Court Opinion

ID: 4409947
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2019-06-25 17:56:25.378044+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T14:51:53.828666
License: Public Domain

Filed
                                                                                        Washington State
                                                                                        Court of Appeals
                                                                                         Division Two

                                                                                          June 25, 2019

      IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON

                                         DIVISION II
    EMPRESS ESTATES LLC, a Washington                               No. 50323-9-II
    Limited Liability Company, and ZOHIER
    SALEEM,

                 Appellants/Cross-Respondents,                UNPUBLISHED OPINION

          v.

    TIMOTHY DOYLE and TERRI DOYLE,
    Husband and Wife and the marital community
    thereof,

                 Respondents/Cross-Appellants.

         SUTTON, J. — Empress Estate LLC and Zohier Saleem1 appeal two final orders from a

dispute with Timothy and Terri Doyle over a shared road easement. Saleem argues that the

superior court erred when it (1) did not require the Doyles to post an injunction bond, but required

Saleem to post a bond as the party requesting a preliminary injunction and an amended preliminary

injunction; (2) found Saleem in contempt for parking more than 30 vehicles on its property in

violation of the preliminary injunction; (3) imposed punitive sanctions; and (4) issued a permanent

injunction that permitted the Doyles to retain a wire fence within the road easement.

         The Doyles cross appeal the amended final order on permanent injunction. The Doyles

argue that the superior court erred when it (1) ordered them to replace a cedar fence with a wire

1
 Empress Estate and Saleem were the plaintiffs below. We refer to them collectively as Saleem
unless otherwise indicated.
No. 50323-9-II

fence and remove gateposts within the easement without a finding that either could establish an

adverse possession claim; (2) enjoined them from placing a fence in the future within the unused

portion of the easement area; (3) allowed a total of 68 vehicles to park on the Empress property;

and (4) ordered them to remove a speed bump within the easement without a finding that the speed

bump unreasonably interfered with Saleem’s use of the easement.

       We hold that the superior court did not abuse its discretion by requiring Saleem, as the

party asking for both a preliminary injunction and an amended preliminary injunction, to post a

bond while not requiring the Doyles to post a bond. We also hold that the superior court erred by

imposing a $500 civil fine and a $1,500 damage award against Saleem for contempt violations

because they were punitive sanctions and we vacate both sanctions. We further hold that the

superior court did not abuse its discretion by holding Saleem in contempt for violating the 2015

amended order for preliminary injunction by allowing more than 30 vehicles to park on his

property. As to the Doyles’ cross appeal, we hold that all of their arguments fail. Thus, we affirm

in part, reverse in part, and vacate the sanctions.

                                               FACTS

                                          I. BACKGROUND

       This appeal arises from a dispute between neighbors over the use of a shared road easement.

Empress Estates is accessed by a 60-foot easement called Empress Lane, a private paved road

crossing the Doyles’ property. Empress Lane is a recorded road easement and is the sole means

of ingress and egress to the Empress property. Saleem purchased Empress Estates in 2012, and it

had been used as a bed and breakfast inn. The Doyles own rural property near the Empress

property.

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No. 50323-9-II

        The Cowlitz County Building and Planning Department receive complaints about Saleem

operating an event center and had concerns regarding Saleem’s use of the property. The county

had approved Empress Estates to operate as a five-room bed and breakfast inn, not as an event

center. After multiple alleged zoning violations, a hearing took place on June 23, 2017. The

hearing officer found that the existing building on the Empress property was not sanctioned as an

event center because Saleem had not retrofitted the sprinkler system within the existing building.

Despite the limited approval, the hearing officer found that Saleem, as the owner of Empress

Estates, had continued to hold large events on the Empress property. Due to the lack of adequate

parking for the events, many guests parked their cars along the private road easement, Empress

Lane.

        The events held at Empress Estates disrupted the Doyles’ rural lifestyle due to loud music,

headlights, cars parked adjacent to their property, and occasional intruders who tried to touch their

horses. The Doyles photographed the patrons and took other actions to deter the Empress visitors.

The Doyles allegedly erected a gate with a keypad and motion sensor across Empress Lane and

the gate had, on many occasions, restricted Saleem’s use of Empress Lane either because the

Doyles allegedly locked the gate, or because the motion sensor failed to work. The Doyles also

allegedly installed several speed bumps along Empress Lane to slow traffic associated with events

on the Empress property.

        In 2014, the Doyles allegedly destroyed signposts put up by Empress Estates directing

visitors to the event center, hung several “No Trespassing” signs near the beginning of Empress

Lane, and engaged in other harassing conduct. This alleged conduct included the following:

hanging dead animal carcasses and severed animal heads within the easement area; feeding

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No. 50323-9-II

animals in the middle of the easement to impede traffic; causing an ice hazard by overflowing a

sump pump across Empress Lane; obstructing the road easement with piles of horse manure, snow,

traffic cones, garbage cans, trucks, and heavy machinery; and using social media to discourage

potential clients from visiting Empress Estates.

                       II. 2013 ORDER GRANTING PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION

         In 2013, Saleem sued the Doyles and requested injunctive relief to (1) remove the gate the

Doyles installed, (2) cease harassing his visitors, and (3) cease interfering with his use of the

easement. On June 19, 2013, the superior court granted a preliminary injunction in favor of Saleem

and ordered (1) the Doyles to keep the gate they had installed across Empress Lane open; (2)

Saleem to take “reasonable steps to insure that [his] invitees did not disturb the [Doyles];” (3) both

parties to stop harassing one another; and (4) payment of a $5,000 bond. Clerk Paper’s (CP) at

72-73. Specifically, the court’s order stated, “Bond is set [at] $5,000,” without specifying which

party was required to pay the bond. CP at 73. Subsequent orders clarified that Saleem was the

party required to pay the $5,000 bond.

