Understanding Ono Island’s Property Owners Associations (POAs) and Subdivisions: A Guide for Buyers, Builders, Architects, Investors, and Property Owners

As a real estate advisor and expert on Ono Island, I often encounter questions from a variety of individuals—whether you’re a potential buyer, current property owner, builder, architect, or investor—about the island’s Property Owners Associations (POAs). With its 51 subdivisions, Ono Island offers a unique coastal lifestyle, but understanding the island’s POA structure is crucial for navigating property ownership, new construction, renovations, and investment opportunities.

This guide will clarify the relationship between the island-wide Ono Island POA and the smaller subdivision-specific POAs, like Ono North POA, and why it’s essential for each party to be familiar with these associations.

Ono Island POA: The Island-Wide Association

Every property on Ono Island is automatically part of the larger Ono Island POA—officially known as the Property Owners Association of Ono Island Inc. This island-wide POA manages responsibilities that affect the entire community, including security, amenities, and maintenance of common areas, while enforcing the covenants established by the original developers.

For buyers, understanding the Ono Island POA is essential, as it sets the standards for the community’s aesthetic and lifestyle, from architectural guidelines to property maintenance. This knowledge is key to making an informed decision when purchasing property.

For builders and architects, it’s critical to comply with the construction standards set by the Ono Island POA. These guidelines ensure new homes and renovations maintain the island’s architectural integrity and appeal. As a seasoned real estate expert, I can guide you through these requirements to ensure your project stays compliant and moves forward smoothly.

For current property owners, the Ono Island POA helps protect the value of your home by maintaining the overall appearance and function of the island. Staying updated through regular POA meetings, such as the next Ono Island POA Meeting on March 23, 2024, at 9 AM at HCC (31692 Dolphin Drive), is a valuable way to remain engaged with your community.

Subdivision-Specific POAs: Additional Considerations

In addition to the island-wide POA, many homes on Ono Island fall under smaller, subdivision-specific POAs like Ono North POA or Ono Mar POA. These POAs function independently of the Ono Island POA, each with its own set of covenants and regulations.

For example:

Ono North Properties (ONP1 and ONP2 lots): Properties in these areas are governed by both the Ono Island POA and the Ono North POA. When there are differences between the two sets of regulations, the more restrictive rules apply. This is especially important for homeowners, builders, and architects to consider when planning construction or renovations.
Ono Mar Properties (OM lots): Similarly, homes here are subject to both the Ono Island POA and the Ono Mar POA, with both sets of rules guiding property management.

If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to recognize that dual membership in these POAs means adhering to both sets of guidelines. For builders and architects, reviewing the covenants from both the island-wide and subdivision POAs is necessary to ensure that your projects meet the standards expected by the community.

Ono Island POA

Active vs. Inactive Subdivision POAs

Not all subdivisions on Ono Island have active POAs. Some are inactive, meaning they don’t have a functioning board of directors or collect assessments. However, even in inactive subdivisions, the original covenants recorded by the developers still apply. For property owners, this means you must still adhere to the subdivision’s covenants even if there isn’t active enforcement.

For builders and architects, understanding these covenants is critical to ensuring compliance and avoiding delays or fines later in the process.

Several subdivisions on Ono Island have active POAs, including:

Ono North POA
Ono Mar POA
Ono Harbour POA
Turtle Key POA
Point Ono POA
Canal Owners Association

If you’re considering a property in one of these subdivisions, it’s important to be aware of both the island-wide and subdivision-specific POA regulations that may apply.

Why Builders, Architects, Investors, and Property Owners Need to Be Informed

If you’re a builder, architect, or real estate investor, understanding the intricacies of the POA structure is essential. The Ono Island POA and various subdivision POAs each have their own guidelines governing construction, architectural design, and property modifications. Ignoring these rules could result in costly delays or required adjustments later in the process.

For investors, understanding the POA regulations can significantly impact the value of your investment. Ensuring that any property you purchase aligns with the covenants is critical to preserving its long-term worth.

As an Ono Island resident and real estate advisor, I’m here to help navigate these complexities. Whether you need assistance understanding POA guidelines for a construction project, clarification on covenants as a buyer, or advice as an investor looking to maximize your return, I’m available to provide my expertise.

Building on Ono North

When building on Ono Island's North ACC, there are a few key guidelines to keep in mind for interior lots. If you're planning a single-story home, it needs to be at least 1,600 square feet. For those considering a bit more space, a 1 ½ story home should have 1,200 square feet on the first floor, with an additional 600 square feet upstairs, making a total of 1,800 square feet. And if you prefer a two-story home, it should be 2,000 square feet overall, with 1,000 square feet on each level.

An attached two-car garage is also part of the requirement, ensuring you have plenty of space for your vehicles.

These guidelines help maintain a cohesive look and feel throughout the community while giving you the flexibility to build your dream home.

For canal lots, a single-story home must be a minimum of 2,000 square feet, while a two-story home requires at least 2,400 square feet of living space.

Additionally, homes built on canal lots must be elevated with pilings that are at least 14 feet above sea level and 9 feet above the street center. These elevation requirements ensure safety and compliance with local regulations.

Ono North Building Information

Setbacks: Buildings must have a 30-foot setback in the front and back, with a 10-foot setback on each side.
Foundation: Exposed blocks on the foundation are not allowed, ensuring a clean and uniform appearance.
Fences: While most fences are prohibited, you can install fencing for specific areas such as garbage can storage, electric meters, air conditioning units, and limited fencing around swimming pools.

Section 4.04: Completion of Construction
All exterior work on homes and structures must be finished within nine (9) months from the start of construction. The landscaping plan should be completed within 90 days of occupancy or substantial completion.

Section 4.05: Service Yards
Each homeowner must provide a visually screened area for a service yard, which is used to store garbage bins, electric meters, air conditioning units, and other items that need to be concealed from view from both the road and neighboring properties.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a potential buyer, current property owner, builder, architect, or investor, understanding Ono Island’s POA structure is important. The island-wide Ono Island POA and subdivision-specific POAs play a key role in maintaining the beauty, standards, and value of the community.

For those involved in new construction or property investments, compliance with these POA regulations is essential for a successful project. If you have any questions or concerns about the different POAs, I’m here to assist. As a long-time resident and real estate expert on Ono Island, I’m ready to provide the guidance and support you need.