Condominium De-Annexation

In 2008-2009, Laura Cooper assisted a client with a very complex condominium issue.  The client had a condominium that was formed in the 1960s, making it perhaps the oldest condominium in Oregon.  The client wanted to rehab and update the units, but could not do so without the consent of all unit owners. The client attempted to purchase all of the units, but was left with about five holdovers. The client and Ms. Cooper worked out a plan whereby the client would trade units with the remaining owners so that they were isolated in one building.  Then, Ms. Cooper devised a plan to de-annex from the condominium the buildings that were finally owned entirely by the client.  This plan would separate the client’s units from the holdout units.  Because of the age of the condominium and the fact that the documents were not consistent with current Oregon law, the applicable governmental agencies agreed that the plan was unprecedented.  The job required not only creative document drafting, but intensive negotiation with, and persuasion of, the county planning staff, the county surveyor and the Oregon Real Estate Agency.