         In 2015, Saleem and Empress Estates sued the Doyles, alleging interference with the

easement, tortious interference with business expectancy, damage to property, nuisance, outrage,

and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The superior court consolidated the 2013 and 2015

cases.

         III. CONTEMPT MOTIONS AND 2015 AMENDED ORDER ON PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION

         In April 2015, the parties filed cross-motions for contempt, alleging violations of the 2013

order granting preliminary injunction. A commissioner of the superior court heard the motions

and found both parties in contempt of the order, imposed additional restrictions on both parties,

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No. 50323-9-II

and amended the order. On April 22, 2015, the superior court entered an amended order on

preliminary injunction.

       In the 2015 contempt proceeding, Saleem filed a declaration stating that the county had not

limited the number of vehicles allowed on the Empress property, and stating that there were

parking spaces for more than 85 vehicles which were not within sight of the Doyles’ property.

Based on this declaration, the superior court increased the number of vehicles that were permitted

to park on the Empress property for events from 10 to 30 in its amended order on preliminary

injunction.

       The 2015 amended order on preliminary injunction enjoined the plaintiff, Saleem, as

follows:

       a. No more than 30 motor vehicles may be on [Saleem’s] property at the same time;
       b. [Saleem] and his invitees are not to park on the access easement, and [Saleem]
       must enforce this prohibition with respect to his invitees;
       c. The motion-activated light which [Saleem] has installed is to be deactivated,
       moved so that it faces away from [the Doyles’] property, or shielded; and
       d. [Saleem] and his representatives and invitees are not to photograph or videotape
       anything on the access easement or on defendant’s property, other than in the
       presence or with the consent of counsel for both parties.

CP at 868.

       The 2015 amended order also enjoined the Doyles as follows:

       a. [The Doyles are] not to linger within 50 feet away from the gate located on the
       access easement, other than when [they are] simply passing through the area;
       b. [The Doyles] and [their] representatives are not to photograph or videotape
       anything on the access easement or on [Saleem’s] property, other than in the
       presence or with the consent of counsel for both parties; provided, however, [the
       Doyles] may continue to utilize his surveillance camera to view his own property
       and the access easement;
       c. [The Doyles] shall not park machinery or equipment in the roadway that is the
       access easement;

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No. 50323-9-II

       d. [The Doyles] shall not damage or destroy any signage relating to [Saleem’s]
       business.

CP at 868.

       The 2015 amended order stated that all aspects of the original order on preliminary

injunction remained in full force and effect, and the amended order supplemented the original

preliminary injunction.

                 IV. EMBRATORA PROPERTY AND NEW MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING

       In November 2015, Saleem purchased an adjacent property called Embratora, and installed

25 additional parking spaces on that property for the event center. In early 2016, Saleem filed

plans with the county to build a new multi-purpose building on the Empress property, incorporate

the extra parking spaces on the Embratora property, and add 13 additional parking spaces next to

the new building. The county issued the permits and construction began.

       The properties owned by Saleem and the Doyles are in a designated RR-2 area,2 but are

not otherwise zoned. Julius Ledgett created the easement known as Empress Lane for “ingress

and egress.” CP at 583. He stated in his declaration, “We did not intend to place any restrictions

on the use of these easements and anticipated that the properties would be used for any purpose

permitted by the land use and building code rules and regulations.” CP at 157.

2
 Under Cowlitz County code 18.10.160, properties designated as RR-2 are “rural residential,” but
may be used for limited commercial purposes as long as the usage is compatible with the residential
character of the land use district. The commercial use is “subject to special use permit approval
pursuant to CCC 18.10.280 through 18.10.490.” CCC 18.10.160 (located at:
https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/CowlitzCounty/html/CowlitzCounty18/CowlitzCounty181
0.html#18.10.160).

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No. 50323-9-II

                   V. 2017 CONTEMPT MOTION AND MOTION TO RECONSIDER

       In early 2017, the Doyles filed another motion for contempt, alleging that Saleem violated

the 2015 amended order on preliminary injunction by parking more than 30 vehicles on the

Empress property. Saleem objected to this motion, alleging that the motion was an attempt to

harass him.

       The superior court held a hearing and ruled that Saleem had violated the injunction and

required that the $5000 bond be forfeited as a sanction. Saleem filed a motion to reconsider and

requested a stay of the sanction pending appeal.

       On March 22, 2017, the superior court entered an order denying in part and granting in part

the motion to reconsider and denying a stay of proceedings, ruling:

       1. There is a sufficient basis under CR 59 for the Court to reconsider its January
       18, 2017, oral ruling;
       2. The April 22, 2015, Amended Order for Preliminary Injunction is valid. The
       Amended Order made specific reference to the June 19, 2013 Order and stated that
       all aspects of it “remain[] in full force and effect” and that the Amended Order
       “supplement[ed]” the original Order. Because the original Order required a bond
       and this bond requirement remained and was part of the Amended Order, the
       Amended Order is valid and enforceable.
       3. The Court’s oral ruling requiring the forfeiture of the $5,000 bond in favor of
       [Saleem] is hereby vacated. The Court erred in so ruling. The purpose of the
       injunction bond is to reimburse a wrongfully enjoined party from damages if the
       Court determines that the injunction was wrongfully issued. That is not the case
       here. Rather, the Court found [Saleem] had contemptuously violated the injunctive
       order.
       4. The Court denies the reconsideration of the finding of civil contempt. The facts
       presented were discrete and readily ascertainable. The Court’s intention in
       imposing a civil fine for [Saleem’s] civil contempt was and is to coerce [Saleem’s]
       future obedience to the amended preliminary injunction, and to a lesser extent
       punish [Saleem] for his violation. It is the Court’s opinion that if a coercive fine is
       not imposed, [Saleem] will be emboldened to again violate the preliminary
       injunction. The contempt fine is aimed at coercing [Saleem] to comply now and in
       the future with the Court’s order.

