Explanation of the rules

1) Fires are devastating as the distant location of the fire department precludes immediate response. Leaves, fallen tree branches, and BBQ grills all present a fire hazard. We earnestly recommend that all grilling be done on the gravel driveway and not on the deck. Hot charcoal falling on decks has burned two cabins and surrounding areas. Prior fire losses now total 5 cabins. This has an impact on everyone’s insurance rates.

2) Dogs like to roam and dogs like sand making the beach represents an ideal bathroom spot. This is a very unpleasant surprise for anyone using the beach. Equally unpleasant is finding your neighbor’s dog looking into your cabin, or barking early in the morning.

3) Watercraft in the swimming area present a potential hazard for all swimmers. The lake has sufficient area for boating. Please do not operate your watercraft inside the designated swimming area. All watercraft stored in the boatyard are required to have lot numbers displayed. Abandoned and unnumbered boats will be relocated from the storage area to the barn.

4) Lot and cabin maintenance is important to every property owner’s financial advantage. In recent years, the property values within Aspenhof have risen sharply. It is in everyone’s interest to maintain the appearance and safety of each individual property.

5) Aspenhof is a peaceful, quiet place that many come to use to unwind and relax. Loud radios and music can be annoying, especially due to the differing tastes in music. Earphone radios are encouraged or please keep your radio volume very, very low. Sound carries surprisingly well over water. The same consideration is appropriate at your cabin as sound carries and echoes throughout the woods.

6) For reasons that should be abundantly obvious, no glass at the beach. No fishing in the beach area. No tackle or poles at the beach. Stepping on fish hooks is painful and dangerous. We have many very young children who use the entire beach area. We have, in the past, had experiences with such injuries, including at least one serious enough to require a doctor’s attention. The NO FISHING area extends from the concrete spillway to the trees at the edge of the boat storage area. The rest of the lake shores are all okay.

7) Speed and water destroy gravel roads. Rainwater is controlled by shedders on the road, often mistaken as speed bumps. Speeds over 15 mph on loose gravel roads tend to do damage to the road and to your automobile. Additionally, many people walk the roads to enjoy Aspenhof. Stopping ability on gravel is poor, at best, and almost impossible at higher speeds. The roads represent the single highest budget cost for the owners. Driving at speeds under 15mph helps to maintain the integrity of the roads and to control this cost. Off-road use is environmentally unsound.

8) For the safety and consideration of all, the use of motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts, etc are not permitted within Aspenhof. The off-road use of any vehicle is not permitted within Aspenhof.

9) The gate at the entrance to Aspenhof is critical to security. It is our best and first line of protection from vandalism. Letting property owners in when entering or leaving is a courteous gesture, but please check their hangtags before you do. Do not automatically let waiting cars enter unless they display a valid hangtag. An expired hang tag or old key is not acceptable. Unauthorized “guests” can be a problem and a liability. If they don’t have a current hang tag, they are unauthorized. You may encourage them to call their host to let them know they are waiting. Remember, property owners are provided with eight (8) hangtags each year and it is your responsibility to meet your guests, service providers, etc. at the gate AND GIVE THEM A TAG. Valid hang tags are required on ALL vehicles, at ALL times when inside Aspenhof. If you haven’t already, go put a few extras in your glovebox of your car.

10) The purpose of numbered, non-duplicable keys is so that all owners maintain responsibility for who they allow to enter Aspenhof. Putting a lockbox at the gate directly defeats this purpose and would be the same as allowing keys to be copied. This has led to widespread vandalism in the past. For this reason, we do not allow any owner, realtor, utility, or contractor to ‘hide’ keys or place lock boxes at the gate. Anyone entering Aspenhof without a key cannot unlock the gate to get back out. We change the keys every three years to prevent lost keys and/or non-renewed vendors from allowing unauthorized individuals from entering Aspenhof.

11) Fireworks present a serious fire hazard. Please refer to item #1. Discharging a firearm in Aspenhof is not permitted because our cabins are in close proximity, residents walk in the woods and kids play in the woods, etc. This firearm restriction does not apply to the use of BB and pellet guns on private property. That is at the cabin owners’ discretion and BBs and pellets discharged must stay within their borders. Also, please remember that Aspenhof was created for peace and quiet.

11) The beach phone exists for emergency use only, not as a private phone. Phone charges are identified and billed to property owners. Abuse of this phone would result in its removal.

13) The following are Guidelines for the installation of satellite dishes. Under the indentures, a permit from the Board is required before installation. The purpose of the satellite Guidelines is to preserve the character of Aspenhof, while ensuring that owners are able to receive an adequate reception signal. The preferred installation, if adequate signal can be obtained, is on the cabin building. Consideration should be given to placement in the least conspicuous location. If a remote site (not on the cabin itself) is necessary due to inadequate reception, the dish should be camouflaged. Dish support should be tall enough to allow for a signal but should be no more than three feet tall. There is a limit of one dish per cabin. The dish should be appropriately grounded for fire safety. Formerly used antenna equipment should be removed and properly disposed of.

HOW CAN YOU HELP… Read the above, abide by the rules, share the rules with guests, politely let others know of the rules and ask them to be considerate during their visit to Aspenhof, report violations to the Board. Also, understand that the rules apply to everyone and are in place for the benefit of everyone.