Why H.R. 1094 and S. 459 Must Pass: Empowering Hams in HOAs for Real Emergency Readiness

From a former HOA resident: How these bills ensure practiced amateur radio operators can serve communities—without blanket antenna bans.

Why H.R. 1094 and S. 459 Are Critical for Prepared Communities

Amateur radio operators provide vital emergency communications when cell towers fail, and power grids go dark, and H.R. 1094, as well as S. 459, aim to ensure they’re ready by preventing HOAs from imposing blanket bans on effective antennas. These bills require private land-use restrictions, like those in HOAs, to allow reasonable accommodations for amateur radio facilities while respecting safety and aesthetic standards. Practice is key: hams can’t just “flip a switch” during disasters; year-round antennas mean skilled operators who can repair or rebuild fast, serving their communities effectively.

A Balanced View from an HOA Resident

My current HOA focuses on social events and safety, leaving me free to operate without interference, but my previous home was under a stricter regime where antenna rules would have blocked real setups. HOAs aren’t inherently bad. Some rules against rusting or unsafe antennas make sense if they’re clear and objective, perhaps backed by proof of functionality, like a simple certificate. The problem arises when vague “reasonable accommodation” lets non-ham boards deem every clean, working antenna as “ugly,” stifling the hobby and emergency readiness we all rely on in crises.​

Hams and Neighbors: United for Real Preparedness

Whether you’re a licensed ham chafing under HOA limits, eyeing a future home with covenants, or a non-ham neighbor who values backup comms after storms and crises, these bills protect us all. Hams get to practice; communities get practiced operators when it counts. No violations would ever be handed out mid-disaster because someone’s antenna was up. Why hand them out when they are being tuned, refined, and practiced on?​

Take action now: 

Visit send-a-letter.org/hoa/ to send a pre-drafted letter to your representatives supporting H.R. 1094 and S. 459 It’s quick, tailored to your address, and amplifies ARRL’s grassroots push. Together, we ensure amateur radio stays ready for whatever comes.