HD Antenna and Home owners association issues

Hi everyone,

This is my first post to the group so I apologize if this is not the
correct place to post. I have been enjoying the threads in this group
and I decided I would post to see if anyone has an idea of what I
should do in this situation. I apologize in advance if I should be
posting to another group.

I have been having issues with my HOA who disparately desires me to
relocate my antenna from the highest point on my roof (where I receive
line-of-sight with transmitters) to a more suitable location (attic,
or where it is not visible from the street). Obviously, I know that
"technically" they can't tell me to do this because of the FCC ruling
in 1996...however, they used what I call the "good neighbor" approach
on me. Listed below is a portion of the e-mail from my HOA president
(and it is long):

""
The Board of Directors is currently discussing the heart of the rule
governing the prohibition of the placement of an antenna in or on a
member's lot or dwelling; that being the true aesthetics involved in a
member using this sort of equipment for their receptive needs. We are
discussing and seeking consultation as to the Board's responsibility
to oversee the requirements or restrictions of placement of such
antennas to stay in keeping with the spirit of rule #18 in our
covenants. But with all "restrictions" we must carefully weigh the
individual member's rights to what is legally allowed against the
other member's rights to a clear and unobstructed view. We will be
discussing the manner in which a member would be conscientious of
their neighbor's property as they would their own and ask each member
that decides to follow this FCC ruling to place their antenna where it
is not visibly seen by the surrounding homes or passersby. After
saying this, in the spirit of neighborliness and citizenship, we are
asking that you consider relocating your antenna. Several other
members have installed similar antennas in their attic crawl spaces.
If the reception there is unacceptable or your attic isn't large
enough to accommodate then we are asking you, for the time being; to
relocate the antenna to the north side of your home's ridgeline to at
least reduce the amount of visibility. The reason we are requesting
this from you is the very reason this was brought to the Board's
attention. It is displeasing to your neighbors. Please consider this
request until the Board can make a final decision as to how it will
regulate the placement of the equipment that our covenants still
conclude as being unsightly.
""

My only response is: WOW! Can anyone give me a good idea of how to
respond to this. Or recommendations on what I should do. Should I cave
in to the "good guy" response, or should I fight this? I don't want
to upset people, but I also think people should be aware that I am
within my rights to have my antenna where it is...so it comes down to
a matter of principle. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you in
advance!

Thanks,

Tyler

You could try an attic antenna and see if it provides a suitable
alternative. Then, if it does, remove your outdoor antenna and keep peace
with your neighbors. If not, make the "harder" decision: "Which is more
important to me...my HD reception or my neighbors". Only you know the answer
to this one.

If your reception is marginal in the attic, come back here to let us help
you make a more technically informed choice of antenna alternatives which
may work well in the attic. Every reception situation is different, and you
should gain a lot by choosing equipment (antenna, possibly pre-amp,
feedline) carefully and installing it properly.

Smarty


"varioust" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi everyone,

This is my first post to the group so I apologize if this is not the
correct place to post. I have been enjoying the threads in this group
and I decided I would post to see if anyone has an idea of what I
should do in this situation. I apologize in advance if I should be
posting to another group.

I have been having issues with my HOA who disparately desires me to
relocate my antenna from the highest point on my roof (where I receive
line-of-sight with transmitters) to a more suitable location (attic,
or where it is not visible from the street). Obviously, I know that
"technically" they can't tell me to do this because of the FCC ruling
in 1996...however, they used what I call the "good neighbor" approach
on me. Listed below is a portion of the e-mail from my HOA president
(and it is long):

""
The Board of Directors is currently discussing the heart of the rule
governing the prohibition of the placement of an antenna in or on a
member's lot or dwelling; that being the true aesthetics involved in a
member using this sort of equipment for their receptive needs. We are
discussing and seeking consultation as to the Board's responsibility
to oversee the requirements or restrictions of placement of such
antennas to stay in keeping with the spirit of rule #18 in our
covenants. But with all "restrictions" we must carefully weigh the
individual member's rights to what is legally allowed against the
other member's rights to a clear and unobstructed view. We will be
discussing the manner in which a member would be conscientious of
their neighbor's property as they would their own and ask each member
that decides to follow this FCC ruling to place their antenna where it
is not visibly seen by the surrounding homes or passersby. After
saying this, in the spirit of neighborliness and citizenship, we are
asking that you consider relocating your antenna. Several other
members have installed similar antennas in their attic crawl spaces.
If the reception there is unacceptable or your attic isn't large
enough to accommodate then we are asking you, for the time being; to
relocate the antenna to the north side of your home's ridgeline to at
least reduce the amount of visibility. The reason we are requesting
this from you is the very reason this was brought to the Board's
attention. It is displeasing to your neighbors. Please consider this
request until the Board can make a final decision as to how it will
regulate the placement of the equipment that our covenants still
conclude as being unsightly.
""

My only response is: WOW! Can anyone give me a good idea of how to
respond to this. Or recommendations on what I should do. Should I cave
in to the "good guy" response, or should I fight this? I don't want
to upset people, but I also think people should be aware that I am
within my rights to have my antenna where it is...so it comes down to
a matter of principle. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you in
advance!

