The Ohio Planned Community Law, found under O.R.C. § 5312.01, regulates the creation, authority, management, and operations of planned communities in the state. ing to this law, all homeowners associations must record a declaration and a set of bylaws with the county recorder's office.
Section 5311.20 | Unit owners association may sue or be sued. In any action relating to the common elements or to any right, duty, or obligation possessed or imposed upon the unit owners association by statute or otherwise, the unit owners association may sue or be sued as a separate legal entity.
Bank statements; All executed contracts, including insurance information; Unit owner names and addresses (excluding telephone numbers); and. Board regular and special meeting minutes, but not executive session minutes, after approval of the minutes by a majority of the board and signature by the secretary.
Ohio HOA's are required to organize as nonprofit corporations. O.R.C. §5312.03(B). Thus, with regard to its organizational structure and general management, an association is subject to the authority of the Ohio Secretary of State.
HOAs in Ohio are granted powers to enforce community rules, collect dues, and maintain common areas. They can also impose fines for non-compliance and set regulations for property use. For a detailed breakdown, refer to the Ohio Planned Community Law.
In summary, there is no case where HOA rules override state law. Considering the hierarchy, federal, state, and local laws always take precedence over an association's rules. Board members should have a solid grasp of these laws. In doing so, they can protect the HOA and mitigate the risk of liability.
Finally, is an HOA considered a local government? No—HOAs are not considered a local government entity. While they do hold some administrative functions for a community, such as collecting assessments and enforcing rules, they do not possess the authority granted to real government bodies.
Technically, an HOA can't evict a homeowner.
A foreign corporation may be said to be doing business in Ohio when it purchases or deals in real estate within the state, when the transaction is in fulfillment of its corporate purposes and is a part of its ordinary business.
But Ohio statutes don't explicitly state that bylaws or regulations are required. However, bylaws are essential for a well-functioning corporation. They not only provide a blueprint for your corporation's daily operations, but also help defend against lawsuits.