Columbus, OH HOA Rules: Board Procedures (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Law
- ORC Chapter 5312
- Annual Meeting
- At least once per year
- Special Meeting
- 50% of voting power or lower
- Electronic Meetings
- Permitted if real-time
- Applies To
- Post-Sept 2010 communities
Summary
Ohio HOA board meetings are governed by the Ohio Planned Community Law (ORC Chapter 5312). The board must hold at least one annual meeting. Special meetings can be called by the president, majority of the board, or owners with 50% of voting power. Meeting notice and procedures are set by the declaration and bylaws.
Section 5312.04 | Election of officers; powers; meetings.
(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.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5312 (Ohio Planned Community Law) governs HOA operations in Columbus. The board must call at least one annual meeting of the owners association, except during declarant control periods. Special meetings may be called by the president, a majority of the board, owners representing 50% of voting power, or a lower threshold if specified in the declaration or bylaws. The declaration and bylaws must provide for the time, place, method, and authority for calling meetings, conducting meetings, and giving notice. Notice may be sent by electronic mail if the association has prior written authorization from the owner.
Board meetings may be held by any method of communication, including electronic or telephonic, provided each board member can hear or read in real time and participate and respond to every other member. ORC 5312 applies to planned communities created after September 29, 2010, and to older communities that elected to opt in by majority vote. Columbus does not have local ordinances that further regulate HOA governance beyond state law. The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas handles HOA-related litigation.
Violations & Fines
Board actions taken outside proper meeting procedures may be challenged in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Members may seek injunctive relief to enforce meeting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must my Columbus HOA hold meetings?
Can my HOA board meet by video conference?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
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Board Procedures in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Franklin County handle board procedures.