Thanks,

Tyler

Smarty,

I appreciate the response!

I completely agree to you. The choice of pleasing my neighbors is a
tough one because I know that it wasn't reported by any of my
immediate neighbors, if fact, it wasn't even anyone on my street. My
two closest neighbors do not have a problem with the Antenna and I
talked to them prior to installing the antenna.

My current situation is optimal because I have tested my antenna in
the attic with mediocre results. I can clearly get all digital
stations in my area b/t 90-95% signal strength with the antenna
outside on my roof.

However, I am reluctant to change my setup because that also is a
violation of the FCC ruling with the association wanting me to move my
antenna to a more appealing location will make me spend additional $
and time.

So in the end it comes down to my pride and being at the mercy of
their board and the neighbor who was "policing" the neighborhood. I
understand that people might be offended by my antenna, but I think
others should know that their rule on antenna's is bogus and they
should stop infringing upon my rights to receive free OTA reception.

On May 3, 2:16 pm, "Smarty" wrote:
You could try an atticantennaand see if it provides a suitable
alternative. Then, if it does, remove your outdoorantennaand keep peace
with your neighbors. If not, make the "harder" decision: "Which is more
important to me...my HD reception or my neighbors". Only you know the answer
to this one.

If your reception is marginal in the attic, come back here to let us help
you make a more technically informed choice ofantennaalternatives which
may work well in the attic. Every reception situation is different, and you
should gain a lot by choosing equipment (antenna, possibly pre-amp,
feedline) carefully and installing it properly.

Smarty

On May 3, 11:08 am, varioust wrote:
Hi everyone,

This is my first post to the group so I apologize if this is not the
correct place to post. I have been enjoying the threads in this group
and I decided I would post to see if anyone has an idea of what I
should do in this situation. I apologize in advance if I should be
posting to another group.

I have been having issues with my HOA who disparately desires me to
relocate my antenna from the highest point on my roof (where I receive
line-of-sight with transmitters) to a more suitable location (attic,
or where it is not visible from the street). Obviously, I know that
"technically" they can't tell me to do this because of the FCC ruling
in 1996...however, they used what I call the "good neighbor" approach
on me. Listed below is a portion of the e-mail from my HOA president
(and it is long):

""
The Board of Directors is currently discussing the heart of the rule
governing the prohibition of the placement of an antenna in or on a
member's lot or dwelling; that being the true aesthetics involved in a
member using this sort of equipment for their receptive needs. We are
discussing and seeking consultation as to the Board's responsibility
to oversee the requirements or restrictions of placement of such
antennas to stay in keeping with the spirit of rule #18 in our
covenants. But with all "restrictions" we must carefully weigh the
individual member's rights to what is legally allowed against the
other member's rights to a clear and unobstructed view. We will be
discussing the manner in which a member would be conscientious of
their neighbor's property as they would their own and ask each member
that decides to follow this FCC ruling to place their antenna where it
is not visibly seen by the surrounding homes or passersby. After
saying this, in the spirit of neighborliness and citizenship, we are
asking that you consider relocating your antenna. Several other
members have installed similar antennas in their attic crawl spaces.
If the reception there is unacceptable or your attic isn't large
enough to accommodate then we are asking you, for the time being; to
relocate the antenna to the north side of your home's ridgeline to at
least reduce the amount of visibility. The reason we are requesting
this from you is the very reason this was brought to the Board's
attention. It is displeasing to your neighbors. Please consider this
request until the Board can make a final decision as to how it will
regulate the placement of the equipment that our covenants still
conclude as being unsightly.
""

My only response is: WOW! Can anyone give me a good idea of how to
respond to this. Or recommendations on what I should do. Should I cave
in to the "good guy" response, or should I fight this? I don't want
to upset people, but I also think people should be aware that I am
within my rights to have my antenna where it is...so it comes down to
a matter of principle. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you in
advance!

Thanks,

Tyler

OK, you already know about the FCC issue but here it is again, just in
case...

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

http://www.winegard.com/offair/squareshooter.htm

I use one of these antennas (no preamp) at 35 miles with great
results. It doesn't look like an antenna and annoys nobody - not even
the wife. Might that help?

GG

On 3 May 2007 12:08:10 -0700, varioust wrote:

Please consider this
request until the Board can make a final decision as to how it will
regulate the placement of the equipment that our covenants still
conclude as being unsightly.

If you don't wish to accommodate their request, which is entirely at
your discretion, simply provide them with a copy of the FCC
regulation. ( http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html ) And remind them
that as a practical matter, it simply isn't within their authority to
regulate the placement of antennas on private property, or any area
under a rental tenant's exclusive control.

