.
The court also found that restrictive covenant three does not prohibit the building of the shed within twenty-five feet of the side or rear of the Dunlavy's property line. The court discerned that the express language of restrictive covenant number three did not create side set back restrictions. The court based its decision on the fact that several lots had explicit side set back lines on the subdivision plat and the language of restrictive covenant number three which restricted the covenant's application to the set back lines already "provided on the recorded plat." The court further explained that while some properties on the subdivision plat had explicit side set back lines, there were no side (or rear) set back lines present on Dunlavys' property. Therefore, the court concluded that the Dunlavys' proposed building site could not be prohibited under restrictive covenant number three. Davis does not appeal from the trial court's decision as to the side and rear set back lines. Rather, her appeal solely concerns the trial court's decision that restrictive covenant one is ambiguous in light of restrictive covenant four.
II. Assignment of Error
THE TRIAL COURT ERRED IN INVALIDATING THE CLEAR PROHIBITION CONTAINED IN PROTECTIVE COVENANT NUMBER 1 UPON THE BASIS OF A PERCEIVED "AMBIGUITY" CREATED BY AN "IMPLICATION" GLEANED FROM THE LANGUAGE OF COVENANT NUMBER 4.
Davis argues that the trial court erred in finding that the restrictive covenants are ambiguous. In particular, Davis argues that restrictive covenant number one is unambiguous because its language is clear and unequivocal in prohibiting the erection of any building other than a single family dwelling. She further claims that this clear and unequivocal language prohibits the erection of a storage shed because case law has defined a storage shed as a building.
Davis further argues that restrictive covenant number four can be read in a manner that does not conflict with restrictive covenant number one and render it ambiguous. Specifically, Davis posits that restrictive covenant number four can be read as supplementing restrictive covenant number one by elucidating what type of building can constitute a single family residence. Thus, she reads restrictive covenant number one as prohibiting the construction of any building on the lot other than a single family residence, and restrictive covenant number four as listing the types of structures that cannot constitute a single family residence.
As support for her argument, she brings our attention to an Alabama Supreme Court case, Spygley v. Miller (1978), 356 So.2d 644. The restrictive covenants in that case provided that:
"No lot shall be used except for residential purposes. No building shall be erected, altered, or placed or permitted to remain on any lot other than one detached single family dwelling not to exceed two and a half stories in height, and a private garage for no more than three cars."
"No structures of a temporary character, trailer, tent, shack, garage, barn or other out building shall be used on any lot at any time as a residence, either temporary or permanent."
The Plaintiff-Appellants in Spygley argued, like the Dunlavys, that there was a
"grammatical inconsistency between two provisions. It is submitted that the covenant which deals with land use and building type is inconsistent with the covenant which deals with temporary structures * * * the inclusion of the covenant dealing with temporary structures not only indicates but proves beyond question that the covenants as a whole contemplate the use of temporary structures. Otherwise, it would be unnecessary to restrict the use of those structures to prohibit their use as a residence either temporarily or permanently."
Id. at 645.
The Spygley court disagreed with the plaintiff-appellants. The court stated that "[w]here the language of the restriction is clear and unambiguous it will, of course, be given its manifest meaning * * *.'" Id. The court went on to explain that
"[t]hough ingenious in its concept, reference to the "Temporary Structures" paragraph, as a means of invoking the rule of strict construction against such covenants, does not render the restrictive language less clear nor impugn with doubt its manifest intent. The "Land Use and Building Type" covenant, in clear and unambiguous terms, prohibits the use of any building on the subject lot other than one detached family dwelling and a private garage."
Id. (Emphasis included). Finding the language of the "Land Use and Building Type" covenant unambiguous, the court declined to extend its construction by means of an implication derived from the "Temporary Structures" provision.
