PLACENTIA : City OKs Larger Satellite Dishes

The city has increased the size limit for satellite dishes from six feet to 10 feet in diameter.

The City Council approved the amendment last week, and the change, which will provide for improved service for dish owners, goes into effect March 16.

The increase was needed to keep pace with technology, said Joyce Rosenthal, director of planning. Most of the dishes on the market are at least 7 1/2 feet in diameter to properly receive the approximately 300 stations that send signals via satellite.

Because satellites are aimed at the middle of the country, viewers on the West Coast receive a weaker signal. As the number of stations grows, larger dishes are needed to capture the signals.

Although the city has received some complaints about satellite dishes being unattractive, the council did not include a screening requirement in the amendment.

Residents will still need a building permit to install a satellite dish, and variances may be granted for residents who need larger dishes because of location and topography. Permit fees are based on the cost of the satellite dish.