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No. 50323-9-II

       5. Further, with the instant order, [Saleem] is given an opportunity to purge the
       vast majority of the civil contempt fine. Therefore, it is hereby ordered that upon
       no further violations of the preliminary injunction, [Saleem] can purge $4,500 of
       the $5,000 contempt fine. For now, [Saleem] may pay a civil fine of $500. He,
       then, has the opportunity to purge $4,500 of the civil fine upon obedience to the
       Court’s Order. By this mechanism, [Saleem] holds the key to lessen the sanction
       and is thus motived to comply with the amended preliminary injunction.
       6. [Saleem’s] motion to stay proceedings is denied.

CP at 74-75 (some alterations in original).

         VI. ADDITIONAL MOTIONS AND THE SUPERIOR COURT’S JULY 17, 2017 ORDER

A. THE DOYLES’ MOTIONS FOR CONTEMPT

       After the March 22 order, the Doyles filed additional contempt motions, alleging that

Saleem violated the injunction on April 10, April 24, and June 9, 2017, and filed a motion to

dismiss. Saleem argued that the 30 vehicle restriction was not enforceable as an injunction because

the Doyles were not required to post a bond and the “April 22, 2015 [o]rder is a condition, or

[o]rder, but cannot be an injunction.” CP at 584-85.

       The court reviewed the declarations of Timothy Doyle and Roger Faraar which stated that

there were more than 30 cars parking on Empress Estates on April 10, April 24, and June 9. The

superior court found that Saleem’s April 8, 2015 declaration confirmed that there was “parking

spaces for more than eighty-five (85) vehicles, entirely on [the] property” and that this declaration

had been filed prior to his purchasing the adjoining property, the Embratora property. CP at 584.

       The superior court also reviewed the declaration of Lisa Slater, who designed the additional

parking on the Embratora property. Slater stated, “With regard to parking, the intent of the

approved plans is to add an additional 38 parking spaces to those already existing on the Empress

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No. 50323-9-II

property. Indeed, the county has required as a condition of approval, that we provide at least 38

on-site parking spaces.” CP at 584.

       The superior court rejected Saleem’s argument that the injunction was not enforceable

stating that court orders must be obeyed. The court also found “no support for the position that

the parking spaces on the Empress property is limited to 30.” CP at 584.

       The superior court ruled that “[t]he Embratora parking spaces cannot be ‘on-site’ for the

county, but ‘off-site’ for the contempt motion.” CP at 584. Based on the declaration of Lisa Slater,

the court did not accept the argument that the Embratora parking spaces were not on the Empress

property because it determined that Empress Estates’ activity caused vehicles to park on the

Embratora property.

       The superior court ruled that Saleem had violated the 30 vehicle restriction by continuing

to hold large events on the Empress property and found Saleem in contempt of the court’s 2015

amended preliminary injunction order. The court’s ruling referred to its March 2017 order that

gave Saleem the opportunity to purge $4,500 of the $5000 contempt fine by limiting the number

of vehicles parked on its property. The superior court stated, “That did not occur, further

warranting a finding of contempt. I find that Doyle is damaged from the three violations in the

combined amount of $1,500.00. This amount is to be paid directly to Mr. Doyle.” CP at 585.

B. VEHICLE LIMITATION AND SCOPE OF EASEMENT

       Saleem also filed a motion to amend and make permanent the preliminary injunction

without any vehicle limitation. In response, the Doyles requested that the 30 vehicle limitation

remain. The superior court found that the Empress property had 30 parking spaces and the

Embratora property had 25 spaces, for a total of 55 available spaces, allowing for 55 vehicles. The

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No. 50323-9-II

court also found that 13 additional spaces were planned next to the event center, and when

constructed, there would be a total of 68 spaces, allowing for 68 vehicles to park. The superior

court based its decision on (1) the controls on the property, (2) the language of the easement and

intent of the grantor which included the broadest possible language of “ingress and egress,” and

(3) the fact that the Empress property and Doyle property are virtually unzoned, and any activity

that is not unlawful or a nuisance is allowed, including commercial activity.

          The superior court ultimately ruled that Saleem must provide adequate parking for his

guests because he had the legal authority to operate an event center that was accessed by a private

road easement. The superior court ordered that the number of vehicles allowed must not exceed

the number of parking spaces actually constructed and approved by the county’s building and

planning department. The superior court also ruled that “. . . there is no basis to place any vehicle

restriction on the easement.” CP at 586. The court further ruled that the permanent injunction

would require Saleem to ensure that there is no parking along the road easement and that any

vehicle parking on the easement within “500 feet of the north Empress’[s] property line will raise

a rebuttable presumption that the permanent injunction has been violated. Any Empress invitee

parking on any part of Empress Lane will constitute a violation of the permanent injunction.” CP

at 587.

C. SALEEM’S EASEMENT RIGHTS ON THE DOYLES’ PROPERTY

          Saleem also requested a permanent injunction against the Doyles that would allow him to

use the easement without interference by the Doyles and would require the Doyles to remove their

wire fence, gateposts, and farm equipment outside of the 60-foot easement, citing Littlefair v.

Schultz, 169 Wn. App. 659, 278 P.3d 218 (2012). In support of the motion, Saleem filed a

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No. 50323-9-II

declaration stating, “The paved portion [of Empress Lane] is approximately twenty-one (21) to

twenty-three (23) feet wide, more than adequate for the widest of cars and trucks to pass each other

along the road.” CP at 588.

