FCC Seeks Comments on Impediements to Amateur Radio Communications

[KA3JLW]

Also, virtually every state has a set of regulations over HOAs - some merely establish how they can exist while others are more restrictive. Pennsylvania, for instance, has a law that certain 3' x 5' flags may be flown regardless of what the HOA rules may say.

[NI7I]

Or, It is to our benefit to have as many well written logical comments as possible about the insignificant effect these restrictions have on the
ham radio communities ability to provide "emergency communications..

Lee
NI7I

Having worked in the environmental remediation business for too long, I can attest that when the regulating agency requests comments, it does take all comments made seriously. It is to our benefit to have as many well written logical comments as possible about the harm that these local regulations are having.

[WN9HJW]

Just for kicks I've been going through HOA web sites in my local area, to see what their covenants and documents really say about antennas.

For one thing, you just can't access the documents online unless you're a member in about 80% of the cases.

Of the ones that are accessible, most of them actually say nothing at all about antennas other than satellite dishes. In fact out of about 20 or CCRs I've looked at (and had access to), only a few explicitely prohibit antennas. Mostly CCRs that mention antennas, are vague and say things like "antennas for radio reception or transmission must conform to architectural control committee guidelines". And of course committees can make up guidlines as they go along.

[KC2ZPK]

Just for kicks I've been going through HOA web sites in my local area, to see what their covenants and documents really say about antennas.

For one thing, you just can't access the documents online unless you're a member in about 80% of the cases.

Of the ones that are accessible, most of them actually say nothing at all about antennas other than satellite dishes. In fact out of about 20 or CCRs I've looked at (and had access to), only a few explicitely prohibit antennas. Mostly CCRs that mention antennas, are vague and say things like "antennas for radio reception or transmission must conform to architectural control committee guidelines". And of course committees can make up guidlines as they go along.

Well, I can counter. When we were looking in Northeast PA we briefly looked at some HOAs. I was looking for ones that were very home owner friendly. ie, least restrictive. I can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that 100% of the 5 or 6 CCRs I looked at 'addressed' outdoor antennas. Some went even to say that no radio transmissions may leave your property. So even an indoor antenna would be illegal as soon as you keyed up.

And now for a comment, I also have another hobby that is not HOA friendly, Classic Mustangs. I am pretty active in that hobby as well, and I have to say one thing. The automotive hobbies are much more united on issues such as this. We actually stick together on issues. If a new regulation effects a small segment, it effects us all, and we ALL support each other. There is no "well it doesn't effect me, so I don't care" bickering going on. Unfortunately this is what I see here. Today a CCR may not effect you, but later in life you may not be as fortunate. CCRs are growing in numbers, and the cahnce you will spend some time in one is getting greater. So how about ALL the amateur radio operators stick up for each other and back one another? Is that so hard to do? United we stand, Divided we fall!

[N4UM]

Just an update on the petition. We've had over 400 signatures as of Friday night at 10:30. If you have not signed the petition and wish to do so, you may visit the site listed below. You may include an optional comment when you sign the petition. If you've already signed the petition, thanks for your support. Please contact others who you feel might at least consider signing.

http://www.change.org/petitions/federal-communications-commission-void-antenna-restrictions-by-homeowner-s-associations-and-developers

[N4UM]

Here is the info on the FCC request for comments as supplied by W3WN at the start of this thread

DA 12-523, Released April 2, 2012

COMMISSION SEEKS COMMENT ON EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS BY AMATEUR
RADIO AND IMPEDIMENTS TO AMATEUR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

GN Docket No. 12-91

Comment Date: May 17, 2012
By this Public Notice, the Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau seek comment on the uses and capabilities of Amateur Radio Service communications in emergencies and disaster relief. As set forth below, comment is sought on issues relating to the importance of emergency Amateur Radio Service communications and on impediments to enhanced Amateur Radio Service communications. Stakeholder entities and organizations, include the Amateur Radio, emergency response, and disaster communications communities, are particularly encouraged to submit comments.


http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Rele...A-12-523A1.pdf

[KS4VT]

I uploaded my comments last night....looks like only 50 or so individuals posted comments and those that did most did not take the time to go through to answer any of the FCC's direct questions. They posted very short 1 paragraph comments that IMO won't get very far.

[N2EY]

I also have another hobby that is not HOA friendly, Classic Mustangs. I am pretty active in that hobby as well, and I have to say one thing. The automotive hobbies are much more united on issues such as this. We actually stick together on issues. If a new regulation effects a small segment, it effects us all, and we ALL support each other. There is no "well it doesn't effect me, so I don't care" bickering going on. Unfortunately this is what I see here. Today a CCR may not effect you, but later in life you may not be as fortunate. CCRs are growing in numbers, and the cahnce you will spend some time in one is getting greater. So how about ALL the amateur radio operators stick up for each other and back one another? Is that so hard to do? United we stand, Divided we fall!

I agree with that 100%. Just because I'm not in an HOA/CCR house now, doesn't mean I will always have the choice.

But I have a question: How are HOA/CCRs restrictive of a classic-car hobby? About the only thing I can see being offensive is loud exhaust noises and squealing tires - but that's a general-nuisance thing.

73 de Jim, N2EY

[KS4VT]

But I have a question: How are HOA/CCRs restrictive of a classic-car hobby? About the only thing I can see being offensive is loud exhaust noises and squealing tires - but that's a general-nuisance thing. 73 de Jim, N2EY

Other than changing the air filter, many have restictions on vehicle maintenance both in the driveway and in in the garage. Of course if you keep the door closed all the time no one will know what is going on, but in a number of states that is not an option due to the heat.

[KB7CFV]

ARRL REQUEST HOA, CCR, LAND USE

Every Amatuer could be involved in Emergancy Comm if the conditions are right that is what Amatuer Radio Operators have done time and time again .

Everyone maybe aware of this but if not PLEASE visit the link below HOA CCR's Land use.
All:

please see the following request for info by ARRL regarding land use and home owner assoc

http://www.arrl.org/news/fcc-seeks-p...-to-amateur-ra

73
KB7CFV