Source
r/HamRadio•
hyperkinetic

Hey r/HamRadio, have any of you ever had problems from a community/homeowners association over antenna installation?

We recently bought into a co-op, and now the super is telling us we're not allowed up on the roof to install an antenna, yet I can see several lining the roof from my window!

I'm well aware of the FCC restriction rules on broadcast and digital services, and plan on sending the co-op the link with a formal request in the morning.

What have been your experiences?

Posted Sep 15, 2011, 7:09 AM UTC

1014
[deleted]•

Yet another reason to avoid anyplace with a HOA.

6
hyperkineticOP•

Not really possible in NYC.

3
[deleted]•

Ah, didn't think about you big city folks. Did you find a solution?

2
hyperkineticOP•

I've sent them a copy of the FCC rules regarding restrictions on TV antennas and let them know I'm going to get my way.

4
[deleted]•

I love to see someone asserting their rights. Well done.

2
grink•

It will be a fight, that ruling doesn't cover amateur antennas. But you do "own" part of the roof if you are a co-op owner. I'm not a lawyer but you do have certain rights being an owner.

You could install a TV antenna then mount your antenna on the mast, they won't know the difference.

3
hyperkineticOP•

You could install a TV antenna then mount your antenna on the mast, they won't know the difference.

That was my plan, but they won't let up there to install the TV antenna despite the fact that there's nearly a dozen up there already.

2
grink•

The ruling you linked to says they can't prevent you from having one installed.

1
xcomv01•

Usually you sign an agreement with the hoa or coop that binds you to the rules for the neighborhood. I have seen them make someone take down a 6000 dollar 6' fence and reinstall a 5' fence in my neighborhood.

3
[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
cloudedice•

You see other antennas on the roof because they are not allowed to prohibit you from installing a TV antenna.The ARRL has a limited amount of information on HOAs and Co-ops here.

You could do what grink suggested, or look into attic antennas. L. A. Moxon's "HF Antennas For All Locations," seems to get good reviews.

Also, try searching for "stealth amateur radio" on Google. You'll find a lot of information.

3
BinaryMn•

Put up a flag pole, stick up an American flag on it, but put a yagi on the top and run coax down it. Problem solved.

3
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
w0lrah•

I'm a big fan of the flag pole antenna. If even if your HOA has it against the rules, bring it up with them (preferably at a public meeting). You're now forcing them to argue against a flag, which automatically puts a bias in your direction in the public eye. They never have to know it's also a ham antenna.

As noted, the FCC rule only applies to TV antennas, satellite dishes, and fixed wireless services like wireless internet. That said, you could probably get away with putting up something that looks like a TV antenna and no one would know the difference.

1
Darkblaz3•

So? How did it go? I would imagine as a CO-OP owner myself you didn't get very far... but I am still very curious...

1
hyperkineticOP•

I was told it would be brought up at the next meeting, which has come and gone. I have heard nothing. My plan now is to go up and tap into one of the existing antennas. Sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness and permission.

1