THOUSAND OAKS : Simplified Antenna Rules Considered

Wowed by new, unobtrusive satellite-dish antennas, Thousand Oaks council members on Tuesday will consider simplifying city rules so that residents can skip a cumbersome permit process and install back yard antennas with minimum fuss.

The City Council will weigh several options: eliminating the permit entirely, streamlining it to a simple one-step application or sticking with the existing rules, which require notifying every property owner within 300 feet and posting a sign on the proposed satellite-dish site.

The original city code was drafted to deal with antennas six to 12 feet in diameter. Because technology has slimmed the antennas down to 18 inches, council members are no longer as concerned about the satellite dishes blocking scenic vistas.

“These seem minuscule, really,” Councilwoman Elois Zeanah said.

Noting that Thousand Oaks residents have always had to buy cable service to get clear television reception, Councilman Frank Schillo said he views the mini-antennas as a way to break the effective monopoly held by local cable franchises.

“There’s been a lot of frustration in our community that we’re stuck with the one method of (broadcast) delivery,” Schillo said. “This gives many people another option--not to have cable.”

Council members will consider the issue at its 5 p.m. session Tuesday. They cannot formally change city codes until after a public hearing at a later meeting, but they will discuss their preferred approach.