        The superior court ruled that the “[Doyles’] use of the unused portion of the 60-foot

easement does not interfere with Saleem’s, or the Empress guests’ enjoyment of the easement.”

CP at 588-89. The superior court also found that “Doyle’s wire fence along the roadway is not the

kind of permanent structure that was prohibited in Littlefair.” CP at 589. As a result, the superior

court denied Saleem’s request for a permanent injunction against the Doyles, with two caveats:

“First, should the road be widened in the future, Doyle will need to move his fence and equipment

to accommodate the new width of the road. Second, should Doyle choose to erect a more

substantial fence, it will need to be erected outside of the 60-foot easement.” CP at 589.

D. ADDITIONAL ISSUES

        The superior court also addressed several additional issues raised by the parties. The court

ordered that the Doyles’ gate shall remain open; declined to enter an order regarding firearms,

noting that the property is in a virtually unzoned area, and the use of firearms is lawful; ordered

that two permanent speed bumps, one at each end of the Doyles’ property would be allowed;

determined that the Doyles are allowed to post “No Parking” signs within the easement area,

adjacent to their property; and determined there was no evidence of disparaging social media

activity.

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No. 50323-9-II

E. COURT’S JULY 17, 2017 ORDERS ON CONTEMPT AND AMENDING AND MAKING PERMANENT THE
INJUNCTION

       On July 17, 2017, the superior court entered an order on the motions for contempt based

on its finding Saleem in contempt for violations of its April 22, 2015 amended order on preliminary

injunction. The superior court found that “[a]s a result of the excessive number of vehicles parking

on the Empress and Embratora3 properties, the [Doyles have] been damaged in the amount of

$1,500.00.” CP at 231.

       The superior court also entered an order modifying the amended preliminary injunction to

limit the number of vehicles to equal the number of constructed and approved parking spaces, and

denied Saleem’s motion to require the Doyles to move their fence, gateposts, and farm equipment

outside of the 60-foot easement. The court’s order granted Saleem’s motion to amend and to make

the preliminary injunction permanent.

       The July 17 order on permanent injunction includes the following relevant conclusions of

law:

       1. The Easement grants [Saleem] the right to use the Easement for commercial
       purposes. This includes the right to access a multi-use commercial facility such as
       a bed-and-breakfast, event center, or other multi-use facility, if approved by
       Cowlitz County.
       2. [Saleem] will be allowed to fully use the Easement, consistent with Cowlitz
       County’s land-use rules and regulations.
       3. The Easement precludes [the Doyles] from interfering with [Saleem’s] lawful
       use of the Easement, which includes the use of the road to allow visitors and
       guest[s] to locate and access the Empress without harassment or interference.

3
  Saleem, on behalf of Empress Estates, had previously represented to Cowlitz County officials
that parking on the Embratora property was “on-site” for the purpose of additional parking required
for the new multipurpose building. CP at 231. The court found that, because of that representation,
the vehicles parked there were to be included in the 30-car limitation.

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No. 50323-9-II

       However, [Saleem] must take reasonable steps to notify [his] guests to not park or
       trespass on [the Doyles’] property.
       4. The Easement also precludes [the Doyles] from placing any permanent
       structures or improvements within the 60-foot Easement area; however, this
       restriction does not include Doyle’s existing wire fence, maintaining animals or the
       storage of farm equipment and trailers off the road surface and behind the existing
       wire fence, except:
                 a. [The Doyles] are directed to remove the cedar fence on the east side of
                 the road surface within 60 days.
                 b. [The Doyles] shall be allowed to place a wire fence in the area of the
                 cedar fence so long as it is 6 feet off the road surface and [the Doyles] are
                 allowed to store their equipment to the east of the newly installed wire
                 fence.
                 c. [The Doyles are] directed to move the fence corner with the “Shooting
                 Range” sign outside of the 60 foot easement.
                 d. [The Doyles] shall use reasonable efforts to keep domestic and farm
                 animals off the road surface, except when transporting animals across the
                 road.
       5. [Saleem has] also demonstrated a clear legal or equitable right to the Easement.
       6. [Saleem has] also shown that, without judicial intervention, [the Doyles] will
       continue to violate those rights and that irreparable harm and injury has and will
       continue to result, absent an injunction.
       7. The court has also balanced the harms and considered the public interest and
       believes that issuing a permanent injunction is appropriate.

CP at 235-36.

VII. ADDITIONAL MOTIONS AND FINAL ORDERS FOR AMENDED JUDGMENT OF CONTEMPT AND
AMENDED FINAL ORDER ON PERMANENT INJUNCTION

       Following the entry of the July 17 orders, the Doyles filed another motion for contempt.

On October 2, 2017, the superior court granted the Doyles’ motion for contempt and issued the

2017 amended final judgment of contempt against Empress and Saleem along with the 2017

amended final order on permanent injunction.

       In the amended judgment of contempt, the superior court finalized the order from July 17

and found that

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No. 50323-9-II

       the court’s Order on the Motion for Contempt is distinct from the other claims and
       issues in this matter. The court also finds that this Order of Contempt resolves a
       key issue between the parties and that an appeal of the court’s order will not
       interfere with the remaining issues.

CP at 691. The 2017 amended final order on permanent injunction expands the limitations in the

April 22, 2015 amended preliminary injunction.

       Saleem appeals the 2017 amended final judgment of contempt and the 2017 amended final

order on permanent injunction. The Doyles cross appeal the 2017 amended final order on

permanent injunction.

