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You’ve probably seen the messages about the ARRL push for relief from antenna restrictions by Home Owners Associations (HOAs). If not, take a look here. It is clear that excessively tight HOA restrictions are a significant barrier to getting started in ham radio.

ARRL has launched a nationwide grassroots campaign aimed at securing the passage of federal legislation that would grant Amateur Radio Operators the same rights to install antennas on their property as those enjoyed by users of TV antennas, wireless internet, and flagpoles.

The campaign, announced in an ARRL Member Bulletin on September 17, 2025, follows the reintroduction of the Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act in February 2025 (see ARRL News 02/07/2025). The bipartisan bills — H.R.1094 in the House and S.459 in the Senate — are designed to prevent restrictive homeowners’ association (HOA) rules that currently prohibit or severely limit the installation of amateur radio antennas, even when such antennas are hidden in trees, placed in attics, mounted on vehicles, or look like flagpoles.

While the ARRL is pushing for this bill, I have not seen much written about what is actually IN the bill. You can read the entire text here: HR 1094 – Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act.

But here’s my summary. The bill requires that specific amateur radio antennas not require approval from HOAs or similar organizations:

• Antennas that are 1 meter or less in diameter
• Flagpole antennas, not to exceed 43 feet in height
• Wire antennas – minimally obtrusive wire antennas
• Vertical antennas – not to exceed 43 feet in height

Note that this does not mean you will have the right to put up a 60-foot tower with multiple large antennas on it. Some folks are probably disappointed in the limited nature of this bill. My view is that it is a reasonable accommodation to basic ham radio operation, very reasonable for urban and suburban environments. If you want to build the ultimate contest station, you’ll need to buy some rural property. This ARRL page provides some background on why this bill makes sense.

I am somewhat surprised by the 43-foot height limit for vertical antennas. This is apparently a carryover from previous ARRL legislative attempts. I would settle for something shorter than this…but what the heck. For reference, a quarter-wave vertical for the 40m band is about 33 feet high.

I think the ARRL has lined up the legislation, the lobbyists, and some Congresspeople to push this through. Can we get this passed? I don’t know, but I suggest we all get behind this by making our voices heard in Congress. The ARRL has made this VERY EASY to do. Just go here: https://send-a-letter.org/hoa/

That’s my view. What do you think?

73 Bob K0NR

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