>Do you tell your neighbors that you are going to put up a tower, or do you
just do it?<
Are you dead certain that you don't need to file for any permits? There are
very few jurisdictions that don't require a building permit for any structure
that requires a foundation - like most towers. Your project may not require a
zoning action such as a special permit or a variance, but a building permit is
another matter. Better check it out - before a neighbor does so! As noted in
many prior discussions on this reflector, it is to your great advantage to have
at least a building permit for your project - even if it is not required. A
building permit with the associated inspections and signatures gives you great
protection in the event of future "questions" about the legality and
construction quality of your tower. A totally undocumented tower doesn't stand
on very good legal ground. That said, most jurisdictions will not require any
more than a simple application, a small fee and a visit with the local building
inspector/zoning officer to issue a building permit. The process will probably
not involve notification of your neighbors.
If I were you? I would:
1. Set up your station inside the house
2. Put up a wire antenna
3. Be very friendly and let the neighbors know you are a ham
4. Don't operate
5. Let this "station, but no operating" status linger for a couple of months
6. Go get the tower permit
7. Tell the neighbors about your plan in a pleasant manner; show them the
permit, if necessary
8. Put up the tower and get it inspected
9. Invite the neighbors over to help work some dx.
If the setting for your tower is going to be very intrusive on the neighbors
[20 feet away from them with an unobstructed view], I would spend more energy
on educating them in advance. If the tower will be a good distance away and the
view obstructed by trees, you shouldn't have to do so much. Through all this,
remember that you are doing this to be a decent neighbor - not because the law
requires it. If they say they are going to stop you, all you have to do is
calmly show them the law that says you have the right to do what you are doing.
The unwritten assumption here is that you want to have a decent long-term
relationship with your neighbors. You would like them to treat you the same way
in the event they decide to put in a pool or something. You want to know that
they might call the police if they see a moving truck emptying your house while
you are away on a DXpedition.
My two cents . . . GL!
73,
Jim Idelson K1IR
email k1ir at designet.com
web http://www.designet.com/k1ir
_______________________________________________
See: http://www.mscomputer.com for "Self Supporting Towers", "Wireless Weather
Stations", and lot's more. Call Toll Free, 1-800-333-9041 with any questions
and ask for Sherman, W2FLA.
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