                                           ANALYSIS

      I. PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION BOND AND AMENDED PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION-BOND

       Saleem argues that the superior court erred by not requiring the Doyles to post a bond in

the 2013 preliminary injunction or the 2015 amended preliminary injunction because “the Doyles’

responsive papers indicate they also requested that the [superior] court restrain Empress and its

clients from disturbing the Doyles.” Br. of Appellant at 13. The Doyles argue that they did not

request injunctive relief in either the original motion for injunction or Saleem’s motions to

reconsider and amend and make permanent the preliminary injunction, and thus, they were not

required to post a bond, and the superior court did not err. Because Saleem was the party or

applicant asking for the preliminary injunction and amended injunction, not the Doyles, we hold

that the superior court did not err by requiring Saleem, not the Doyles, to post a bond.

A. LEGAL PRINCIPLES

       RCW 7.40.080 states, in relevant part:

               No injunction or restraining order shall be granted until the party asking it
       shall enter into a bond, in such a sum as shall be fixed by the court or judge granting

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No. 50323-9-II

       the order, with surety to the satisfaction of the clerk of the superior court, to the
       adverse party affected thereby, conditioned to pay all damages and costs which may
       accrue by reason of the injunction or restraining order.

(Emphasis added.)

       CR 65(c) provides, in relevant part:

       Except as otherwise provided by statute, no restraining order or preliminary
       injunction shall issue except upon the giving of security by the applicant, in such
       sum as the court deems proper, for the payment of such costs and damages as may
       be incurred or suffered by any party who is found to have been wrongfully enjoined
       or restrained.

(Emphasis added.)

       We review interpretation of a statute de novo. Jametsky v. Olsen, 179 Wn.2d 756, 761,

317 P.3d 1003 (2014). When engaging in statutory interpretation, we endeavor to determine and

give effect to the legislature’s intent. Jametsky, 179 Wn.2d at 762. In determining the legislature’s

intent, we must first examine the statute’s plain language and ordinary meaning. Jametsky, 179

Wn.2d at 762. Legislative definitions included in the statute are controlling, but in the absence of

a statutory definition, we give the term its plain and ordinary meaning as defined in the dictionary.

American Cont’l Ins. Co. v. Steen, 151 Wn.2d 512, 518, 91 P.3d 864 (2004). In addition, we

consider the specific text of the relevant provision, the context of the entire statute, related

provisions, and the statutory scheme as a whole when analyzing a statute’s plain language. Lowy

v. PeaceHealth, 174 Wn.2d 769, 779, 280 P.3d 1078 (2012). If the statute is unambiguous, we

apply the statute’s plain meaning as an expression of legislative intent without considering other

sources. Jametsky, 179 Wn.2d at 762.

       We review the interpretation of a court rule de novo and in the same manner as we review

statutes. North Coast Elec. Co. v. Signal Elec., Inc., 193 Wn. App. 566, 571, 373 P.3d 296 (2016).

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No. 50323-9-II

We give effect to the plain meaning of a rule as an expression of the drafter’s intent. Guardado v.

Guardado, 200 Wn. App. 237, 243, 402 P.3d 357 (2017).

B. SALEEM WAS THE PARTY ASKING FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

       RCW 7.40.080 states in relevant part that “[n]o injunction or restraining order shall be

granted until the party asking it shall enter into a bond . . . .” (Emphasis added.) The term “the

party” is unambiguous and is not subject to more than one reasonable interpretation. Jametsky,

179 Wn.2d at 762. Thus, we apply its plain meaning. Jametsky, 179 Wn.2d at 762.

       CR 65(c) states in relevant part that “no restraining order or preliminary injunction shall

issue except upon the giving of security by the applicant . . . .” (Emphasis added.) The term “the

applicant” is unambiguous and is not subject to more than one reasonable interpretation. Jametsky,

179 Wn.2d at 762. Thus we apply its plain meaning. Jametsky, 179 Wn.2d at 762.

       Here, Saleem requested a preliminary injunction in his initial complaint for injunctive relief

and damages and filed a motion for a preliminary injunction. The superior court granted the

motion and entered an order for preliminary injunction, citing Saleem’s motion and imposed a

$5,000 injunction bond.4 Under the language of RCW 7.40.080, Saleem was “the party asking”

that an injunction be granted. Under the language of CR 65(c), Saleem was “the applicant”

requesting the injunction. Thus, the superior court properly required Saleem, not the Doyles, to

post the injunction bond under RCW 7.40.080 and CR 65(c), and did not err. We hold that the

4
  The order did not specifically state which party was required to post the bond; however,
subsequent orders clarified that Saleem was required to pay the bond. On appeal, neither party
disputes that Saleem was required to pay the bond.

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No. 50323-9-II

superior court did not abuse its discretion by requiring Saleem, not the Doyles, to post a bond when

Saleem was the party who moved for the preliminary injunction.

                                        II. DIRECT APPEAL

       “‘Whether contempt is warranted in a particular case is a matter within the sound discretion

of the trial court; unless that discretion is abused, it should not be disturbed on appeal.’” Moreman

v. Butcher, 126 Wn.2d 36, 40, 891 P.2d 725 (1995) (quoting In re Pers. Restraint of King, 110

Wn.2d 793, 798, 756 P.2d 1303 (1988)). A trial court abuses its discretion if its contempt decision

was manifestly unreasonable or based on untenable grounds. Holiday v. City of Moses Lake, 157

Wn. App. 347, 355, 236 P.3d 981 (2010). In addition, a contempt ruling based on an erroneous

view of the law or an incorrect legal analysis constitutes an abuse of discretion. In re Estates of

Smaldino, 151 Wn. App. 356, 364, 212 P.3d 579 (2009).

