Satellite dishes used to be gargantuan, many as large as 9 to 10 feet in diameter. Their size alone limited where they could be located and where they were allowed. Today, most satellite dishes are a measly 18-31 inches in diameter and offer much more flexibility. Dish Network, for example, advertises the fact that satellite dishes for television can be installed by renters and even used in mobile homes and tractor trailers.



For individual consumers who are new to the world of satellite television, questions often arise regarding where they can locate their satellite dish and whether or not the dish's placement can be restricted by a landlord or community association. Although there are some circumstances that make it allowable for satellite dish placement to be restricted, in many instances it is not.

The FCC actually oversees the policies and rules related to licensing and regulating satellites and earth station facilities. According to the FCC, a dish of 1 meter (39.37 inches) or less can be installed in any area that the individual owns or of which they have exclusive use. This rule includes rental property, or at least the portions of it that are for the individual's exclusive use rather than common use. So, for renters, a satellite can generally be placed on a patio or balcony because it is not a common area. However, they generally can not be placed on an exterior wall or the roof as these are not for individual use.

The FCC also states that community associations, governments, and landlords can not "impair installation, maintenance, or use of" satellite dishes nor may they require a fee to allow installation or significantly delay installation through a lengthy approval process. However, safety restrictions (such as a fire code) or historical preservation restrictions would be justifiable reasons for disallowing the installation of a satellite dish.

Community associations and similar authorities can restrict the use of individual satellite dishes if a central or community device is in place as long as the satellite service offered is equivalent to that which the owner/renter wishes to purchase. In addition, they may restrict where users place the dish as long as it does not significantly restrict the usefulness of the device or incur unreasonable expense to locate the satellite dish in the preferred location.

With todays smaller and more aesthetically appealing satellite dishes acceptance into any community is very seldom an issue. Consumers can file a complaint or learn more about the regulations by going to the FCC site.