The court further explained that it found the provisions to have separate purposes or "fields of operation." The court attempted to explain what it found to be the purpose of the "Temporary Structures" provision by means of a hypothetical. In this court's view, the meaning to be gleaned from the Spygley court's hypothetical is unclear. In our best estimation, the court intended the hypothetical to convey that the purpose of the "Temporary Structures" provision was to prohibit the use of any of the listed structures as the lot owner's single family residence. Thus, we read the court's decision as finding that the "Temporary Structures" covenant in that case could be interpreted consistently with the first covenant by construing the first covenant as prohibiting the erection of any buildings other than a single family residence and the "Temporary Structures" covenant as listing the types of buildings that cannot constitute the one single family residence permitted under the first covenant.
Before we consider the restrictive covenants in the case before us, we must first visit the rules of construction. The rules of construction for restrictive covenants are founded on the principle that restrictions on the free use of land are disfavored. Benner v. Hammond (1996), 109 Ohio App.3d 822, 673 N.E.2d 205, stay denied 75 Ohio St.3d 482, 664 N.E.2d 535, appeal not allowed 77 Ohio St.3d 1479, 673 N.E.2d 141 . Consequently, where a covenant's language is indefinite, doubtful, and capable of contradictory interpretations, courts are to construe the covenant in favor of the free use of land. Id. However, even though restrictions on the free use of land are disfavored, such restrictions are not impossible. Courts are to enforce a restriction where it is clearly and unambiguously found in a covenant. Id.
This court addressed a nearly identical issue in Mays v. Noble (July 6, 1987), Montgomery App. No. 10330, unreported. In Noble , we determined that two similar covenants in a subdivision plat were ambiguous. Those covenants provided:
All lots in this plot shall be known and described as residential lots. No structure shall be erected, altered, placed, or permitted to remain on any residential lot other than one detached single family dwelling not to exceed two stories in height and a private garage for not more than three cars.
No trailer, tent, shack, garage, barn, or other out-buildings erected in the subdivision shall at any time be used as a residence temporarily or permanently, nor shall any structure of a temporary nature be used as a residence.
Id. at 3. We found that the covenants were ambiguous because the first covenant seemed to prohibit all structures except one single family dwelling while the latter covenant appeared to acknowledge by implication that such structures were permitted, but could not be used for residential purposes. Finding an ambiguity, we interpreted the covenants in favor of the property owner's free use of his land.
Although we agree with the Dunlavys that Mays v. Noble is not materially distinguishable, we decline to follow our holding in that case. We agree with Davis that restrictive covenant number one is unambiguous. Restrictive covenant number one provides without exception that "No building shall be erected * * * other than one single family dwelling." It is undisputed that a shed constitutes a building under the law. Thus, under a plain reading of restrictive covenant number one, sheds are prohibited from being erected in the subdivision.
Furthermore, restrictive covenant number four does not contradict the prohibition in covenant number one. Restrictive covenant number four provides that "No trailer, basement, gargage, barn, or other outbuilding or structure shall be used as a residence." A plain reading of this covenant is that the listed structures may not be used as a residence. This does not contradict restrictive covenant one; rather it limits what types of buildings may constitute a single family residence. Any implication that these structures are permitted is negated by the unequivocal language found in restrictive covenant number one.
Davis's sole assignment of error is sustained.
III
Davis's sole assignment of error having been sustained, the judgment of the trial court is Reversed, and a declaratory judgment is rendered, as a matter of law, in Davis's favor.
GRADY, J., concurs.
Whether a restrictive covenant prohibits an intended use of land depends on the language of the covenant and the intention of parties in using such language. Kern v. Murph (1936), 4 Ohio Supp. 356, 6 O.O. 223. The intentions of the parties are ascertained by considering the covenant within the context of the entire document, the circumstances surrounding the drafting of the covenant, and the subject matter of the covenant. Slife v. Kundtz (1974), 40 Ohio App.2d 179, 69 O.O.2d 178, 318 N.E.2d 557; Hi-Lo Oil Co., Inc. v. McCollum (1987), 38 Ohio App.3d 12, 526 N.E.2d 90. Thus, although courts are to ascribe the plain and ordinary meaning to the language of the covenant, Benner, supra , that meaning should be consistent with the parties' intentions.
