Amateur Radio Operators and HOAs go together like oil and vinegar in most cases. Rules regarding antennas or "other structures" on a property bound by HOA rules often makes installation of HF antennas impossible, and even makes VHF/UHF installations challenging and less-than-optimal.
The FCC has addressed local ordinances with PRB-1, which legally inhibits local governments from imposing unreasonable limitations on radio operators. Our ability to provide emergency communications support is at the core of the argument made for PRB-1 freedoms. Sadly, PRB-1 does not impact HOAs because the HOA rules are imposed by private contract, not legal ordinances.
These restrictions automatically remove a percentage of our operators from being able to be effective providers of emergency communications. At best an operator might be able to prepare to have antennas ready to go up, but those of us who have been around for Field Day setups over the years know that things don't always go as planned. They virtually never do during an emergency.
Lobbying efforts, attempting to limit the ability of HOAs to enforce antenna restrictions have had minimal interest from Congress through the years, but the momentum has been building, and legislation has moved further than ever before, with House Resolution 1094 and Senate Bill 459 being far enough along to possibly pass in the current session. The legislation would extend PRB-1 type preemption on private agreements, opening the door to Amateur Radio Operators to installing visible outside antennas.
Senator Ted Cruz (TX) gave a Memorial Day pitch for Amateur Radio and it's history of service during emergencies, including efforts during hurricane Harvey and the more recent Camp Mystic floods; arguing for the need to ensure Amateur Radio Operators have the tools they need to provide service. You can see the speech here.
Letting your elected federal officials know your thoughts on the issue is crucial right now. Even if you have done it before, you can (and should) do it again. Even if you are affected by crazy HOA rules, you'll be helping your fellow operators and improve our ability to provide Emergency Communications services across the country.
ARRL is pushing for Amateur Radio Operators to participate in a "letter" writing campaign. You can visit this site to generate an electronic communication to your elected representatives.