       The contempt statutes distinguish between remedial or civil sanctions and punitive or

criminal sanctions for contempt of court. In re Interest of Silva, 166 Wn.2d 133, 141, 206 P.3d

1240 (2009). A “remedial sanction” is “imposed for the purpose of coercing performance when

the contempt consists of the omission or refusal to perform an act that is yet in the person’s power

to perform.” RCW 7.21.010(3). A “punitive sanction” is imposed to punish past contempt of

court to uphold the court’s authority. RCW 7.21.010(2). To determine whether sanctions are

remedial or punitive, the “courts look not to the ‘stated purposes of a contempt sanction,’ but to

whether it has a coercive effect—whether ‘the contemnor is able to purge the contempt and obtain

his release by committing an affirmative act.’” In re Dependency of A.K., 162 Wn.2d 632, 646,

174 P.3d 11 (2007) (quoting Int’l Union, United Mine Works of Am. v. Bagwell, 512 U.S. 821,

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No. 50323-9-II

828, 114 S. Ct. 2552, 129 L. Ed. 2d 642 (1994). A remedial sanction is valid only if it is remedial

as opposed to punitive. See Silva, 166 Wn.2d at 141-42.

       Notice and a hearing are required when a remedial sanction is sought. RCW 7.21.030. The

prosecutor must initiate an action for a punitive sanction by filing an information or a complaint,

and when filed, the party has a right to a trial and the right to due process must be afforded.

RCW 7.21.040(2)(a) and (3). When applicable, the superior court’s finding of contempt must be

supported by substantial evidence. In re Rapid Settlements, Ltd., 189 Wn. App. 584, 601, 359 P.3d

823 (2015). Substantial evidence is evidence that is sufficient to persuade a rational, fair-minded

person of the truth of the finding. Blackburn v. Dep’t of Soc. & Health Servs., 186 Wn.2d 250,

256, 375 P.3d 1076 (2016).

A. SALEEM’S CONTEMPT – NUMBER OF PARKED VEHICLES

       Saleem argues that there was insufficient evidence that he exceeded the 30 vehicle

limitation, and thus, the superior court erred in finding him in contempt of the April 22, 2015 order

on preliminary injunction. He argues that at the time the court granted the injunction, Julius

Ledgett owned the adjoining parcel and he later acquired the Embratora property. Thus, Saleem

argues that most of the complained of vehicles were parked on the Embratora property not on the

Empress property, and he cannot be found to have violated the order for cars parked on the

adjoining property owned by a separate entity. Because substantial evidence supports the superior

court’s finding of contempt, we hold that the superior court did not err and did not abuse its

discretion.

       The 2015 amended order on preliminary injunction states, “No more than 30 motor

vehicles may be on plaintiff’s property at the same time.” CP at 868. The superior court’s July 3,

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2017 order found Saleem in contempt of the 2015 amended order for preliminary injunction. The

court based its decision in part on the declarations filed by Timothy Doyle and Roger Farrar which

demonstrated that “the evidence supports that more than 30 cars were parked at the Empress

property on April 10, 2017, April 24, 2017, and June 9, 2017.” CP at 584.

       The superior court also based its decision on the declaration of Lisa Slater, who designed

the additional parking on the Embratora property. Her declaration stated, “With regard to parking,

the intent of the approved plans is to add an additional 38 parking spaces to those already existing

on the Empress property. Indeed, the county has required as a condition of approval, that we

provide at least 38 on-site parking spaces.” CP at 584. The superior court’s order stated that “[t]he

Embratora parking spaces cannot be ‘on-site’ for the county, but ‘off-site’ for the contempt

motion.” CP at 584. The court’s order further stated, “Based on the Slater [d]eclaration, I do not

accept that the Embratora parking spaces are not on the Empress Estates’ property. Further, it is

Empress Estates’ activity that brings cars to the property.” CP at 584.

       Based on these declarations, substantial evidence supports the superior court’s finding that

Saleem violated the 30 vehicle restriction. That finding supports the superior court’s conclusion

of law that Saleem was in contempt of the amended preliminary injunction. Thus, we hold that

the superior court did not abuse its discretion.

B. SANCTIONS – CIVIL FINE AND DAMAGES AWARD AGAINST SALEEM

       Saleem argues that the imposed $500 civil fine and $1,500 damage award violate RCW

7.21.040, and should be vacated. We agree.

       Here, when imposing the $500 civil fine against Saleem, the superior court stated that its

“intention in imposing a civil fine for [Saleem’s] civil contempt was and is to coerce [Saleem’s]

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No. 50323-9-II

future obedience to the amended preliminary injunction, and to a lesser extent, punish [Saleem]

for his violation.” CP at 75 (emphasis added). Because punitive sanctions are imposed to punish

past contempt and the court explicitly stated that the $500 civil fine was imposed to punish Saleem

for his past violations of the 2015 amended preliminary injunction, the civil fine is a punitive

sanction.

       Under RCW 7.21.040(2)(a), an action to impose punitive sanctions must be initiated by a

prosecutor. A prosecutor did not initiate an action here. And the party subject to an action for

punitive sanctions must be afforded statutory due process protections. Saleem was not afforded

such protections. Thus, because the $500 civil fine is punitive, we hold that the superior court

abused its discretion by imposing the civil fine.

       In its order awarding $1,500 in damages to the Doyles, the superior court found Saleem in

contempt and found that “[the Doyles are] damaged from the three violations in the combined

amount of $1,500.00.” CP at 585. But the superior court’s contempt order awarding damages did

not include a purge condition.

       Under Rapid Settlements, a remedial sanction must contain a purge clause or it loses its

coercive character and becomes a punitive sanction. In re Rapid Settlements, Ltd., 189 Wn. App.

at 613. Because the superior court’s order did not include a purge condition, the damages award

was a punitive sanction. As discussed, a punitive sanction may only be initiated by the prosecutor

and the prosecutor did not initiate an action here. The superior court therefore abused its discretion

by awarding damages as a punitive sanction. Thus, we hold that the civil fine and damages award

were punitive sanctions. We reverse and vacate both sanctions.

