Can I Put a Satellite Dish on My Balcony?

Sept. 3, 2015 — I want to put a satellite dish on my balcony. It's unobtrusive, but will it be a problem?

Although many buildings take issue with the installation of satellite dishes, the fact is the Federal Communications Commission adopted the Over-the-Air-Reception Device rules (commonly known as OTARD), which protect a property owner's or tenant's right to "install, maintain, or use an antenna to receive video programming from direct broadcast satellites, broadband radio services, and television broadcast stations." The dish must conform to size standards and must be installed on property that the resident owns or of which he or she has "exclusive use or control." Accordingly, we would encourage a co-op or condo board to comply with these rules and grant permission within its guidelines.

Jay Silverberg is president of Zenith Properties.