55-Foot Ham Radio Tower OKd Despite Opposition

In spite of overwhelming opposition from neighbors, the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council has approved a resident’s application to build a 55-foot ham radio tower and antenna in his backyard.

Opponents in the Grayslake Road neighborhood filled council chambers to overflowing and said the device would be an eyesore and a hazard during windstorms.

“I am about as opposed as is humanly possible,” said Lucian S. Rochte, who lives behind the home of radio enthusiast Walter F. Ordway, who requested permission for the antenna and tower. “This antenna, as far as its size is concerned, is obscene.”

Ordway, an aerospace engineer, says he needs to elevate his antenna to at least 70 feet for clear reception. He noted that the Federal Communications Commission has ruled that local governments cannot prevent amateur radio operators from having antennas of “reasonable” height.

“The radio equipment at my house would play a very important role in the event of a disaster,” Ordway said.

City Permit Required

A city ordinance requires a permit for any antenna tower over 40 feet. In granting a permit for a tower of 55 feet, the council approved construction on the condition that a 45-foot tree in Ordway’s backyard be removed and a block and wrought-iron back yard fence be improved. Both conditions will improve Rochte’s view.

Ordway must install the antenna on a tower that will lower the antenna to 45 feet when not in use.

After the meeting, Ordway said the 55-foot limit will restrict some of his communication to distant lands. “The lower you get, the more you lose,” he said.