THOUSAND OAKS : Homeowner Told to Move Satellite Dish

A Westlake area homeowner’s request for a permit for his satellite dish disguised as a patio umbrella has been rejected by the Thousand Oaks City Council.

Neighbors protested that the antenna ruins their scenic lake view.

Charles Dabby installed the satellite dish on the patio of his home on Windward Circle overlooking Westlake Lake in February.

Since then, neighbors and boaters on the lake have complained that the seven-foot-tall dish is an eyesore for the lakeside residents. Some described the antenna, which is mounted on a pole and covered with blue awning, as a “giant mushroom” and a “pregnant guppy.”

Thousand Oaks requires homeowners and businesses to seek a special permit before constructing a satellite dish at their homes. In April, city officials told Dabby that he had violated city law because he never received approval to install the dish.

Although council members acknowledged that the umbrella was a clever disguise, they told Dabby that he had to find a new place to locate his dish.

Dabby argued that forcing him to take down his satellite dish would violate his constitutional rights. He declined to comment on what legal measures he would take to keep his satellite dish.