HOA Satellite Dish & Antenna Rules

If your HOA told you to take down your satellite dish or antenna, a federal FCC rule may be on your side. The OTARD rule limits how much an association can restrict reception devices — and overrides many HOA bans.

The FCC OTARD Rule Explained

The FCC's Over-the-Air Reception Devices (OTARD) rule protects your right to install antennas and satellite dishes that are one meter (about 39 inches) or less in diameter (no size limit in Alaska) to receive video programming or fixed wireless signals. The rule generally preempts HOA covenants that prohibit, unreasonably delay, or unreasonably increase the cost of installation.

Protection applies where you have exclusive use or control — such as your own roof, balcony, patio, or yard. It does not extend to common areas owned by the association.

What the Rule Does Not Cover

OTARD does not give you unlimited rights. HOAs can still impose restrictions that are necessary for legitimate safety reasons or to preserve a recognized historic district, as long as they are no more burdensome than necessary. And the device must be within the size limit and placed in an area you control.

Antennas or dishes installed on common property, or that extend into common areas, are generally not protected.

Responding to a Dish Violation Notice

Reply in writing and cite the FCC OTARD rule. State that your dish is within the one-meter limit and installed in an area under your exclusive control, so the HOA's restriction is preempted. Ask the board to withdraw the notice.

If the HOA claims a safety or historic exception, ask them to identify the specific, narrowly tailored interest — a vague aesthetic preference is not enough under the rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an HOA ban a satellite dish?

Generally no, if the dish is one meter or less in diameter and installed in an area you exclusively control (your roof, balcony, patio, or yard). The FCC OTARD rule preempts HOA covenants that prohibit or unreasonably restrict such devices.

What is the FCC OTARD rule?

It is the FCC's Over-the-Air Reception Devices rule, which protects your right to install antennas and dishes up to one meter in diameter for video or fixed wireless service, overriding most HOA restrictions in areas you control.

Can my HOA tell me where to put my dish?

Only within limits. An HOA can require placement that still allows acceptable signal quality and may impose narrowly tailored safety or historic-preservation rules, but it cannot impose restrictions that prevent reception or unreasonably raise installation cost.

What if the dish is on a common-area wall?

OTARD protection generally does not extend to common areas owned by the association. The rule applies to areas within your exclusive use or control, such as your own balcony, patio, or roof.