The City Of Cerritos Vs My Ham Radio Antenna - A Small Update

Summary

Josh Nass (KI6NAZ) provides an update on his dispute with the City of Cerritos over his amateur-radio antenna. The city’s April courtesy notice cited limits on antenna height, boom length, and the number of antennas permitted on a property. Nass says his antenna has a low mast but a wide Yagi, and argues that the restrictions do not account for the practical requirements of amateur-radio operation.

After Nass’s family provided the city with information about PRB-1 and federal regulation of amateur-radio antennas, the city sent a follow-up letter. It said staff, in consultation with the City Attorney’s Office, were reviewing relevant federal and state legislation—including PRB-1 and the 1985 FCC ruling—to assess whether local zoning rules and permitting procedures comply. The letter said Nass did not need to take further action while the review continued, and that the city would contact him if any next steps were needed.

Nass views the city’s existing guidelines as focused on appearance rather than antenna function, and believes they conflict with the protections he associates with PRB-1. He acknowledges that PRB-1 is not, by itself, a court order that settles the dispute, but says he is prepared to seek legal help if the city takes further action. For now, he hopes the city’s review leads to the issue being left alone.

He also discusses local political efforts involving his wife and other volunteers. A campaign to recall two council members did not collect enough signatures, though Nass says it gathered more signatures than the officials received in their elections. A separate effort succeeded in overturning a city water-rate increase. He believes these political activities helped reduce tensions around the antenna issue.

Nass says he considers his antenna lawful and does not want a legal fight, but would resist fines or an order to remove it. He also mentions that his motorized StepIR antenna has developed serious problems and says he will decide whether to repair or replace it.

Presenter and contributors

• Presenter: Josh Nass (KI6NAZ)
• Referenced contributor: Leah Nass, Josh’s wife, who helped with local advocacy and volunteer efforts.