SupportParity.com was founded to advocate for the Amateur Radio Parity Act. CC&Rs and unreasonable HOAs are forcing amateur radio operator into using less than effective antenna systems. Some HOA’s and CC&Rs outright ban any use of radio equipment, even if said equipment is hidden from view. This does not bode well for the future of amateur radio. Amateur radio provides an opportunity for children and adults to learn about electronics. Some amateur’s provide public service such as emergency communication during hurricanes or other disasters. Without effective antenna systems at home amateur radio operators are not allowed to practice their skills on a regular basis. You can see that CC&Rs and HOAs are inadvertently putting us all at risk during times of crisis. This needs to change.
CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) are not even contracts. A contract is something you negotiate. In legal speak there was never any “meeting of the minds”. CC&Rs are more a list of preclusions that “run with the land” and often take an act of congress to change as the rules imposed by the CC&Rs to modify them are often draconian. Just think of the news stories you have heard about the war veteran who wanted to install an American flag on their property but the HOA (Home Owner Association) governed by the CCRRs prevented them from doing so. In fact, often times the HOA/CC&Rs are the same obstacles that amateur radio operators are facing.
Chances are you or someone you know is affected by CC&Rs. CC&Rs are almost impossible to avoid if you would like a dwelling that was constructed in the last thirty years. Unfortunately, CC&Rs have affected most amateur radio operators by precluding them from installing any outdoor antenna systems. While very few Home Owner Associations have been accommodating when it comes to outdoor antenna systems, the vast majority have not been reasonable at all. The Amateur Radio Parity Act changes the nature of the negotiations by ensuring all parties can negotiate in good faith.
The Amateur Radio Parity Act would allow ham radio operators to work with their local HOA in a reasonable manner. The Amateur Radio Parity Act does not mean that a ham radio operator will be allowed to install any size tower that they want. The HOA still has their rights preserved to negotiate in good faith, something they have been often been unwilling to do in the past.
Without the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2017, the future of amateur radio will be greatly impacted. In the same token, the service that amateur radio provides free of charge to the community will also be reduced. Amateur radio is not funded by the government, yet many local first responders rely on amateur radio operators during times of national disaster.
With this simple and cost free legislation, we can ensure that amateur radio not only thrives but will be around for years. Please remember, the entire country benefits from a robust amateur radio service.
Hello my name is Kurt and my call sign is KU0O. I am an amateur radio operator, a husband and father of two wonderful boys. I was driven to advocate for the Amateur Radio Parity Act of 2017 because of the increasing difficulty to find modern housing for my family. I currently live in an area with deed restrictions and understand the frustrations this presents to the amateur radio community.