FAQ & Community Notes

What is a Homeowners Association?

A Homeowners Association (HOA) is a corporation that is formed by and for the residents of a community to act as the governing body. We oversee common area maintenance, covenant enforcement and a common standard for architecture and property maintenance. A HOA Board of Directors is elected by its homeowners to conduct the business of the HOA for the benefit of the community.

Who is on the Board of Trustees?

What is an easement?

A property easement in Ohio grants another party (such as a utility company or the HOA) a non-possessory right to use or access a specific portion of your property for a designated purpose. This legal right is typically recorded on your property's deed and may allow the HOA, utility company, or similar entity to access your lot for common area maintenance or utility repairs, without transferring ownership of the land. It is a permanent right that "runs with the land," meaning it remains in effect even when the property is sold. Typically an easement is 10 feet on each boundary of your property line.

Is membership mandatory?

When you buy a property governed by a HOA, you automatically become a member of the association. The purchase of your home becomes a contract with the HOA. You agree that you’ll obey all the HOA rules. The homeowner is responsible to pay the HOA dues and assessments as required.

Are there specific rules for homeowners?

HOA rules are called covenants and restrictions. C&Rs apply to the homeowner, home, and those that occupy the home.

What are covenants and how do I receive a copy of them?

Covenants are legal documents that are recorded on the land. The Homeowners Association Board of Trustees determines the violations that need to be addressed. A copy of our covenants and restrictions are on this website in the governing documents section.

Are there penalties for non-compliance?

HOAs may take action against homeowners. Many HOAs are corporations. As such, they are legal entities that can enforce contracts with their homeowners. The usual penalty for non-compliance, may be a letter, lien on the property or a fine. If you refuse to pay the HOA can take other steps, such as placing a lien against your home.

Why do I pay dues?

Homeowners in Bainbridge Mills pay annual dues as part of their membership. Annual dues are billed at the beginning of each year and are typically paid to the HOA Treasurer. The amount of dues is annually reviewed and approved by the Bainbridge Mills Homeowners Association Board. This funding is used for maintenance of our multiple common areas including mowing, landscaping, irrigation, as well as improvements to common area like signage and lighting. Changes in the amount of dues is governed by our C&R.

What do I do if I receive a violation notice?

The violation notice will have specific information about the non-compliance issue, a time period for correction, and the contact information for the HOA Board member who issued the notice. If you are not sure why you received it or do not know how to correct the violation please contact the Board member listed on the notice. Ignoring the violation notice may result in penalties.

Are there advantages to living in a HOA?

HOAs balance their restrictions with advantages. HOA’s intent is to provide maintenance and stability of the aesthetics, entrances, common areas and overall appearance of the sub-division. You will have a voice, a vote and a contact for community concerns or issues in a HOA community.

How are violations reported?

Each of our Board members may issue violation notices. We do this by observing the properties of the community and reviewing violations at regular meetings. Homeowners may also report violations by contacting any Board member.

What are the most common restrictions included in the Restrictive Covenants?

Mailbox requirements: Duffy-style wood house with black metal mailbox, post, black numbers, ember stain (Sherwin Williams SW 3029 Ember) (RC Article I, No. 24)
Fences are limited to 3 feet tall (height exemption around in ground swimming pools) and require HOA approval for design and materials (RC Article I, No. 8 & 20)
No trailer, boat, camper, recreational vehicle or commercial vehicle shall be parked in front of or on any lot unless it is in a garage or other vehicle enclosure out of view from the street. Temporary parking of these vehicles is limited to 72 hours in any period of 30 days (RC Article I, No. 15)
Limitations on business operating from the home (RC Article I, No. 3)
House and garage colors are restricted to earthtones
Trash and recycling containers must be stored and shall be kept out of view of the general public from the street and abutting properties when not set out for collection (RC Article I, No. 12) - Example Garbage Can Hides

What are my responsibilities for property maintenance?

Expectations for homeowners include regular lawn mowing, edge trimming, maintaining paint and fences, street tree trimming and maintenance. Lawns should be well maintained and free of weeds (RC Article I, No. 8). Keep sidewalks clear of overhead branches or parked vehicles.

Am I allowed to change the grading on my lawn?

Homeowners are not permitted to construct or install or allow the construction or installation of any mounds, fences, walls, grading, structures or improvements which would affect the grading of the lot or the master grading and drainage plan without prior written consent (RC Article I, No. 19)

Are solar panels allowed to be installed?

Solar panels may be installed per Ohio Senate Bill 61 but requires approval from both:

Liberty Township:
- Zoning Compliance: The Liberty Township Zoning Board as applicable to Section 7.19 of the Liberty Township Zoning Code. An application must be submitted to the Township for review. All relevant guidelines from Liberty Township, the State of Ohio, and Delaware County must be followed to ensure compliance
- Aesthetic Standards: The installation must maintain the visual harmony of the community. Panels should be mounted flush with the roofline where possible and must not extend beyond the roof edges.
- Maintenance and Responsibility: The homeowner is responsible for the ongoing maintenance, repair, and eventual removal of the solar panel system. Any damage to common areas or neighboring properties resulting from the installation or operation of the system must be promptly addressed by the homeowner.
Bainbridge Mills Homeowners Association subsequent to approval from Liberty Township