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No. 50323-9-II

C. PERMANENT INJUNCTION

         Saleem argues that under Littlefair v. Schulze,5 the superior court erred when it issued the

2017 amended final order on permanent injunction that allowed the Doyles to retain a wire fence

within the easement. Saleem claims that the Doyles maintained substantial improvements within

the easement area, including fencing, cars, trailers, and equipment. Saleem claims that while the

2017 amended final order on permanent injunction required the Doyles to remove most

encroachments, the court also found that because the road is only 12-14 feet wide, the Doyles

could maintain their current wire fence within the remaining 46 to 48 foot easement area. Saleem

claims that this ruling directly conflicts with this court’s holding in Littlefair. We disagree.

         In Littlefair, we held that removal of a fence was necessary to avert termination of the

easement through adverse possession. Littlefair, 169 Wn. App. at 671. The easement at issue was

a 40-foot wide easement road and the servient landowner erected a fence that ran parallel to the

road. Littlefair, 169 Wn. App. at 662. The court reasoned that the easement in that case was

“regularly used for ingress, egress, and utilities, and [the servient landowner’s] fence appears to

be a permanent structure that could establish an adverse possession claim by [the servient

landowner].” Littlefair, 169 Wn. App. at 667. The court determined that the dominant landowner

was “entitled to have it removed to prevent loss of a major portion of the 40-foot easement.”

Littlefair, 169 Wn. App. at 667.

         Construction of a fence in an easement area is not, in and of itself, a sufficiently inconsistent

use to constitute adverse possession. City of Edmonds v. Williams, 54 Wn. App. 632, 636-37, 774

5
    169 Wn. App. 659, 278 P.3d 218 (2012).

                                                    21
No. 50323-9-II

P.2d 1241 (1989). An adverse possession claim would only arise in this situation where a servient

owner creates an obstruction that clearly interferes with proper enjoyment of the easement. Cole

v. Laverty, 112 Wn. App. 180, 184, 49 P.3d 924 (2002).

       Saleem claims that Littlefair prohibits the Doyles from placing a permanent or semi-

permanent structure or improvement within the easement.            But Littlefair simply prohibits

permanent structures that may lead to the servient landowner’s establishment of an adverse

possession claim on the easement. Littlefair, 169 Wn. App. at 667 (emphasis added). Here, the

superior court’s amended final order on permanent injunction identified the location and existence

of the wire and cedar fences at issue. The superior court’s order stated that the Doyles are

precluded from “placing any permanent structures or improvements within the 60-foot easement

area; however this restriction does not include [their] existing wire fence.” CP at 280. This

language mirrors that in Littlefair. The superior court’s order also directed the Doyles to remove

the cedar fence and replace it with a wire fence that was to be 6 feet from the road surface of the

easement. This language also mirrors that in Littlefair because it ensures that all easement users

have proper access to the purpose of the easement, i.e., ingress and egress.

       The wire fence does not inhibit Saleem’s right to use the road easement, nor does it

establish an adverse possession claim by the Doyles. Thus, we hold that the superior court did not

err in entering the amended final order on permanent injunction.

                                       III. CROSS APPEAL

A. REMOVAL OF THE CEDAR FENCE AND GATE POSTS

       The Doyles argue that the superior court’s conclusion of law that the cedar fence and gate

posts should be removed and the cedar fence should be replaced with a wire fence within the

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No. 50323-9-II

unused easement area, is not supported by the court’s findings of fact because the findings do not

provide any basis for requiring their removal. We hold that the superior court’s findings of fact

support its conclusion of law that the cedar fence and gate posts must be removed because they

are permanent structures within the easement area that interfere with Saleem’s lawful use of the

easement.

       We review a court’s conclusions of law de novo to determine whether they are supported

by the findings of fact. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co. v. Justus, 199 Wn. App. 435, 448, 398 P.3d

1258, review denied, 189 wn.2d 1026 (2017). As discussed above, Littlefair prohibits permanent

structures that may lead to the servient landowner’s establishment of an adverse possession claim

on the easement. Littlefair, 169 Wn. App. at 667.

       Here, the superior court found that the easement grants Saleem the right to use the easement

for commercial purposes, subject to approval by Cowlitz County, and precludes the Doyles from

interfering with Saleem’s lawful of the easement. Based on this finding, the court concluded the

following:

       4. The Easement also precludes [the Doyles] from placing any permanent
       structures or improvements within the 60-foot Easement area; however, this
       restriction does not include Doyle’s existing wire fence, maintaining animals or the
       storage of farm equipment and trailers off the road surface and behind the existing
       wire fence, except:
                a. [The Doyles] are directed to move the cedar fence on the east side of the
                road surface within 60 days.
                b. [The Doyles] shall be allowed to place a wire fence in the area of the
                cedar fence so long as it is 6 feet off the road surface, and [the Doyles] are
                allowed to store their equipment to the east of the newly installed wire
                fence.
                ....

CP at 280.

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No. 50323-9-II

       Based on the record, the superior court found that replacing the Doyles’ cedar fence with

a wire fence along the roadway would not be the kind of permanent structures that are prohibited

in Littlefair because the wire fences could easily be removed if the road needs to be widen in the

future. In the amended final order on permanent injunction, the superior court incorporated its

findings from the July 3, 2017 order. The court explained that “[s]uch fences are routinely placed

along the road to keep animals and children in, keep easement users out, and otherwise create a

barrier, but not a boundary, between the easement and private property. These fences are easily

removed should the need to widen the road arise in the future.” CP at 589. The court stated that

“should Doyle choose to erect a more substantial fence [than the wire fence along the roadway], it

will need to be erected outside of the 60-foot easement.” CP at 589. These findings of fact support

the superior court’s conclusion of law that the cedar fence and gateposts should be removed from

the easement and the cedar fence should be replaced with a wire fence. Thus, we hold that the

Doyles’ claim fails.