I agree with the trial court that these restrictive covenants are ambiguous, and, thus, decline to adopt the Alabama Supreme Court's analysis in Spygley . The ambiguity in these covenants becomes apparent when one compares the express language of those provisions with the usual purposes of those provisions. We are able to discern the usual purposes of these provisions from case law on restrictive covenants because language similar to the language used in these covenants is commonly included in subdivision plats.
Although the second sentence in restrictive covenant number one seems to absolutely prohibit the erection of any buildings other than one single family dwelling, the purpose of this provision is usually to restrict the number and types of primary buildings that may be erected on the lots. In particular, this provision is generally used to prohibit the building of multi-unit family dwellings, such as, apartments and duplexes. See, Baker v. Lunde (Conn. 1921), 114 A. 673. Similarly, this provision is commonly used to prohibit the building of more than one home on each lot. See, Walker v. Haslett (Ill.App. 1919), 38 N.E.2d 53. Hence, although the explicit language of the covenant appears to restrict the erection of any building whether it be primary or accessory, its usual purpose indicates that the provision was only intended to be directed at the construction of primary buildings.
A review of the usual purpose of restrictive covenant number four serves to fortify this ambiguity. Usually, language similar to that used in restrictive covenant number four is employed to limit the occupancy of lots in a subdivision to single families. Language similar to that in restrictive covenant four serves to limit the occupancy of lots to single families by prohibiting lot owners from renting out or permitting extended family or friends to live in the lot owner's basement, garage, barn, or other buildings. Hence, in summary, the purpose of this covenant is to attempt to restrict the occupancy of lots in a subdivision to single families by requiring that all individuals living on the lot reside within the one permitted single family dwelling.
In view of the usual purpose of this covenant, the ambiguity in restrictive covenant number one is reinforced because if the restrictive covenant number one's express (and seemingly inclusive) prohibition against the erection of other buildings was intended to apply to barns and outbuildings, there would be no need for restrictive covenant number four to prohibit individuals from residing in those buildings. Thus, I can only conclude that the trial court correctly found that restrictive covenant number one is ambiguous. Furthermore, I would determine that upon finding the ambiguity, the trial court properly interpreted the covenant as not restricting the Dunlavys' use of their land.
This holding is consistent with a prior opinion authored by this court. In Mays v. Noble (July 6, 1987), Montgomery App. No. 10330, unreported, we held that two similar covenants in a subdivision plat were ambiguous. Those covenants provided:
All lots in this plot shall be known and described as residential lots. No structure shall be erected, altered, placed, or permitted to remain on any residential lot other than one detached single family dwelling not to exceed two stories in height and a private garage for not more than three cars.
No trailer, tent, shack, garage, barn, or other out-buildings erected in the subdivision shall at any time be used as a residence temporarily or permanently, nor shall any structure of a temporary nature be used as a residence.
Id. at 3. We found that the covenants were ambiguous because the first covenant seemed to prohibit all structures except one single family dwelling while the latter covenant appeared to acknowledge by implication that such structures were permitted, but could not be used for residential purposes. Finding an ambiguity, we interpreted the covenants in favor of the property owner's free use of his land.
I find no material difference between the covenants in Mays, supra, and those in the present case. Particularly in legal issues involving the use of real property we should be very cognizant of the need for consistency in the application of the law. Precedents such as the one this court itself established in Mays are necessarily relied upon by the practitioners in real property law and should not be overturned merely because a later panel of the same court prefers a different line of reasoning. In any case, I remain convinced by our reasoning in Mays . I would overrule the assignment of error and affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Copies mailed to:
William B. McNeil
John E. Fulker
Hon. Jeffrey M. Welbaum