Although the FCC adopted its Over-the-Air-Reception Device Rule ("OTARD Rule") in 1996, there still seems to be confusion about how it affects homeowner associations. In short, the OTARD Rule prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of satellite dishes that are less than one meter in diameter, TV antennas of any size, wireless cable antennas and customer-end antennas that receive and transmit fixed wireless signals. We will refer to these collectively as an antenna. Installation, maintenance or use is impaired if a restriction:

1. Unreasonably delays or prevents installation, maintenance or use;
2. Unreasonably increases the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or
3. Precludes reception of an acceptable quality signal.

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