B. FENCES IN THE UNUSED EASEMENT

       The Doyles argue that the superior court’s 2017 amended final order on permanent

injunction, which prohibits them from placing fences on the easement in the future, is moot and

not ripe for judicial determination. We disagree.

       An issue presents a justiciable controversy when it presents (1) “‘an actual, present and

existing dispute, or the mature seeds of one,’” rather than a “‘possible, dormant, hypothetical,

speculative, or moot disagreement, (2) between parties having genuine and opposing interests,’”

(3) which involves direct and substantial interests, “‘rather than potential, theoretical, abstract or

academic’” interests, “‘and (4) a judicial determination of which will be final and conclusive.’”

                                                 24
No. 50323-9-II

To-Ro Trade Shows v. Collins, 144 Wn.2d 403, 411, 27 P.3d 1149 (2001) (quoting Diversified

Industr. Dev. Corp. v. Ripley, 82 Wn.2d 811, 815, 514 P.2d 137 (1973)). “Inherent in these four

requirements are the traditional limiting doctrines of standing, mootness, and ripeness, as well as

the federal case-or-controversy requirement.” To-Ro Trade Shows, 144 Wn.2d at 411.

         The Doyles rely on Lakewood Racquet Club, Inc. v. Jensen6 to argue that the superior

court’s jurisdiction is limited to “interests that must be direct and substantial, rather than potential,

theoretical, abstract[,] or academic.” Br. of Resp. at 22. But here, the issue regarding the location

of the wire and cedar fences within the easement area is not academic because the Doyles’ fences

were problematic when the superior court issued the 2017 amended final order on permanent

injunction. Additional fences constructed within the easement would raise further issues creating

the need for a remedy by the court. Thus, the fence issue is ripe for judicial determination and we

hold that the Doyles’ claim fails.

C. NUMBER OF VEHICLES PARKED ON EMPRESS PROPERTY

         The Doyles argue that the superior court erred when it allowed a total of 68 vehicles to

park on the Empress property in its 2017 amended final order on permanent injunction. We hold

that the superior court did not err.

         We review a superior court’s decision following a bench trial to determine whether its

findings of fact are supported by substantial evidence and, in turn, whether those findings support

its conclusions of law. Endicott v. Saul, 142 Wn. App. 899, 909, 176 P.3d 560 (2008). The party

challenging a finding of fact bears the burden of showing that the record does not support the

6
    156 Wn. App. 215, 223, 232 P.3d 1147 (2010).

                                                   25
No. 50323-9-II

superior court’s finding. Scott’s Excavating Vancouver, LLC v. Winlock Props. LLC, 176 Wn.

App. 335, 342, 308 P.3d 791 (2013). Substantial evidence is the quantum of evidence sufficient

to persuade a fair-minded person of the truth of the finding. Endicott, 142 Wn. App. at 909. In

determining the sufficiency of the evidence, we consider only the evidence favorable to the

prevailing party. Endicott, 142 Wn. App. at 909. We defer to the superior court's evaluation of

the persuasiveness of the evidence. Endicott, 142 Wn. App. at 909.

       Here, the superior court found, in relevant part:

               Currently, the Empress Estates’ property has 30 spaces and the Embratora
       property has 25 spaces. Therefore, there are 55 spaces available, allowing for 55
       vehicles. Thirteen additional spaces are planned next to the Event Center. When
       they are constructed the total spaces will be 68, allowing for 68 vehicles.

CP at 586-87. The amended final order on permanent injunction explicitly states that Saleem is

permitted “a total of 68 parking spaces as provided in the [s]ite [p]lan.” CP at 281.

       The Doyles are responsible for explaining why the record does not support the superior

court’s finding, but instead they argue that 38 designated parking stalls on the site plan are located

outside the easement area. Because the Doyles fail to show that the superior court’s findings of

fact are not supported by the evidence, we hold that the superior court did not err when it allowed

a total of 68 vehicles to park on the Empress property as approved by the county.7

7
  The Doyles’ argument appears to be a collateral attack of the county’s land use decision regarding
the Empress property. Because this issue is more properly raised in a land use petition act
proceeding, we do not address it further.

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No. 50323-9-II

D. SPEED BUMPS

       The Doyles initially argue that the superior court’s amended final order on permanent

injunction requiring them to remove a speed bump is not supported by any evidence that the speed

bump interferes with Saleem’s easement rights. However, the Doyles conceded at oral argument

that the superior court properly ruled that removal of a speed bump was appropriate. Thus, we

hold that the superior court did not err.

                                            CONCLUSION

       We hold that the superior court did not abuse its discretion by requiring Saleem, as the

party asking for both a preliminary injunction and an amended preliminary injunction, to post a

bond while not requiring the Doyles to post a bond. We also hold that the superior court erred by

imposing a $500 civil fine and a $1,500 damage award against Saleem for contempt violations

because they were punitive sanctions and vacate both sanctions. We further hold that the superior

court did not abuse its discretion by holding Saleem in contempt for violating the 2015 amended

                                                27
No. 50323-9-II

order for preliminary injunction by allowing more than 30 vehicles to park on his property. As to

the Doyles’ cross appeal, we hold that all of their arguments fail. Thus, we affirm in part, reverse

in part, and vacate the sanctions.

        A majority of the panel having determined that this opinion will not be printed in the

Washington Appellate Reports, but will be filed for public record in accordance with RCW 2.06.040,

it is so ordered.

                                                     SUTTON, J.
 We concur:

 LEE, A.C.J.

 RUMBAUGH, J.P.T.

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