Special to Lake Panorama Times

Included with the annual 2026 dues mailings is information for LPA members to review as the new year gets underway. Some key items are summarized here. 

Dues and Assessments 

Dues and Assessments are due May 1, 2026. To sign up for automated EFT withdrawals, contact the LPA office at 641-755-2301, or by email at info@lakepanorama.org. The EFT form is available on the LPA website under the Forms folder. Complete, sign and return this form to the office with a copy of a voided check.

Members who used amenities in 2025 received amenity statements for 2026 with their dues notices. Inform the LPA office if there are changes to desired amenities for 2026. All dues and assessments must be paid prior to receiving boat or camping stickers. 

Invasive species form 

No new invasive species form is necessary for boaters who haven’t changed vessels from 2025 and all information on file is current. A round invasive species sticker still must be on display. RESIDENT boats will retain the previously issued green sticker. NON-RESIDENT boats will be issued a new red 2026 sticker. All non-resident boats will need to contact LPA Security for inspection prior to launching their boat in 2026. Any changes to vessels registered and new DNR registrations need to be emailed to boat@lakepanorama.org.

Boating size and HP limits 

For non-pontoon type boats, the maximum boat length is 24 feet, including swim platforms. Stern drive or inboard engine displacement may not exceed 6.2 liters. Outboard motors may not exceed 300 hp. 

For pontoon boats, the maximum length is 27 feet, including swim platforms. Outboard motors and jet powered motors may not exceed 250 hp. Stern drive motors may not exceed 299 hp. 

For personal water craft (PWC), no 2-cycle PWC shall exceed 130 hp, and no 4-cycle PWC shall exceed 185 hp. 

Dock registration

Registration with the DNR is required for all docks, including floating docks. New members should update their dock permit information with the Iowa DNR. The dock sign application form can be found on the LPA website.

Water safety video 

In 2021, LPA created a water safety video to help members review and understand rules while operating on Lake Panorama. The link to this video can be found on the public side of the LPA website under the Helpful Links tab. Or go to YouTube and search “LPA Water Safety Video.”

Communications

The official LPA website is http://www.lakepanorama.org. Members who have never signed up before will need to go to lakepanorama.org and click on “Resident Sign Up.” Request a login and LPA staff will grant access. The website has all documents such as building permits, rental forms, boating information and more. It also is used to communicate with the membership for special announcements. 

The Panorama Prompt is LPA’s official means of communication. By signing up for the website, members automatically receive this weekly email that is sent on Thursdays. 

The LPA office needs the most current member information, which includes mailing address, phone numbers and email addresses. LPA does not use information from the website to update member information, so members need to call or email LPA with any changes. Those who are unsure if LPA has up-to-date information can send an email to info@lakepanorama.org. 

Building Permits and Land Disturbing Permits 

Building Permits and Land Disturbing Permits are required. Members should contact the LPA office prior to any building project, new driveway or projects including land disturbance. Planning ahead will save costly corrections later. Owners, not contractors, must sign all permit applications. Members requesting variances must pay a fee and make the request by 4:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month to be considered by the building codes committee and LPA Board for that month.

LPA’s rules and regulations 

Members should refresh themselves on LPA’s rules and regulations. These can be found on the LPA website under the Documents tab (public side) or Governing Documents folder (private side). 

Board meetings 

Board meetings in 2026 will begin in March. Normally, meetings are the fourth Tuesday of the month. A few may be rescheduled to maximize board participation. Open forum is at 5 p.m. Board meeting agendas are linked to the weekly Panorama Prompt prior to scheduled meetings. 

Yard Waste Sites 

Yard Waste Sites are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The yard waste sites are closed Monday and Tuesday for maintenance. Natural materials less than 12 inches in diameter are accepted. Construction debris, root balls, stumps, plastic leaf bags or other materials that do not grow on your lot are prohibited.

Beach shelter or clubhouse reservations

To reserve a beach shelter, fill out the beach reservation form that can be found online or picked up at the LPA office. All beaches have water, electricity and restrooms available from May 1 to Sept. 30. For reservation requests for the Panorama West Clubhouse, call 641-755-2250. The Panorama West golf course and clubhouse are managed by Lake Panorama National, 641-755-2024.

Campgrounds 

Campgrounds are open March 1 to Oct. 31. Water is available May 1 through Sept. 30. Spots are only available to members or guests of members who currently have a camping spot. There is a waitlist; call the LPA office to check availability.

LPA Security 

LPA Security responds 24 hours, seven days a week. Call Security’s phone number, 641-757-9035, to report issues. Call 911 for fire or ambulance. The Security department cooperates with local law enforcement, regularly patrols the entire lake and enforces LPA rules, traffic and other regulations. 

Hunting, fishing and trapping licenses 

The 2026-2027 hunting, fishing and trapping licenses can be purchased at the LPA office during regular office hours.

 

Contact

LPA office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact the office by calling 641-755-2301 or emailing info@lakepanorama.org.