Rules and Regulations Explorer
GHA Rules
Rule Explorer
Groveland Homeowners Association
Rules and Regulations (Revised March 3, 2025)
1. AUTHORITY & DEFINITIONS
This section outlines the Board's power to create rules and defines key terms used throughout the document.
1.1. Authority for Rules
The Board of Directors is empowered to adopt and amend these Rules and Regulations by the GHA Amended and Restated Bylaws (Section 5, Subsection 5.1 Powers). These rules cover a wide area of GHA operations, ensuring the peaceful enjoyment and maintenance of the community. The Bylaws (Section 7) also establish the framework for Assessments, Payments, Defaults, Foreclosures, and the Enforcement of financial Obligations.
1.2. General Definitions
Residence / Unit: The single residential dwelling, regardless of the number of legally platted lots it may occupy. This is the designated property unit used as the basis for calculating and assessing Regular Monthly Assessments, meaning a single assessment is typically applied per dwelling.
Member: Each adult fee owner of the Residence who resides therein, and whose Residence is not currently rented or leased. Only Members are entitled to certain privileges, such as the full use of common areas and the right to apply for a Boat Storage Unit (BSU).
Assessment: The recurring, periodic charge levied against each Residence (Unit) for the operation, maintenance, and capital reserves of the Association. This is the primary obligation of home ownership within the GHA.
2. GENERAL COMMUNITY STANDARDS & USE
Details the rules for noise, alcohol, and the use and reservation of common properties like the Auditorium and picnic areas.
2.1. Noise Abatement & Quiet Hours
All residents, occupants, and their guests are expected to respect Quiet Hours, during which activities that generate excessive noise (including loud voices, music, machinery, and power tools) that is audible to neighboring properties must cease.
Quiet hours must be maintained as follows:
Sunday through Thursday: 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Friday and Saturday: 12:00 midnight to 8:00 a.m.
Tennis court lights will be turned off by 10:30 p.m.
2.2. Summer Sunday Worship Restrictions
To maintain a peaceful and non-distracting environment during the designated time for worship at the Auditorium, certain activities are restricted.
During the hours of Sunday worship at the Auditorium (approximately 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.), there shall be no lakefront activities (boating, swimming) or other activities of a distracting nature (home repair, yard work, outdoor sports).
2.3. Alcoholic Beverages (Common Grounds)
For the safety and decorum of the community, the keeping and consumption of alcoholic beverages on GHA Common Grounds is not permitted at any time.
2.4. Common Property Use & Reservations
Common property is maintained for the pleasure and use of homeowners and their families. This includes the Auditorium, picnic areas, and the Lakefront.
2.4.1. General Group Limitations & Host Responsibilities
Use of the Auditorium and picnic areas must be scheduled in advance with the Social Chair/Board Representative.
Family and non-family groups of 25 persons or more must have prior approval from the GHA Board.
Non-family gatherings on the lakefront must be hosted and attended by a GHA Member.
Homeowner(s) must provide all kitchen supplies for their events.
The Association member hosting a group is responsible for informing their group of the Ground's Rules and ensuring, by their presence, that normal activities of residents are not impacted.
Common property must be returned to its proper condition by the member after use by the group.
Members wishing to invite groups to the Grounds are encouraged to have such groups during the week.
Use of Common Property by groups of 25 or more persons is limited to six weekends per season (Friday 5 p.m. through Sunday evening).
2.4.2. Reservation Fees & Definition
Non-Family Group Definition: A group where less than half of all attendees are members of the hosting member’s family.
A. Small Groups (24 or fewer attendees)
Family Group
No Fee, Social Chair Required
No Fee, Social Chair Required
Non-Family Group
$50 Fee, Social Chair Required
No Fee, Social Chair Required
B. Large Groups (25 or more attendees)
Family Group (25-49)
$50 Fee, Board Approval Req'd*
$50 Fee, Board Approval Req'd*
Family Group (50 or more)
$100 Fee, Board Approval Req'd*
$100 Fee, Board Approval Req'd*
Non-Family Group (25 or more)
$100 Fee, Board Approval Req'd*
$50 Fee, Board Approval Req'd*
3. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE & VEHICLE RULES
Covers homeowner responsibilities for property upkeep, trash disposal, and rules for all vehicles, including speed limits, parking, and special vehicles like golf carts.
3.1. General Property Maintenance & Refuse
Homeowners must make every reasonable effort to maintain their homes and grounds in good repair and appearance. "Good repair" includes maintaining the integrity of exterior materials (siding, paint, roof, soffit, fascia), keeping sidewalks and driveways in safe condition, and maintaining a neat, orderly, and well-tended yard.
Dumping of refuse on the Grounds, including the swamp area, is strictly prohibited.
