Media Bureau Seeks Comment on HOA Antenna Dispute

The FCC Media Bureau is seeking comment on a petition for declaratory ruling on whether a homeowners association's (HOA) rules against rooftop antennas violate FCC regulations, said a public notice Friday. The matter concerns a dispute between Wintergarden, Florida, resident Brian Smith and the Orangetree of Lake County HOA. According to filings from Smith, the HOA ordered him to remove his rooftop TV antenna and replace it with one installed in his attic. Smith said the HOA’s policy violates the FCC’s rule for over-the-air reception devices, which “prohibits governmental and nongovernmental restrictions that impair the ability of antenna users to install, maintain, or use” such devices, the notice said. Comments are due Aug. 11, replies Aug. 26.