TRASH PICKUP
Our current trash pickup provider is Stevens Waste Removal. This service is provided on Tuesdays and is covered in your annual HOA dues. Each residence is provided a 96-gallon Toter, but can request a second toter by contacting the HOA Officers. If you require additional trash pickup, i.e. household rubbish beyond your Toter(s) capacity - you can contact Stevens directly and schedule additional pick-up at your expense.
YARD WASTE may be picked up by Stevens, but under a separate service not covered by our current contract. Please reach out to them directly to plan a yard waste pickup. Another option that some residents have exercised is taking their yard waste to A&J Landscape off Sylvania Avenue. According to recent reports from residents - they accept yard waste for $1/bag or $10/truckload.
FENCING OPTIONS
Twelve Lakes requires aluminum fencing. By deed restriction it can be black or white in color, but the vast majority of homes have black. You can see an example of the fencing products at Elite Fencing. There are many vendors in the NorthWest Ohio market that will install that fencing. All fence plans must be submitted to the HOA Board for approval prior to installation to ensure that they comply with Deed Restrictions. Please use the Contact Form to reach out to the HOA Board if you need a recommendation for a contractor to install fencing or to check your planning documents BEFORE your contractor begins the installation.
Dock INSTALLATION
Docks are one of the items we get the most questions about. Because of the impact docks have on the aesthetics of the neighborhood and possible influence on the quality of the lakes, all dock plans must be submitted to the HOA and are reviewed by the board on a case-by-case basis. Please use the Contact Form to reach out to the HOA Board.
ANNUAL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCiation DUES
The annual HOA dues amount for all residents is $881.00 (2024). Payment is due on April 30th for the calendar year. You will see an announcement early in the year from the board as a reminder.
There is an annual review of expenses and income at the annual meeting, which occurs in the first part of the year. You can find out more about the dues here.
PETS
Please be considerate of your neighbors when it comes to pets. Please do not leave your dogs out barking in the yard for extended periods and please be sure to clean up any messes they may make when on walks.
MAILBOXes
Mailboxes are to be maintained at all times in Twelve Lakes. They are to be kept freshly painted and free from rot. They must be white, with black numbers, per Section 1.12 of the Deed Restrictions. If you want help with the upkeep or replacement of your mailbox, please use the Contact Form to reach out to the HOA Board or contact John Szparka at 419-885-4072. He has done a large quantity of mailboxes in Twelve Lakes and many residents have recommended him for painting, repairs, or replacement.
LAKE BASICS
Lakes are vital to the appeal of our neighborhood and a large portion of the HOA dues go into the maintenance of the water, fountains, and common areas. We have rules about the lakes that reflect that investment. Here are some of the common issues surrounding the lakes.
Shoreline Rocks: The rocks around the shore of the lakes/island/peninsulas are placed there by the HOA to maintain shoreline integrity. Each homeowner with water frontage is responsible for their own shoreline. Common areas around lakes also have rock, which is maintained by the HOA. Please discourage guests or other residents from throwing these (or any) rocks into the lakes. There are signs around the common areas, but some people may need a gentle reminder.
Fountains and Aeration Units: The fountains are owned and operated by the HOA, and any damage to the units is paid through HOA dues. It is in everyone's best interest to protect them from harm. From time to time, fountains and lighting kits have been broken by rocks being thrown at them or people driving boats over them, etc... and even simple lighting kit replacements can cost thousands, a whole fountain replacement can be $15,000-20,000. Please be aware that these are fragile and repairs are very costly to us all as homeowners.
Water removal: Removal of water from the lakes for any purpose is strictly forbidden.
Water activities: Non-motorized watersports are permitted on the lakes. Popular activities include paddle (pedal) boats, kayaks, paddle boards, canoes, etc... The deed restrictions do not allow for activities like swimming or ice skating on the lakes. Any and all use of the lakes by residential lot owners or occupants or their respective family, friends, guests, invitees or visitors (collectively, 'Users') shall be at the sole risk of the Users. (Specific and in-depth instruction on lake activities can be found in Section 2.2 of the Deed Restriction documents.)
No rafts, floats, docks, or similar devices shall be installed in or attached to the shore of the lakes. If you want to put a dock on your property, please use the Contact Form to reach out to the HOA Board for the appropriate permissions.
FIREWORKS
Beginning July 1, 2022, Ohioans can legally discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks in Ohio on certain days UNLESS the relevant political subdivision has chosen to ban their use. Ohioans are not permitted to purchase or discharge 1.3G display fireworks. The dates below are the only permissable dates to discharge fireworks by law:
• July 3, 4, and 5, and the Fri, Sat and Sun before and after July 4th (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
• Labor Day weekend (4 p.m.-11 p.m Sunday Only)
• Diwali (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
• New Year's Eve (4 p.m.-11:59 p.m.)
• New Year's Day (12 a.m.-1 a.m.; 4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
• Chinese New Year (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
• Cinco de Mayo (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
• Memorial Day weekend (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
• Juneteenth (4 p.m.-11 p.m.) [June 19]
For more details - please see the attached State Fireworks protocol… Here.
The non-emergency Sylvania Township Police Department phone number is 419-255-8443 to report violations of these protocols.