The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association asked the FCC...

The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association asked the FCC to grant a petition declaring that rules of a Littleton, Colo., homeowners association regarding satellite dish installation are unenforceable. SBCA’s comments pertain to a petition filed by Rhonda Rivenburg of Littleton, who claimed that such rules of the Dutch Ridge Home Owners Association are preempted by the FCC over-the-air reception devices (OTARD) rule (CD Feb 7 p18). The homeowners association rules impair installation, maintenance and use of protected antennas, SBCA said in docket 14-40 (http://bit.ly/1dIF608). These rules “forbid satellite dish installation without prior approval of the Architectural Control Committee,” it said. The FCC “has repeatedly held that such prior approval requirements violate OTARD,” it said. The commission also has held that indemnification requirements violate OTARD, SBCA said. Comments were due Friday.