Rules & Regulations 2025

The Shawnee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc. shall have only one class of members and shall consist of those persons who own a lot or lots in the Shawnee Hills Subdivision, a subdivision of Greene County, Ohio, recorded in the official records of the office of the Recorder of Greene County, Ohio.
These property owners must be current on their annual HOA assessment.

Eligible Members

Persons eligible to use the lake facilities shall meet one of the following criteria:

Shall be a Shawnee Hills property owner in good standing. (All annual property charges and Association dues are current on all properties at Shawnee Hills Subdivision.
The spouse and/or parents of said property owner.
The children of the property owner, regardless of age, and grandchildren under the age of eighteen (18) years.
Dependents under IRS regulations.
All other persons will be considered guests. At such time that any eligible member owns property in the Shawnee Hills Subdivision, they will forfeit any eligible member status.

Identification

Each eligible property owner who has paid the applicable fees will receive two (2) identification cards. Photocopies or pictures will not be accepted.

Guest Privilege

Any guest on the beach, lake or elsewhere on Association property must be accompanied by a member who will be responsible for them at all times. Members shall be responsible for the guest’s or guests’ conduct at all times.

Rental/Leased Property with House

Providing the property owner is in good standing on their property, i.e. has paid the annual assessment. Then the renter/lessee may apply for a lake facilities usage card. The annual renter/lessee charge for this privilege to use the lake is Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00). The renter/lessee will be subject to all of the rules and regulations governing all property owners at the Shawnee Hills Subdivision.

Motorized vehicles

No motorized or un-motorized wheeled vehicle of any kind will be allowed on spillway, shelter house area, on beach, ski area, dam, dam road, or any other Shawnee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc. property other than parking lot areas.

Building Permits

Building permits are required for houses, garages, boat houses, above and below ground pools, boat shelters, docks, storage sheds or additions to any of the above. All buildings, including docks, must be approved by the Board of Trustees, and be in compliance with the Board of Trustee approved SHPOA Building Standards. The cost of the permit shall be determined annually by the Board of Trustees. Boat houses are not to be used as sleeping quarters, or to be equipped with any sanitary facilities, either portable or permanent. All buildings must comply with road and side lot setback requirements. Permits will not be unreasonably withheld and all assessments have been paid. In order to obtain a Building Permit Shawnee Hills Subdivision, a security deposit must be provided by the property owner. This security deposit will be held in escrow by the Association until all construction and final grading is complete.

Rule Violations

All property owners have the right and are expected to report violations of Rules and Regulations to the Board, in writing, for appropriate action.

Signs

No signs other than Association signs are allowed on property owned by the Association.

Ditches

No Association drainage ditches are to be filled, tiled, or covered unless approved by the Board.

Parking on Association Property

No overnight parking of any vehicle on any Shawnee Hills Association property is allowed. Watercraft trailers shall not be parked in the launching area or on any Association property overnight.

Littering

It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit, or place cans, bottles, trash or garbage upon property (including Shawnee Lake) owned or controlled by the Shawnee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc.

Guns / Hunting / Bow Fishing

It shall be unlawful for any person to trap or hunt birds, quadrupeds, or fur-bearing animals or to discharge firearms, pellet guns, air rifles or bow and arrow hunting on property (including Shawnee Lake) owned or controlled by the Shawnee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc. except to trap muskrat or bow fish, which must be by approval of the Board of Trustees.

Conduct

All members and guests are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous, respectful manner when communicating with SHPOA employees and /or Trustees. Threats, cursing, shouting, and /or verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated, and may result in fines. While polite disagreement is acceptable, the instructions of Lake Patrol members, lifeguards, beach staff, and Trustees must be complied with immediately. If a member believes that any instructions from such staff members were incorrect or improperly given, the matter can be brought to the attention of the SHPOA Board of Trustees for their review at the next monthly Board meeting.

Alcohol or Drugs

No person who is under the influence of alcohol or narcotic drugs or opiates shall operate any motor vehicle or watercraft upon any property owned or controlled by the Shawnee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc.

Beach

The beach is free to property owners who are in Good Standing, their children, and grandchildren. All others must be accompanied by a Shawnee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc. member and will be charged a fee that will be determined annually by the Board.

