Common Properties

Our two POA properties provide enjoyment for our association

Overview

The POA owns two common properties: The beach at the end of Island Drive and a small triangular property on Anna Ln known as the park.

The Beach is our primary common property. It is available to qualified members in good standing and has a boat launch and dock that can be used to put in watercraft. This is the most popular location for POA social activities such as the annual spring meeting.
The Park is also available to qualified members in good standing and has steps leading down to the water. In addition, a small number of lot owners have dedicated use rights and may choose to maintain actively used docks and lifts with oversight by the POA.

Maintenance

Volunteers do most maintenance helping to keep dues very low. With larger expenses, we often are able to leverage the generosity from our community. For example, a lifetime member donated our dock for the boat launch to replace the dock lost in the 2020 flood.

Note: No lot owner or POA member shall alter, remove, install, maintain, or otherwise impact common property in any way without approval from the Board.

Ownership

Individual POA members and/or lot owners with dedicated use rights do not own these properties. Our POA is a non-profit corporation and holds full ownership of both the park and beach properties. Decades ago, the developer of the association deeded these properties to the POA corporation. These amenities are not listed or included in individual lot owners’ deeds.

Access & Dedicated Use Rights

Qualified Member Access To Both Properties: All POA members who are bound by the deed restrictions of the POA and are in good standing have access to both the beach and park subject to POA regulations. Note: A few mini-farm owners have not legally agreed to follow POA restrictions.

Beach Dedicated Use Rights: Subdivision 2 lots have dedicated use rights to the beach as specified in the Subdivision 2 certificate and subject to POA regulations..

Park Dedicated Use Rights: Mini-farm parcels 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 11 have dedicated use rights to the park as specified in the Subdivision 3 certificate and subject to POA regulations.

Important Clarifications

Dedicated Use Rights: While certain parcels have dedicated use rights established in the original subdivision certificates, this does not mean unregulated access. The POA has both the right and responsibility to reasonably regulate use of these shared amenities. However, the POA cannot completely deny access to those holding dedicated use rights.

Governance: Access and use regulations are managed by the elected POA board as part of their governance responsibilities.

Special Assessments: Back lots are assessed by the Four Lake Task Force (FLTF) because

these lot owners have access through either their dedicated use rights or POA membership.

Property Taxes: The beach and park properties carry zero property tax because they are subject to dedicated use statements in the original certificates. This means they cannot be developed and exist for the benefit of lot owners. While there is no direct tax on these common properties, their existence increases the market value—and therefore property taxes—of homes with access rights.

Sale Restrictions: Any sale of these shared properties would require agreement from all lot owners with dedicated use rights plus a majority vote of POA members.

Common Property Protection: No lot owner or POA member shall alter, remove, install, maintain, or otherwise impact common property in any way without approval from the elected board.

Liability Concerns: Our incorporated association is an extremely strong, inexpensive shield against liability for the common properties. It...

Defines responsibility – The association is the responsible, legal party owning the properties. Without the POA, ownership would be split among all of us.
Ensures maintenance – Well-kept property reduces hazards that could lead to accidents and lawsuits.
POA Insurance coverage – Liability insurance further shields individual owners from direct claims.