Pinal County AZ, Questions on Antennas, HOAs, etc.

[WO0Z]

My wife and I are looking at property in and around Maricopa, AZ (Pinal County).  My brother and much family live in the area already.  We'd work for a while and then retire.

But, we're well out of state and no one local is a ham.

The current thinking is (we have enough money to swing this) would be to get a nice house in a regular development (very significant restrictions on hamming) and then buy some property perhaps a half hour south.  That seems to me a workable compromise.  Perhaps those that have tried it could speak up.

This is kind of the "tip of the spear" of the housing bubble, so prices there are low for everything.  There are, particularly, a bunch of properties out there that amount to mobile homes on acreages at very affordable prices.  Some have no wells, but I think I would probably insist on one that has a well, at least, even though that ups the cost slightly.

The mobile home approach looks attractive.  The properties involved have "no HOA" and are typically zoned "equestrian" (we don't know exactly what that means in AZ, though it usually means "you can have a tower" in Minnesota).

The question is:  Can we, indeed, expect to have no antenna restrictions on the mobile home property?  If we do, it is a lot more workable than spending a lot more on a traditional property with no HOA (we've shopped that on vacation trips before and it is hard to find something with no HOA that isn't much more expensive than what I propose here).

My interests are basically DXing and maybe contesting and the minimum on the acreage would be 1 acre.

[KB9JTN]

Hello from PINAL County AZ. And I really wish that I would of bought a house without a Home Owners Assoc. I am a ham radio operator and still enjoy the hobby. I have a 40 meter dipole in my attic but have been talking to and submitting applications to install a outside antenna here at this QTH. I have recently received permission to do so BUT it can only be 20 feet from the ground to top of antenna. Then, if they receive complaints they will reevaluate that approval. As for what does "equestrian" means in AZ. It means you can have horses on the property. If I was to do it again, I would look at properties that have no HOA's not only for the fact that they can restrict pretty much everything on your property (not only antenna's but house color, and what plants/tree's you can have and how many you have to have) not to mention the cost of the HOA quarterly. As they say hindsite is 20/20.

73,
KB9JTN

[K7JQ]

I also live in Pinal County, AZ, and in a master planned community with an HOA and strict antenna restrictions. A mobile home on an acre or more in a non-HOA area will "probably" be OK for antennas, but be careful if the property is under CC&R's (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions). Just because there is no HOA, CC&R's might prohibit or limit antennas. If this is true, a disgruntled neighbor can take you to court for removal of your antennas...an HOA is not needed for this procedure. No matter where you buy, do your homework and check out all restriction possibilities before you sign on the dotted line. Get any approvals IN WRITING from the governing authorities of the area. Don't rely on verbal committments or approvals. Good luck.

[WO0Z]

Thank you for those responses.  This is very helpful.

[KD4LLA]

I also live in MN but have ranch property in Colorado that is under C,C & R's.  Fortunately, the Association is more concerned with cattle and junk cars than with towers and antenna's.  But that being said, I would search diligently for an unrestricted parcel of 2-5 acres at least.  Properties like that are out there, maybe a mobile home has to be moved or other unsightly material.  HOA's and Covenants are worse than Mother-in-laws, FBI, FCC, and the local police in my mind.

One can usually get a permit for a well, though it might only be a *domestic* well (no animals beyond five).  If you can't get a well in, cistern may work.  Cisterns are quite common in Colorado due to water restrictions.  Yeah, ten cents a gallon for water seems like a lot, but a well on my ranch would probably be around $15,000 to 25,000 to put in.

Take you time and research everything!

Mike

[K4XZ]

No HOA, NO CC&R,NO deed restrictions. Once you pick something out visit the Building official and P&Z Dept. Tell them your thinking of purchasing a property and ask if there any LDR that's land development restrictions that would prevent you from doing what you want. Most counties have this info on line. Do your home work. Make friends. last hire attorney. Don't sign on the line till he gives the OK. Best money I ever spent. I would buy a small parcel of land that may need some work or cleanup. Buy it cheep! If your concerned about the well call or visit some drilling  contractors. They know where the water is. If you have family there put them to work. They can do alot of things for you. Remember  these restrictions don't just address towers.
Don't start out with a problem you can't fix. They always be some anyway.It's alot of hard work but well worth it when you get it done. Just MHO good luck

73 Joe Patrick K4XZ

[WO0Z]

Thanks, useful info.