Persons may swim in Lake Shawnee in the area designated as the “Beach Area” as marked by red and white buoys.
There shall be no swimming or use of the beach when it is closed. A gatekeeper must be present at all times for the beach to be open. If no gatekeeper is present the beach is deemed to be closed.
The Beach parking lot is closed to all vehicles from 10:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M., except for fishermen, boaters and those using the Lake Shawnee Clubhouse for authorized functions.
No person shall use any inflatable device for buoyancy in the waters of the beach area.
Possession of glass containers on the beach area and ski area by any person is prohibited.
It is prohibited for any person to bring a dog or other pet into the beach or ski area.
When available, a lifeguard will be in attendance during the summer season, except in inclement weather. Please obey the Lifeguard’s orders and see that your children obey them, also.
Children under twelve (12) years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Adults are responsible for the children’s safety.
When no lifeguard is scheduled, members and guests are solely responsible for their own safety and all beach rules are still in effect. Minors under the age of (eighteen) (18) must be supervised by a designated responsible adult.
The Association is not responsible for clothing, valuables, or personal property loss sustained while on the beach or in the water.
In case of any emergency in the water, the Lifeguard will blow a whistle three (3) times, which means, “All out of the water immediately”.
The use of all beach equipment shall be left to the judgment of the SHPOA staff.
Beach staff may direct any patron not abiding by these Rules and Regulations to leave beach premises.

Swimming at locations other than Beach

Swimming at Lake Shawnee is only permitted in locations designated by the Shawnee Hills Board of Trustees. All swimming is with the premise of “swim at your own risk”. All other SHPOA rules must be followed while swimming in Lake Shawnee. See below for the list of locations and rules associated with each location.

Swimming at association boat docks is prohibited.
Swimming from the shoreline of a Shawnee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc. member

Rules

Swimming is permitted only within 50’ of the shoreline.

Swimming from anchored watercraft

Permitted Locations

In Front of Earthen Dam (See image)

Rules

Swimming is prohibited during the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m and on holidays
Swimming and floating must between the shoreline and designated buoys
Watercrafts must be anchored before swimming
The swim area is a No Wake Zone
Fishing is not permitted in the area if it is being utilized
Swimming to shore is only permitted for emergency purposes
Minors under the age of 18 (eighteen) must be supervised by a designated adult.

Special Events

Individuals or organizations desiring to schedule or conduct any special event on property owned by the Shawnee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc. must obtain a permit to do so from the Shawnee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc.

Max Powers Community Building Rental/Use

Anyone wishing to rent the community building must complete and submit a signed rental agreement to the SHPOA Clerk. All rules and regulations pertaining to the community building are found in the contractual agreement. Community Building Rental

Waterfront Buoys

Members who own waterfront lots have the right to mark the area of water with buoys from a point in front of their lot(s) extending up to fifty feet (50') from the shore line. No waterfront lot owner shall be permitted to mark off by buoys a beach swimming area if it unreasonably obstructs the access of adjacent lot owners.

Lake Level

Lake level will be dropped approximately seven feet (7’) each fall and winter to protect docks from ice damage. November 15th is the date for opening the gate valve. Water will be raised again by closing this valve on or after March 1st, depending on whether or not damaging ice remains in the lake. More Information Link

Water Hazards

The Shawnee Hills Board of Trustees may direct eyesores or hazards be removed or corrected by the property owner within a reasonable period of time. If not corrected in a reasonable amount of time, the Shawnee Hills Board of Trustees have the authority to abate the issue at the property owners expense. Some examples are, but not limited to:

Boat docks, seawalls, boat shelters, or boat houses which are rotted from age, damaged by elements or in a state of extreme disrepair.
Watercraft which is allowed to drift or sink, creating a hazard.

Picnic Areas

Picnic areas, barbecue pits, and picnic tables are available for Association members’ pleasure at various locations throughout the development. Please place all waste in trash cans after using. Make sure fires are out completely before leaving the barbecue pit. No open fires may be set on Association property unless authorized.

Watercraft

Watercraft is defined as any device used to support or convey a person on or in the water. Watercraft include, but are not limited to, powered and unpowered boats, paddle boats, canoes, jet skis, seadoos, wave runners, personal watercraft, inflatable rafts, sailboards, belly boats, kayaks, etc. Watercraft do not include towed ski devices such as tubes and kneeboards, when being towed by a watercraft, or personal flotation devices such as life jackets. No watercraft shall be operated on Lake Shawnee unless the watercraft is owned by a property owner or renter who is an Association member. All watercraft operating on Lake Shawnee will comply with State requirements for lights, safety equipment, etc. as set forth in “Ohio Division of Watercraft Required Safety Equipment”.