Trash containers may only be exposed to view the day before scheduled trash collection. They must be returned inside or stored behind an enclosed area (rear or side yard) no later than midnight of the trash collection day.
3.2. Roads, Speed, and Parking
3.2.1. Speed Limit & Traffic
The speed limit on GHA roads is 15 miles per hour. Stop and speed signs must be obeyed for the safety of all residents and guests.
3.2.2. Inoperable Vehicles
Vehicles that are not in usable condition (e.g., vehicles with flat tires, extensive damage, or expired registration) may not be parked outside the residence. Violations of this Woodland ordinance will be reported to local police for tagging and eventual towing.
3.2.3. Storage of Recreational/Work Vehicles
Boats, trailers, campers, or work trailers may not be parked on roads, parking areas, or on private driveways/yards for more than 3 days (72 hours).
Violators will be notified in writing. If the issue is not remedied immediately upon notification, the vehicles will be tagged and towed at the owner's expense.
Any exception to these parking rules requires pre-approval by the Board. Fee-based storage for these types of items may be available on the property south of Breezy Point Road, space permitting.
3.3. Motorized Vehicles (Non-Standard)
3.3.1. Golf Carts (Electric Only)
To assure safety and protect common property:
Only four-wheel electric golf carts shall be permitted on the Groveland Grounds.
Operators must have a driver's permit and comply with the Minnesota law governing motorized vehicles.
All carts must carry adequate insurance (proof required annually).
Reflective tape/acceptable reflectors must be installed on the front and rear; a light is required if the cart is used after dark.
Parking: Off-street parking is required of the owner.
3.3.2. Motorized Bikes / Go-Carts (Minnesota Public Safety Regulations apply)
The GHA adopts the Minnesota Public Safety Regulations for use within the community:
Age/Licensing: No one under 15 years old can operate; 15-year-olds need a motorized bicycle safety course and permit; 16+ need either a regular driver's license or a motorized bicycle permit.
Passengers: No passengers are allowed.
Insurance: Every driver must have liability insurance.
Usage Restrictions: Prohibited from using the improved walking pathways and the lawn areas of the common property (Excluded is the use of vehicles for repair and maintenance of the lakefront).
4. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS & ASSESSMENTS
Details for monthly dues, late fees, and other charges like the resale certificate fee.
4.1. Regular Monthly Assessments (Due Dates & Penalties)
Due Date: Assessments (also referred to as installments) are due by the 1st day of the month.
Late Fee: A $10 penalty will be automatically assessed if payment is not received by the 15th day of the month in which they are due.
Payment Application: All payments upon account will first be applied to the most punitive or oldest charges, specifically: late charges, penalties, attorney fees, interest, and then to the assessment first due.
4.2. GHA Resale Disclosure Certificate Fee
A fee of $75 is charged to produce the GHA Resale Disclosure Certificate, which includes home sale closing documents for sales of houses within the GHA community. This is a standard closing fee.
5. PET, SERVICE, AND SUPPORT ANIMAL REGULATIONS
What animals are allowed, rules for guest dogs, and the official process for service and support animals.
5.1. Permitted Pets (Residents)
Allowed: Birds and fish (kept in cages/aquaria), and small indoor animals, including cats, but excluding all dogs (except Dog Guides/Service Animals).
Rules: Permitted Pets shall be kept indoors. They may only be transported across common property if restrained (leash or container) and then carried. They must not create an unreasonable disturbance or noise.
5.2. Guest Dogs
Limit: Limited to two dogs per Resident household at one time.
Duration: May be at the Resident property no longer than 7 days in any one month without prior Board approval.
Custody: The dog must be in the custody of the guest, who must be present. "Dog sitting" or Resident caring for a dog in the absence of the dog owner is prohibited.
Leash/Yard Use: Guest's dog must be kept on a leash, under direct supervision, and is not to be outside without an attendant. They are not allowed in the Lakefront areas or on the docks (except when going to or from a boat).
Waste: Dog waste must be picked up immediately. A $100 fine will be levied against the Resident for non-compliance.
5.3. Service and Support Animal Guidelines
These guidelines address the process for obtaining a reasonable accommodation for Service and Support Animals under fair housing regulations.
Accommodation Required: A potential owner or existing resident must request and obtain a reasonable accommodation from the Board prior to bringing a service or support animal onto the property.
Required Documentation: May include a prescription or letter from a qualified medical or mental health professional which identifies the person as disabled and describes how the animal assists that person with their disability.
Restraint & Quarters: Animals must be properly restrained on a leash or in a pet carrier at all times when outside. Invisible fencing and outside quarters (dog runs, doghouses) are prohibited.
Registration & Licensing: All animals must be registered with the Association, including proof of licensing and current vaccinations.
Limit: The Association follows the City of Woodland ordinances limiting the total number of dogs to 2 per household (Service/Support dogs included) without a special City permit.
