TWP restrictions on ham towers question

[CLYDEM]

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I have always been interested in getting ham license. I am working on my license at hamtestonlline.com I live in a rural twp in the thumb and have inherited a new 120' free standing tower. When I am ready to set things up I need to know if my twp can give me problems installing a ham antenna tower?

thanks
Clyde
clydem@greatlakes.net

[AK4MP]

Google "PRB1"

I'm not an attorney but here is my opinion on it:

Government must make reasonable accommodations to antenna installs of those licensed Amateur Radio operators. This means that they can't tell you that you can't put up a tower but they can restrict how high it is. They can also permit you so bad that it might not be feasible. Permits cost money and fees for inspection. Check with your local government as well.

Then if you live in a CC&R restricted area. This is not Government, it is a contract you agree with when you purchased your home not to put up antennas or such. This is a private contract.

Consult the ARRL. They have a lot of information on this.

And if you rent, that is a total different area.

[W4PG]

Clyde:

Many towns, counties, etc have their laws "online," where you can search through them for applicable statutes regarding towers. As mentioned, some towns have height restrictions but often these are arbitrary and if you have the time and resources, you can often fight these. Most if not all have requirements to obtain a building permit when the tower exceeds a certain height. That is a reasonable requirement in my opinion. While some argue it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, obtaining a permit will protect you from others who might not like your tower once it's up as well as helping with insurance claims should it fall and damage something. With a permit, you can show that the tower was put up according to specs. If you don't get a permit and it's required, then someone complains, you're going to have to get one then or possibly have to take the tower down.

If you can't find the ordinances online, simply go down to the building inspector's office and ask them for the local ordinances that govern communication towers. Don't tell them you are thinking of putting up a tower yet. You need to know what you are facing before you do that. They should be able to direct you to the appropriate information, which you can then copy.

The single best source of information regarding the legal issues faced is the publication "Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur," by Fred Hopengarten, K1VR. It's available from the ARRL. It contains multiple tips and copies of actual permits, letters, etc that can prove invaluable. It's the Bible when it comes to antenna zoning issues.

Good luck!!

....................Bob

PS: It's not a "tower," it's a "support structure!"