The State of Ohio requires all watercraft on any watershed in the State of Ohio to be licensed.
All watercraft shall be marked with letters not less than three inches (3” high, with the number of the lot of Shawnee Hills Subdivision that is owned by the property owner on the watercraft. The lot number shall be placed in the middle of the boat on each side thereof. Also, new watercraft stickers must be purchased each year and placed on each watercraft, before it is placed in the water (no exceptions). The sticker must be positioned on each side of the watercraft, either under or to the right or left side of the lot number. Stickers must be purchased from the Board of Trustees at a site designated in the annual newsletter.
Watercraft Tryouts: An Association member in good standing who is considering the purchase of a watercraft not authorized to be on the lake may use the watercraft on the lake for one (1) hour, providing he has received permission from Shawnee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc.
Watercraft Restrictions: The title of the watercraft will be the determining factor for if a watercraft conforms to the standards listed below.

Maximum length for mechanically powered craft is twenty three (23’) feet;
Maximum length for pontoon boats is twenty four (24’) feet, inclusive of pontoon tubes;
Maximum length for non-mechanically powered craft is eighteen (18) feet;
Maximum beam for all watercraft is eight feet six inches (8’ 6”) at the widest point.

No houseboats, regardless of type, are permitted.
No watercraft shall be equipped with a motor or other propulsion machinery beyond its safe power capacity.
No watercraft with a sink, toilet or sanitary system capable of discharging in the lake will be allowed.
Hydroplanes, airboats, hovercraft, and houseboats are prohibited.
All powercraft consisting of an inboard and being within the legal allowed length limit of up to twenty three (23’) will be required to have a fully enclosed cover over the existing engine.
No boat shall be altered from the manufacturer’s specifications to enhance the noise nor have any opening in said cover to allow any extrusion, resonators, carburetors or devices to enhance noise of the engine.
No alcoholic beverages shall be permitted aboard any watercraft.
All children under eleven (11) years old must wear a life jacket while in or on the watercraft.
Inland Rules of Navigation for watercraft determine right-of-way while operating on Lake Shawnee. Briefly, they are:

Watercraft at rest, anchor, or in distress have the right-of-way over all others
Watercraft in the act of trolling or drift fishing have right-of-way, except for above
Sailboats have right-of-way, except for (a) and (b)
Slower watercraft have right-of-way when being overtaken by a faster watercraft. The faster watercraft shall give way and pass with due caution
Watercraft on collision courses,the watercraft on the right has the right-of-way. In a head-on course, both watercraft shall give way to the right.

All power watercraft shall move in a counter-clockwise direction, with shoreline on the right side, except that boats powered by electric trolling motors while in the shore zone may proceed in the direction consistent with wind conditions and safety.
No person shall operate a power craft within or through the shore zone at a speed great enough to produce a wake.

The shore zone means the water area of a uniform width of fifty feet (50’) lying parallel and contiguous to the shore line. The dam shall be considered a shoreline.

No person shall operate a powercraft upon Lake Shawnee at a greater speed than is reasonable, having due regard to the traffic, surface, and any other hazardous conditions then existing; provided, however, that on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays the speed shall not exceed thirty-five (35) miles per hour.
No person shall operate a powercraft upon Lake Shawnee from sunset to 8:00 a.m. at a speed great enough to produce a wake; provided, however, that on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays no one shall operate a powercraft upon Lake Shawnee between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. at a speed great enough to produce a wake. During time periods that sunset falls before 8:00 p.m., sunset times take precedence over the 8:00 p.m. weekend/holiday rule. Sunset is defined as the National Weather Service Official Sunset Time for each day. As an aid to watercraft operators, a blue flashing light located near the beach will indicate normal “No Wake'' times. The light will also indicate “No Wake'' restrictions due to high water level or other hazardous conditions. When the light is flashing, “No Wake'' conditions are in effect. The non-operation of the “No Wake'' light in no way relieves the watercraft operator of responsibility to meet “no wake” requirements as defined above.
Powered watercraft shall be operated on Lake Shawnee with an eligible member aboard the watercraft. For purposes of this provision the term “aboard” includes being towed by said watercraft.
Non-powered watercraft may be operated on Lake Shawnee by guests of eligible members provided the member is also operating a non-powered watercraft within close proximity of the guest. Eligible members are responsible for the actions of the guest at all times.

