Alameda Municipal Code § 30-14 Satellite Dish Antennas

This section regulates the installation of satellite dish antennas in all zoning districts within the City.

(Ord. No. 2511 N.S. § 11-14J1)

The installation of satellite dish antennas and equipment can, unless controlled, affect the aesthetic and safety values of residential, commercial and industrial areas. Therefore, the installation of these antennas and equipment is regulated to result in locations which are least visible from public rights-of-way and adjacent properties and to provide minimum installation standards, while preserving a customer's right to receive usable satellite signals.

(Ord. No. 2511 N.S. § 11-14J2)

As used in this section:

Satellite dish antenna shall mean a dish-shaped device designed to receive television signals transmitted from orbiting satellites, as well as all supporting equipment necessary to install or mount the antenna.

Usable satellite signals shall mean satellite signals, from the major communications satellites that, when viewed on a conventional television set, are at least equal in picture quality to those received from local commercial television stations or by way of cable television.

(Ord. No. 2511 N.S. § 11-14J3)

a. Number. No more than one (1) satellite dish antenna shall be permitted per parcel unless a satellite dish antenna permit is obtained.

b. Signage. No signage of any kind shall be posted or displayed on any satellite dish antenna.

c. Color. All satellite dish antennas not screened shall be painted with as unobtrusive a color as possible given the location.

d. Location. In residential zoning districts, no portion of any satellite dish antenna may be located in any required yard set back. In nonresidential zoning districts, no portion of any satellite dish antenna may be located within twenty (20′) feet of the front property line, or within ten (10′) feet of the street side property line on a corner lot, or within fifteen (15′) feet of a residential zoning district.

e. Height. Satellite dish antennas may not exceed twenty (20′) feet in height, at the point of highest projection from the ground.

f. Wiring. All electrical and antenna wiring shall be placed underground or otherwise screened from view.

g. Permanent Mounting. All satellite dish antennas shall be permanently mounted in a secure wind-resistant manner. No antenna may be installed on a portable or movable structure located on any public rights-of-way. Antennas shall be adequately grounded for protection against a direct strike of lightning.

h. Permits. Satellite dish antennas may only be installed after issuance of a building permit and any required satellite dish antenna permit.

i. Exceptions. In the event that reception of satellite signals would be unreasonably limited by the above standards, exceptions shall be permitted provided that a satellite dish antenna permit is obtained from the Planning Director in accordance with the standards set forth in this section. In reviewing satellite dish antenna permit applications, the following criteria shall be considered:

1. Satellite dish antennas shall be located to minimize visual impacts and noise on adjacent properties.

2. Ground-mounted locations shall be assumed to have less visual impact on adjacent properties than roof-mounted locations unless specific findings are made to the contrary.

3. If a satellite dish antenna is located on a roof, the roof over the rear one-half (½) of the building shall be assumed to have less visual impact on adjacent properties unless specific findings are made to the contrary.

j. Planned Developments. Satellite dish antennas may be permitted in Planned Developments, pursuant to the provisions of this section, without obtaining a Planned Development or Planned Development Amendment approval, unless installation of the antenna would involve significant alteration to existing structures or landscaping. If significant alterations to existing structures or landscaping is required, a Planned Development Amendment is required.

(Ord. No. 2511 N.S. § 11-14J4)

The City shall not withhold building permits or satellite dish antenna permits, or place conditions on the permit approvals, if such actions:

a. Will result in unreasonable limitations on, or unreasonably prevent, reception of satellite delivered or received signals;

b. Will involve costs which would be excessive in light of the purchase and installation costs of the antenna; or

c. Are not necessary to achieve the objectives of this section.

(Ord. No. 2511 N.S. § 11-14J5)

Fees for satellite dish antenna building permits shall be the same as for any other type of construction requiring this permit. The fee for satellite dish antenna permits shall be the same as a Minor Design Review.

(Ord. No. 2652 N.S. § 2: Ord. No. 2511 N.S. § 11-14J6)

Satellite dish antennas in existence as of the effective date of this section shall be considered legal. Nonconforming satellite dish antennas may be enlarged, expanded or relocated only if the satellite dish antennas are brought into compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

Owners of satellite dish antennas which were installed prior to the effective date of this section may register the existence and location of the satellite dish antenna with the Planning Department. Owners failing to register a nonconforming satellite dish antenna with the Planning Department shall have the burden of proof to establish that the satellite dish antenna was in existence as of the effective date of this section.*

(Ord. No. 2511 § 11-14J7)

*Editor's Note—Ordinance No. 2511 N.S. from which this section derives, was adopted November 18, 1990.