Nuisance Fines: Nuisance violations (including waste, damage, or aggressive behavior) incur a $50 fine per instance. Subsequent violations incur an additional $50 (e.g., 2nd is $100, 3rd is $150) during a rolling 12-month period.
5.4. Animal-Related Damage
The Resident is responsible for all damage caused by any pet. The Resident shall promptly pay all costs involved in restoring the damaged property. Said costs, until paid, shall constitute an unpaid assessment and a lien on the residential unit.
6. RENTAL & LEASING RESTRICTIONS
The policy for leasing, including term limits, fees, and loss of owner privileges.
6.1. General Leasing Policy & Requirements
Owners must notify the Board and provide a copy of the final lease agreement at least 30 days prior to the lease commencement.
The owner is required to check the Registered Sex Offenders List regarding the proposed lessee(s).
Minimum Term: Not less than one (1) month.
Maximum Term: Not longer than twelve (12) consecutive months.
Unit: No lease will be granted for less than the entire unit.
Lessees must abide by all GHA rules.
6.2. Financial Obligations & Privileges
Leasing Fee: Owners must pay a fee of $250 per month for each month of the lease term. This fee is in addition to the Regular Monthly Assessments and is collected "in recognition of the additional wear and tear and lack of owner participation."
Delinquency: The owner is required to assign the rent to the Association if the owner is delinquent in common charges.
Loss of Privileges: Owners who have leased their property shall not be entitled to use any of the common areas and common facilities (including boat slips, buoys, and beach area) during the term of the lease. Lessees are also not entitled to the use of a boat slip.
7. HOME OCCUPATION RULES
Rules for residents wishing to conduct business from their homes, focusing on compatibility with the neighborhood.
7.1. General Provisions (Woodland Ordinance Compliance)
All home occupations must comply with City of Woodland ordinances and GHA Bylaws.
Impact: Must not produce objectionable light, glaze, noise, odor, or vibration, or create electrical interference.
Character: Must be clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use and must not change the residential character. No external alterations or construction features not customary to a dwelling are allowed.
Hours: Prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. unless entirely contained within the principal building and requires no on-street parking.
Personnel: No person other than a resident shall conduct the home occupation, except for unique, pre-approved circumstances.
Examples of acceptable occupations: Art studio, dressmaking, secretarial service, professional offices, and teaching (limited to no more than one pupil at a time).
7.2. Prohibited Activities & Parking
Prohibited Activities: Repair service or manufacturing that requires equipment other than found in a dwelling, and over-the-counter sale of merchandise.
Storage/Signs: No exterior storage of equipment/materials (except personal automobiles). No exterior or interior signs visible from outside.
Parking: Shall not create a parking demand exceeding that which can be accommodated in an existing driveway.
8. ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL (AC) RULES
The complete process and all standards for any exterior modifications, construction, or demolition.
8.1. Mission Statement & Authority
The AC Committee (ACC) advises the Board to ensure structural alterations are compatible with GHA's cottage/resort atmosphere. The ACC performs an annual walk-through each spring to recommend repair or maintenance items.
8.2. Approval Process and Responsibilities
8.2.1. Owner Responsibilities
Initial Steps: Contact the City of Woodland for permits/variances and meet with the ACC. It is recommended that homeowners work with an AIA architect familiar with smaller, unique community projects.
Submission: At least 30 days prior to the next Board meeting, submit a written application including professional, drawn-to-scale plans, material/color descriptions, proposed dates (max 12 months for completion), and required City variances/surveys.
On-Site Markers: For structural changes, corner stakes and an accurate height flag must be placed on the property.
Demolition: For complete demolition, a survey showing all hardcover calculations of the *existing* property must be submitted before demolition begins.
Notification for Minor Work: The ACC must be notified in writing before work begins on structure removal or exterior repairs that require a building permit but do not alter the structure (e.g., roof replacement, same-size windows).
8.2.2. ACC and Board Responsibilities
Review Period: ACC notifies homeowners of the proposal. Homeowner feedback must be submitted in writing within 7 days of notification to be considered.
Final Decision: The Board retains the sole authority to approve, reject, or table an application.
Changes: Any significant change to approved plans (e.g., dimension change > 1 ft) requires re-review by the Board.
8.3. Architectural Standards & Hardcover Limits
8.3.1. Design Compatibility and Appearance
All homes must be compatible with other buildings in the Association in terms of architectural style, quality of construction, principal material, and size.
8.3.2. Height and Structure Limitations
Maximum Height: Limited to two (2) stories above grade with a maximum height of thirty (30) feet.
Walk-out basements/tuck-under garages are limited to 35 feet, provided the uphill side conforms to the two-story limit.
