I think the provision that separates the idealist from the pragmaticist is the permitting of flag pole antennas.
Where do our resident pundits stand on this issue alone?
(Yes, I have a COA property, yes I am an officer on a COA board and yes I have a station on non-CCR property so I am fully qualified to ask this question...)
- Glenn W9IQ
Glenn, I think you're more than qualified to ask any question on the forums. Usually, you're the one *answering* questions

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IMO, a ham radio antenna *disguised* as a CC&R permissible flagpole would be a perfect example of "reasonable accommodation" by a HOA, if you can get them to approve it. When I say "permissible", you can't automatically assume that the Federal law allowing the display of American flags means a freestanding, ground-mounted flagpole. I'd imagine a CC&R can limit the display to a small pole affixed to a side wall/facade of the house. They could claim that a freestanding pole can be a safety hazard, or noisy to neighbors when a rope or chain bangs against it in the wind.
As K1VSK stated, a freestanding flagpole would still be subject to height and placement restrictions, whereas being too short, too close to a structure, or no room to place sufficient ground radials would make it ineffective as a viable antenna.
If I were to consider such an installation when I'm under HOA/CC&R antenna restrictions, I'd apply for permission to erect a flagpole, not a "flagpole antenna". I see no reason to alert them to my primary intention. If height and placement is conducive for an effective vertical antenna, I'd make plans to disguise it as/within the flagpole, and bury the ground radials/coax. Also if necessary, disguise a tuner at the base. There are companies that actually manufacture flagpole antennas.
Of course, if you can get a CC&R to permit "flagpole ham radio antennas", all the better. Probably the same odds as the lottery

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Bob K7JQ