Cincinnati, OH HOA Rules: Board Procedures (2026)
Key Facts
- Annual meeting
- Required with advance written notice
- Reserve fund
- At least 10 percent of budget unless waived
- Electronic notice
- Permitted if owner opts in (S.B. 61)
- Financial records
- Open to owner inspection
- State law
- ORC 5312 (planned) and ORC 5311 (condo)
Summary
Cincinnati HOA boards follow ORC 5312 (planned communities) and ORC 5311 (condos). Boards must hold annual meetings with advance notice, maintain minutes, and fund reserves at 10 percent of budget minimum.
(A) A board of directors of an owners association shall elect officers from the members of the board, to include a president, secretary, treasurer, and other officers as the board designates.
(B) A board may act in all instances on behalf of an association unless otherwise provided in this chapter, the declaration, or bylaws. The board may appoint persons to fill vacancies in its membership for the unexpired portion of any term.
(C) Except during a period of declarant control, the board shall call a meeting of the owners association at least once each year. Special meetings may be called by the president, a majority of the board, owners representing fifty per cent of the voting power in the owners association, or any lower share of the voting power as the declaration or bylaws specify.
(D) The board may hold a meeting by any method of communication, including electronic or telephonic communication, provided that each member of the board can hear or read in real time and participate and respond to every other member of the board.
(E) In lieu of conducting a meeting, the board may take an action with the unanimous written consent of the members of the board. Any written consent shall be filed with the minutes of the meetings of the board.
(F) No owner other than a director may attend or participate in any discussion or deliberation of a meeting of the board of directors unless the board expressly authorizes that owner to attend or participate.
(G) The board of directors of an owners association shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws concerning prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, military status, national origin, disability, age, or ancestry, including, but not limited to, Chapter 4112. of the Revised Code. No private right of action additional to those conferred by the applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws is conferred on any aggrieved individual by the preceding sentence.
Full Breakdown
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5312 governs planned community associations common throughout Cincinnati suburbs and newer developments, while ORC Chapter 5311 applies to condominium associations. 081, the board of directors must adopt an annual budget that includes reserves adequate to repair and replace major capital items. The annual reserve contribution cannot be less than 10 percent of the total budget unless owners vote each year to waive the reserve requirement. Boards must hold at least one annual meeting of all owners, with written notice mailed or delivered at least 7 days in advance for condominiums and as specified in the declaration for planned communities.
B. 61 amendments effective 2022 if the owner opts in. Minutes of all board meetings and annual meetings must be maintained and made available to owners upon request. Board members owe fiduciary duties of care and loyalty to the association. Special meetings may be called by the board or by a petition of owners as set forth in the bylaws. Quorum requirements for board action are established in the bylaws, typically a majority of directors. Proxy voting rules are governed by the declaration and bylaws and must comply with ORC requirements. The association must maintain books and financial records open to inspection by owners during reasonable business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much notice must the HOA give before an annual meeting?
Can the board skip the reserve fund contribution?
Can meeting notices be sent by email?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cincinnati
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