Prohibited Construction Types: A-frame, Dome, Earthen, Mobile Homes, Log, or Concrete Block (other than for foundations).
8.3.3. Hardcover Limits and Variance
Hardcover Definition: Includes structure, decks, driveway, outbuildings, sidewalks, retaining walls, and miscellaneous impervious cover.
Standard Hardcover Limit: New construction hardcover cannot exceed 40% of the total impervious surface of the lot.
Hardship Variance: A variance can be requested for an additional 5% of hardcover, up to a total of 45%.
Rebuilding: Existing impervious coverage is not automatically grandfathered when rebuilding a torn-down structure.
Setbacks: Homeowners must adhere to City of Woodland setback rules.
9. LAKEFRONT, BOATING, & BSU RULES
The complete rules for Lake Minnetonka access, including definitions, fees, and procedures for Boat Storage Units (BSUs).
9.1. Definitions (Boating Specific)
BSU (Boat Storage Unit): Max lift width 126 in, capacity 7,00D lbs.
Boat Length: Max length 24 feet (overall, not manufacturer's length).
Boating Season: Generally May 15 through October 15.
Residence: A home within GHA that is not leased or rented.
Multiple Owner Arrangement: Two or more Members who together are the Owner of one boat.
9.2. Boat Storage Unit (BSU) Assignment
Limit: No more than one BSU shall be assigned per Residence per season.
Application: Must be submitted by March 15 annually, with required fee and proof of boat ownership.
New Applicant Fee: New applicants must pay a one-time $1,000 assessment fee prior to assignment.
Wait List: Priority is not assignable or transferable with the sale of property.
Fees: Non-refundable. Established annually by the Board to cover LMCD permits, dock/lift install/removal, and maintenance.
Use Requirement: If a BSU is not used by June 15, or is unused for 30 days or more, the assignment may be revoked.
9.3. General Boating & Lakefront Regulations
9.3.1. Launching, Mooring, and Removal
No person shall launch or remove a boat requiring a trailer over or through GHA property.
Mooring on GHA swim docks is for temporary purposes only.
All watercraft must be removed from the lakefront by December 1.
9.3.2. Visitor's Dock Use
The visitor's dock is for temporary loading and unloading of passengers only. Overnight docking is not permitted.
9.3.3. General BSU Use Regulations
BSU Users shall cooperate with the Dock Director.
A BSU Assignment is not assignable or transferable with the sale of property.
Boats used for commercial purposes shall not be assigned a BSU.
All decisions of the Dock Director with Board approval are final.
9.3.4. Multiple Owner Arrangements (Partnership)
Only Members may form these arrangements.
Members cannot enter into these arrangements for the purpose of obtaining seniority.
Arrangements must be submitted to the Dock Director with each renewal.
9.3.5. Private Property, Storage, and Damage
No privately owned docks shall be placed on the lakefront.
Personal property shall not be stored or left unattended on docks.
Members are responsible for any and all damages caused by their boat.
Members must resolve claims for damage from lift installation/removal directly with the contractor.
Winter Storage: Available in the Auditorium and South Lot (owner's risk). Portable gas tanks and batteries must be removed. A 16x48 inch plywood piece must be placed under wheels/tongue. No motorized vehicles inside auditorium for positioning.
9.3.6. Dock Installation and Removal
BSU Assignees are expected to participate.
A non-participation fee (established by the Board) shall be paid by any user not participating.
Alternatively, the Board may hire a contractor, with costs shared by BSU Assignees and the GHA.
9.3.7. Swimming, Fishing, and Environmental Safety
Swimming: Permitted only in the designated swimming area. Parents must supervise their children.
Fishing: Not permitted in the swimming area or from the swim dock.
Safety: Boat operators/skiers must allow a wide margin of safety. Children shall not play in boats or throw rocks. No bottles, glasses, or breakable items at the beach.
Littering: Receptacles are no longer available. Please dispose of all litter elsewhere.
10. RULES ENFORCEMENT & APPEALS
The official 3-step process for violations, the fines involved, and how to appeal a notice.
10.1. Enforcement Procedures
Complaint: Violations must be reported to the Board in writing and signed by the complainant.
1st Notice: If the report is accurate, a written notice/warning will be sent to the Owner.
2nd Notice (after 10 days): Sent if the violation is repeated or not cleared.
3rd Notice (after another 10 days): If still not cleared, a Rules Enforcement Fee of $100 per day (or per occurrence) may be levied.
Lien: If the fee remains unpaid for 60 days, a lien may be filed against the Residence. The Owner is responsible for all associated legal, filing, and attorney costs.
10.2. Appeal Process
Any Owner receiving a Rules Violation Notice who believes no violation occurred may submit a written explanation to the Board of Directors. The Owner will be given an opportunity for a hearing, and no enforcement fee will be imposed until after the hearing is concluded.