Grandfathered Watercraft

Any watercraft registered before October 3rd, 2005, that are in violation of rule, a, b, c, or d, in the specifications in Paragraph 3 above (Watercraft Restrictions), may continue to be registered and operated, but once not registered in any membership year shall forever be banned from Shawnee Lake. Permission to register and operate a currently registered overlength (or overwidth) watercraft cannot be transferred to any other member and registration will not be granted when ownership is changed. Any watercraft not previously registered must comply with the specifications. The board retains the right to refuse registration of any watercraft at its discretion.

Watercraft Towing People and Devices

The following rules apply to watercraft towing a person(s) or other towable devices(s), including a person(s) barefooting, using a water ski(s), wakeboard(s), kneeboard(s), airchair(s) or similar device(s). Towable devices include inflatables, boards, watersleds, etc.

Skis and other towable devices are permitted on Lake Shawnee from 8:00 A.M. to sunset, except on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, when they shall be permitted from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Sunset is defined as the National Weather Service Official Sunset Time for each day.
There shall not be more than three persons towed by a watercraft while barefooting, water skiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, on air-chairs, etc., at any time, and no more than two towable devices may be pulled by any watercraft at any time, except when all the conditions following are met.

During a scheduled Shawnee Hills ski show, or practice for a ski show, event;
When such an event is sponsored by a Board recognized organization that includes only members of SHPOA, meets on a regular basis, has established By-Laws, has duly elected officers, and has open membership.
When any watercraft used in such an event has been identified by Lot Number to the Board;
When an officer of the sponsoring organization has notified the Board, in writing, at least thirty (30) days before any scheduled event, of the dates and times of the events (including any inclement weather dates), and of the Lot Numbers of watercraft to be used in the events;
During those dates and times approved by the Board (review and approval by the Board to avoid scheduling and other conflicts).

All persons skiing or using any other towable device must wear a life preserver. Ski belts are not permitted.
Operators of power watercraft towing skiers or other towable devices shall operate their craft such that the skier or towable device cannot infringe on the fifty foot (50) shore zone while underway.

Wake Sports

After receiving complaints about erosion and safety concerns associated with wake surfing, the SHPOA board implemented a trial to address these concerns. By surfing in the center of the lake, it allows the wakes that are generated the largest amount of distance to dissipate. Also, by limiting the times available to surf, other boats have the ability to plan their boat experience accordingly.

All surfing must take place between the buoy markers placed in the center of the lake. Outside of the buoyed areas, surfing must take place at least 100 feet from the shoreline.
Surfing may only take place between the spillway and the near end of the slalom course.
All surfing may only take place between 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm daily.

Excessive Noise Rule

Purpose: The tranquility and enjoyment of the lake by all residents must be respected. Excessive noise can be highly disruptive to fellow homeowners.

Definition: Excessive noise is defined as any sound that can be heard while indoors (windows/doors closed). This includes, but is not limited to music, parties, yelling, boats, etc.on the water and public areas of SHPOA.

Quiet Hours: Sunday through Thursday 11pm-6am and Friday, Saturday, and Federal Holidays 12am-6am. During these hours, all residents must take appropriate measures to minimize noise levels.

Enforcement: Any resident found in violation of this rule may be subject to the following actions:

First Offense: Verbal warning or written notice.

Second Offense: Written notice and fine.

Subsequent Offenses: Additional fines and other penalties as determined by the HOA board, including suspension or revocation of lake privileges.

Exceptions: Exceptions may be granted for reasonable activities such as emergency repairs or scheduled events, provided they are conducted during reasonable hours and do not extend beyond what is necessary.

Appeals: Residents have the right to appeal any noise violation notice.

Responsibility: Each resident is responsible for ensuring that their guests and family members comply with this rule. Ignorance of the rule is not an acceptable defense.