A_C

In my area, all the HD is UHF. A UHF-only antenna is not quite as
offensive as a big VHF antenna. See how your reception is with a
double-bow (Antenna's direct, DB2) or a 4-bow (CM 3021, my favorite)
or a cute little Yagi. See if these offends your homeowners
association.

This begs the question: are there any satellite dishes on roofs?
What is the HOA's position on these?

Since you received the blessing of your immediate neighbors, you might
want to pass that information along to the board. If you can't find
out who complained, you might want to find out how many complained.
If it's one person who's being a jerk, ask what it would to do apease
them.

On May 3, 3:08 pm, NadCixelsyd wrote:
In my area, all the HD is UHF. A UHF-only antenna is not quite as
offensive as a big VHF antenna. See how your reception is with a
double-bow (Antenna's direct, DB2) or a 4-bow (CM 3021, my favorite)
or a cute little Yagi. See if these offends your homeowners
association.

This begs the question: are there any satellite dishes on roofs?
What is the HOA's position on these?

Since you received the blessing of your immediate neighbors, you might
want to pass that information along to the board. If you can't find
out who complained, you might want to find out how many complained.
If it's one person who's being a jerk, ask what it would to do apease
them.

I also looked at the Antenna's direct DB4, which would work good,
except not all of my TV's are using the digital signal. I have only
one that is hooked up to a digital receiver. The DB4 is less
offensive to the eyes, I will admit that. However, there are still
local stations that I would like to get via analog VHF where I am
about 50-60 miles from the transmitters...so I decided to go with a
VHF/UHF combo antenna (which is the Radio Shack 80" boom antenna).

I do know it is only one individual who has complained thus far. But
he mentions specifically in the e-mail that: "The board doesn't want
to see a proliferation of antennas throughout the neighborhood" - so
apparently I am setting a bad example to them. Although, I believe a
little competition for our local cable company would be good...

Tyler

Basically, you need to decide whether to allow a small and intolerant
group to dictate to you, or endure the undying enmity of the HOA
Gestapo. Given that the complainers are not your neighbors, it is not
likely that you will have any significant issues should you politely
stand your ground. It ultimately depends on your personal philosophy
and thickness of skin.

Were I replying, I would turn the argument around, and frame it as a
good opportunity for neighborly accommodation. They to you, in this
case. After all, it isn't as if you want to paint you house purple
with pink polka dots, or do something truly heinous such as leave your
garage door open for longer than is necessary for the car to enter or
leave.


--
Alan

NadCixelsyd wrote:
In my area, all the HD is UHF. A UHF-only antenna is not quite as
offensive as a big VHF antenna. See how your reception is with a
double-bow (Antenna's direct, DB2) or a 4-bow (CM 3021, my favorite)
or a cute little Yagi. See if these offends your homeowners
association.

This begs the question: are there any satellite dishes on roofs?
What is the HOA's position on these?

Since you received the blessing of your immediate neighbors, you might
want to pass that information along to the board. If you can't find
out who complained, you might want to find out how many complained.
If it's one person who's being a jerk, ask what it would to do apease
them.

A lot of good responses here. But the OP may be in an area where some
of the digital stations are on VHF or may switch to upper VHF in 2009.
Many upper VHF stations will be switching their digital signal to upper
VHF 7 to 13 after the analog shutdown. He also does not state what his
antenna is. He may already have a UHF only antenna but the HOA is
objecting to a AD 91XG or Channel Master 4221 4 Bay bowtie. The HOA - or
the person lodging the complaint - is probably objecting to an antenna,
any antenna, that sits above the roofline. The satellite dishes usually
sit low on the roof, so in most cases, they are not above the roof line.

Tyler, if you could provide your zip code and a description of your
surrounding terrain, we could at least provide some advice on whether a
better antenna in the attic or one placed below the roofline is a
possibility.

If you want to really dive into estimated signal strengths and
stations for you location, try the new web site www.tvfool.com. It
produces a rather technical summary, so it is not for everybody.

If the HOA keeps up the pressure, tell them that a antenna on the roof
is a the sign of a free society and a symbol of free speech!

Alan F

On Thu, 03 May 2007 12:08:10 -0700, varioust wrote:

My only response is: WOW! Can anyone give me a good idea of how to
respond to this. Or recommendations on what I should do. Should I cave
in to the "good guy" response, or should I fight this? I don't want
to upset people, but I also think people should be aware that I am
within my rights to have my antenna where it is...so it comes down to
a matter of principle. Any advice would be helpful. Thank you in
advance!

My response would be short and to the point. Only two words. The first
starts with G and the second with F. I might add that if they didn't like
the looks of my antenna don't look at it.

In fact I would hope you would pass this on to the arogant assholes.

--
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