Donations needed for Amateur Radio Antenna Defense Foundation

[G4ILO]

The only way a tower and beam would be aesthetically pleasing would be to the ham who owns one. The neighbors, though, who bought into that HOA hoping it would continue to be aesthetically pleasing, would likely be very disconcerted.

I just can't believe hams are so selfish that they want exemptions for their hobby, but they would sure gripe is the guy next door was raising goats as his hobby. Or building and testing hot rod engines. HOA's have restrictions to try to please the residents -- the majority of the residents, not one single resident. They are created by a group, agreed upon by a group, and followed by the group. That is democracy at work. You do have a choice; follow the rules or move.

While I live in the country now, with no restrictions, that has not always been true. During the times I lived under restrictions, I operated mobile, even took the antenna off the car when I wasn't using it, so it would not be obtrusive.

I agree, if amateur radio is the important thing in your life, you need to avoid living in places it is restricted. If you can't, then you need to find other ways to enjoy the hobby, such as mobile, portable in the mountains, at a club station, or using indoor antennas for VHF. I do not believe that by nature of our hobby we are exempted from the rules that apply to the general citizenship.

Ed

Wow, an opinion about antennas that considers the neighbours' point of view. I never expected to find that on QRZ.com!

I totally agree with you, Ed. Your last paragraph is spot on.

[WA4OTD]

I'm with you Ed. As much as I would like to put up a tower and beam I would not want my neighbors to put one up!

The only way a tower and beam would be aesthetically pleasing would be to the ham who owns one. The neighbors, though, who bought into that HOA hoping it would continue to be aesthetically pleasing, would likely be very disconcerted.

I just can't believe hams are so selfish that they want exemptions for their hobby, but they would sure gripe is the guy next door was raising goats as his hobby. Or building and testing hot rod engines. HOA's have restrictions to try to please the residents -- the majority of the residents, not one single resident. They are created by a group, agreed upon by a group, and followed by the group. That is democracy at work. You do have a choice; follow the rules or move.

While I live in the country now, with no restrictions, that has not always been true. During the times I lived under restrictions, I operated mobile, even took the antenna off the car when I wasn't using it, so it would not be obtrusive.

I agree, if amateur radio is the important thing in your life, you need to avoid living in places it is restricted. If you can't, then you need to find other ways to enjoy the hobby, such as mobile, portable in the mountains, at a club station, or using indoor antennas for VHF. I do not believe that by nature of our hobby we are exempted from the rules that apply to the general citizenship.

Ed

[W5IQJ]

While I am in agreement with keeping the neighborhood in which one lives neat and in a manner which is generally pleasing to most of the neighbors, I do not think anyone has the right to judge what's acceptable based solely on their point of view. Most neighbors complain about something just "because it gives them something to do". I can show you countless examples in the area where I live where people don't keep their houses and yards in a condition which is acceptable to me. Because I would choose to install a tower and beam, that does not give the neighbors any more credence to their belief that it's not acceptable to them just because"they don't like it" (HOA covenants and safety issues not withstanding).

I agree that if a HAM moves into a neighborhood which has antenna restrictions already in place, then that HAM should abide by the rules or move to an area where those restrictions aren't an issue. If however, they move to a neighborhood where the neighbors just don't like antennas, that's too bad. If my installation is neat (I realize 'neat' is subjective) and isn't a danger to life or property, then the neighbors will just have to get used to it, and I will fight to the finish to use my property as I see fit within the bounds of safety.

I'm all for an antenna defense foundation to fight the absurd objections of neighbors who just don't like antennas and feel they have to impose their sense of aesthetics on others.

[K4EEZ]

Wheres the justice ???
this line says it all and quote "wishing help support litigation against Ignore federal and state preemption statutes."

[NN3W]

I don't think the issue of HOA's is really the focus here. Its the exaples of San Diego and Palmdale which are the focii. Both cities have attempted to enact legislation which would effectively ban amateur radio antennas. This is not part of an HOA, but part of a city-wide effort.

The example in San Diego is particularly egregious which would limit you to about 10 feet of antenna and if you wanted anything more than that (especially if you lived west of Interstate 5), you'd have to have a public hearing, put up close to $10,000 in study fees (which is open ended and may go up from there), and then pray that you don't have a neighbor who throws a fit and "knows" somebody.

Thats where the problem exists.

[NN3W]

Wheres the justice ???
this line says it all and quote "wishing help support litigation against Ignore federal and state preemption statutes."

Yes, the litigation is to overturn absurd and burdensome ordinances (like San Diego and Palmdale) which patently ignore the FCC's mandate. This is not an HOA issue.

[AA4HA]

This was also helpful. But not everyone enjoys viewing unsightly amateur radio antennas, towers, or both in their neighborhood - in fact, some of us, myself included, consider them aesthetically unappealling (that's means 'eyesore').

I agree, there are some really tacky looking installations, overloaded towers with antennas stacked three deep, coax flapping in the wind and booms that extend well over their property line and over a neighbors yard.

I "like" antennas but there are some sites that just make me shudder. If they were my neighbor I would throw a fit, even if it was not in an HOA restricted tract of land.

This will upset some folks but here are a few things that any municipality could require;

1. A documented RF exposure report, demonstrating that the general public or neighboring properties are not exposed to any levels greater than the minimum threshold when the station is operating at maximum power.

2. That no part of an antenna structure will impinge upon areas where the general public or across any neighboring properties if the structure falls over. (this will limit hams to putting antennas in the middle of their property and limit the total height to less than the distance to the nearest property boundary.

3. That all tower structures and antennas are documented to be in compliance with the latest revision of ANSI 222. (P.E. stamped analysis) This includes loading calculations for all antennas, feed-lines and accessories for maximum elevated winds.

4. That all structures be maintained in a clean and painted condition with annual inspection by the local code enforcement entity.

5. All antenna towers will be equipped with climb-guards and a fenced perimeter to limit public access.

6. Increased liability insurance.

If you look at these requirements you would think them as reasonable for a commercial installation. We build structures in residential neighborhoods but many think they can install any old rusty tower with 1500 pounds of teetering hardware up in the air and that it is our god-given "right".

We have an obligation to install equipment in a responsible manner with as much respect to the mores of the surrounding community.

Ref: Mores: Latin term for societal norms, customs, virtues or values. Mores derive from the established practices of a society rather than its written laws.

Tisha Hayes, AA4HA

[KD6TR]

Why should this be such a problem? Here in California there is a law passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor requiring localities to allow Ham antennas as per PRB-1. Why not just put the darn thing up. Before a local authority can take action to have it removed, they must appear in court and obtain a court order. Wouldn't simply showing up and waving a copy of the legislation in their face put an end to the entire problem?

[K1VR]

I know the people and the purposes they seek to promote. This is a worthy cause and deserves financial support.

Fred K1VR

[NN3W]

Why should this be such a problem? Here in California there is a law passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor requiring localities to allow Ham antennas as per PRB-1. Why not just put the darn thing up. Before a local authority can take action to have it removed, they must appear in court and obtain a court order. Wouldn't simply showing up and waving a copy of the legislation in their face put an end to the entire problem?

No. Go look at the history behind the ordinances in San Diego and Palmdale. They don't care.

They'd rather throw their weight around and assume that the amateur will knuckle under.

Big guy v. little guy litigation strategy.