Fishing Limits

Members of Shawnee Hills Property Owners Association, Inc. and their guests may fish in Lake Shawnee. Guests must be in the company of a Shawnee Hills Property Owners association, Inc member. All fishing is prohibited in the breeding ponds. All catch limits must be obeyed and are per person, per day. The following rules will apply for size and limit per fish, per day:

2 – Sunshine (striped) Bass (16” min.)
3 – Trout (12” min.)
3 – Largemouth or Smallmouth Bass (12” min.)
2 – Walleye (16” min.)
No limit on other species

Slalom Course

The following are rules governing the use of the slalom course:

The Shawnee Hills Boat and Water Ski Club will be responsible for all installation, maintenance and adjustments/alterations of the slalom course.
All SHPOA rules will apply to the slalom course.
All SHPOA members have equal rights to use of the slalom course.
While in the slalom course, a boat pulling a skier (towboat) may travel in either direction.
Only one boat is allowed in the slalom course at a time. If another watercraft enters the course while in use, the towboat must cease operation.
The towboat must stop at each end of the slalom course and turn in a counter-clockwise direction to return to the course.
All boats waiting to use the course or just watching must adhere to the SHPOA rules of counter-clockwise motion around the lake.
If other skiers are waiting to use the course, each skier should ski no more than one set, which consists of either 3 falls or 6 complete passes.
The location of the course will be evaluated at the end of each season.

Personal Watercraft Rules

A Personal Watercraft (PWC) is defined, by law (Ohio Revised Code 1547), as watercraft that is: less than sixteen feet (16’) in length, propelled by machinery; and designed to be operated by an individual while sitting, standing, or kneeling on the vessel.

Every PWC on Lake Shawnee must have an eligible SHPOA member on board that PWC, either as the operator or as a supervising passenger. No guest may operate a PWC while alone, even if paired with another PWC operated by an eligible member.
No person under 16 years of age shall independently operate a PWC, individuals from age 12 years up to age 16 years may operate a PWC if a supervising member 18 years or age or older is also on board.
No person shall operate a PWC unless each person aboard is wearing a personal flotation device (PFD).
Operators on a PWC equipped with a lanyard type engine cutoff switch must attach the lanyard to their clothing, PFD, themselves or as appropriate for the specific devices.
Persons on a PWC must comply with all Lake Shawnee Watercraft Rules, including the “NO Wake” rules.
No person shall operate or permit operation of a PWC in an unsafe manner. Unsafe operation includes:

Operating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
Becoming airborne while crossing the wake of another vessel within 100 feet or unsafe distance.
Operating at a speed or proximity to a vessel or person being towed so as to require either vessel to swerve to avoid collision;
Operating less than 200 feet behind a water skier;
Weaving through congested traffic; and
Operating and/or towing in excess of craft capacity;
Any other situation deemed to be unsafe operation by Lake Patrol staff.

Towing Requirement: PWC operators must comply with all other rules listed under Watercraft Towing People and Devices.

Collections Policy

The annual assessment is due on March 1st and is considered late if not received by April 1st ("the late date"). All other assessments are due as determined by the Board and considered late if not received within 10 days (the “late date”).
After the late date, an administrative late charge of $10.00 for the first month and $10.00 for each month thereafter will be added for any late payment or on any balance of unpaid assessments. (Subject to increase upon further notice.)
After the late date, if an account has a balance totaling the equivalent of a determined amount recorded with K&C or more, K&C is authorized to send a collection letter.
After the late date, if an account has a balance totaling the equivalent of a determined amount recorded with K&C or more, K&C is authorized to file a lien. K&C is authorized to file updated liens when necessary to protect the Association's interest, e.g. significant balance increases, partial payments, prior to a sheriff's sale. K&C attorneys are authorized as the designated representative to execute and, upon satisfaction, release any lien.
After the late date, if an account has a balance totaling a determined amount recorded with K&C or more, K&C will solicit authorization to file a Complaint for Money Judgment in Small Claims or Municipal Court. Prior to filing the Complaint, K&C is authorized to send notice of the small claims authorization with demand for payment.
Upon service of a Complaint for Foreclosure initiated by another lienholder, K&C is authorized to file an Answer to protect the Association's interest. If there is a lien, K&C is also authorized to file a Cross-claim for Foreclosure and for personal money judgment to pursue the amount owed to the Association.
Once in foreclosure, partial payments may not be accepted and, if the property is rented, K&C is authorized to file a Motion to Appoint a Receiver to collect the rents.

Rules and Regulations Exceptions

Anything not explicitly defined or variances to these rules and regulations may be brought to the Board of Trustees at any regular business meeting to request an exception on a case by case basis.

Amendments to Rules and Regulations

These rules and regulations may be altered, amended or repealed and new rules and regulations may be adopted by a unanimous decision by the Trustees present at any regularly scheduled meeting. If a less than unanimous decision is made it will be required to be presented at two regularly scheduled meetings.