So, I'm pretty sure my condo association is going to give me flak on getting DirecTV installed, and I was all for not gettign it until I experienced 2 months of Comcast Cable. Now, I'm ready to fight the good fight.

According to FCC Rules (http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html), I'm allowed, no matter what, to install a DirecTV satellite. BUT, since I'm waterfront, and my balcony faces east... putting a dish on my balcony isn't only crappy looking, but useless since the signal is south-west. I need this thing on my roof. I'm in the process of seeing if the roof is mine or common area... but if I was a betting man (which I am), I'd bet its common area.

Any help in fighting for putting a dish on the roof of common area condo building? Other buildings in my area have them, but with my first questioning, they said it's cause those buildings weren't waterfront. I think this puts me in good standing to fight for my right to not have Comcrap... I just can't stand them anymore.

Thoughts?

If you don't own the roof, you are SOL if the condo association doesn't allow it, end of story.

Per the FCC:

"The rule applies to individuals who place antennas that meet size limitations on property that they own or rent and that is within their exclusive use or control, including condominium owners and cooperative owners, and tenants who have an area where they have exclusive use, such as a balcony or patio, in which to install the antenna. The rule applies to townhomes and manufactured homes, as well as to single family homes. "

Unless you place it on something you have exclusive use of (your balcony) you dont have a leg to stand on. I'm in the exact same boat. Your best bet is to try and work with the HOA to see about putting something on top of the building. Try calling DirectTV to see if they will work with putitng together a proposal of some sort for coverage of the building.

Is your balcony on the top floor? You could install a pole to get the dish high enough to see over the roof. Maybe the thought of that monstrosity might make the Condo Association allow an antenna install on the roof out of the way to avoid it.

Is your balcony on the top floor? You could install a pole to get the dish high enough to see over the roof. Maybe the thought of that monstrosity might make the Condo Association allow an antenna install on the roof out of the way to avoid it.
That would be about the only option.

Remember though, there's still that sticky wicket regarding whether you can drill through the walls or not to run wiring. It's usually not as much of a problem if you own your condo, but you could still be SOL even with line of sight if you can't run a wire into the place.

Yea, I own it... so it shouldnt be an issue but apparantly it is. I think im going to tell ehr Im going to have a monstrous pole off my balcony or out my window if they dont let me do it, so if its an eyesore issue... they'll get a damn eyesore.

If you own your roof, there should be no reason you can't install a dish. I suggest you study up on OTARD and make your condo association aware they don't have the legal right to stop you from installing a dish on your property.

If you own your roof, there should be no reason you can't install a dish. I suggest you study up on OTARD and make your condo association aware they don't have the legal right to stop you from installing a dish on your property.
With a condo, you never own the roof. That's association property and considered "public". Likewise, you don't own the exterior walls.