MULTIPLE SATELLITE DISHES

FCC guidelines provide that owners may have more than one antenna:

The rule applies to individuals who place antennas that meet size limitations on property that they own or rent and that is within their exclusive use or control . . .

According to the FCC Information Sheet, you may not restrict residents to only one antenna if more than one antenna is necessary to receive the desired service. However, the extra dishes must provide service to the owner's property only. Owners may not, without the association's permission, place dishes on their property for the benefit of their neighbors.

In addition, multiple antennas are still subject to an association's reasonable restrictions on location of dishes, method of installation, safety, camouflaging, etc. Associations can (and should) draft rules regarding installation of satellite dishes, otherwise owners can install them as they please on their property. However, keep in mind that your rules may not (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal from satellite dishes up to 1 meter (39.37 inches) in size in areas that residents own or have exclusive use.

Updated by ADAMS KESSLER 4/3/2008