Ruidoso Ham Radio Ordinances

[W0ZW]

Since the various zoning authorities where SBARC members live can have very different ordinances and regulations pertaining to amateur radio structures and antennas, I created this thread specifically about the ordinance in effect in Ruidoso, New Mexico.  The text of the relevant Village of Ruidoso ordinance is copied below and is also posted in the attachment:

Chapter 54 Land Use
Article II. Zoning
Division 3. District Regulations
Sec. 54-92. R-1 single-family residential district

(d) Permitted accessory uses. Permitted accessory uses in the R-1 district are:

  <1 thru 6 edited for space reasons>

(7) Amateur radio (HAM) transmitting and receiving facilities that do not exceed the following
standards:
  a. Maximum height of each antenna: sixty-five feet from ground to top of antenna;
  b. Maximum height of each support structure: two-thirds of height of antenna;
  c. Maximum width of support structure: two feet on any side, and provided that no
      antenna shall protrude laterally beyond said support structure;
  d. Maximum number of antennas: one;
  e. Setbacks: setbacks, including guy wires, shall comply with the provisions of
      subsection (e) below, Development requirements.

As you can readily see from reading the language of the ordinance, it would be quite difficult to install an HF yagi antenna in Ruidoso, much less any kind of horizontally polarized HF antenna!

Please refer to the latest copy of local ordinances for amendments or other changes.  I believe the ordinance above has been in effect since 2003. 

Wayne, WØZW

[ke5mwm]

Ouch! Very cleverly worded to provide an antenna structure thats practically useless.

[w5zit]

Here is a quote from a recent article on the ARRL web page:

"With the constant pressure from commercial interests on the spectrum allocated to the Amateur Radio Service, we all need to do something to promote the public benefit of the Amateur Radio Service. We are to be more than a hobby. It is part of our licensing agreement. It is even part of our name. We are to be a Service. I strongly urge everyone to think seriously about how they can be a service to their community through Amateur Radio. ARES is a good primary start and one that is most visible to the leaders of your community. Providing communication at public service events is another. But there are many more. To use an overworked cliché, think outside the box. Become involved. Getting a DXCC or WAS award is great. A 5BDXCC shows even more dedication but it really doesn't help 'pay' for the spectrum we enjoy. Your city mayor or county supervisors really don't care that you managed to work Peter I Island on all five bands at the bottom of the sunspot cycle -- there's nothing in it for them. Each of us needs to show our elected and appointed officials that Amateur Radio really is a high quality and vital Service to them. The sooner that happens, the easier it will be to put up that new antenna you've been wanting."

We should all take this to heart!

73 - Jim  W5ZIT

[W0ZW]

Regarding modifying local ordinances, the "carrot" approach is almost always preferable to the "stick" approach.  If the Federal exemption PRB-1 can be considered the stick, then public service and emergency preparedness on the part of amateur radio would be the carrot.  Everyone wins with the carrot approach, plus amateurs gain a long-term partner in local government rather than a uncooperative adversary.

When our new Camelot repeater goes into service, SBARC is required to issue quarterly reports to the Village to document how the repeater was utilized to the benefit of the public.  If we are accurate in our reporting, this process will go a long way towards demonstrating the value of amateur radio to the Village governing authorities. 

There does not have to be a major emergency event to demonstrate a benefit to the public.  For example, weekly nets, emergency communications drills, or supporting a search and rescue operation are all activities which provide value to the community.  These are exactly the items which need to be captured and documented in the periodic report to the Village. 

Over time, these reports will serve as an on-going testimonial of the value of amateur radio to the local community.  In so doing, we will have our "carrot" and an answer to the question, "What have you done for us lately?"

Wayne, WØZW

[W0ZW]

At long last, a public hearing by the Ruidoso Planning Commission is scheduled to consider amending the municipal antenna ordinance pertaining to amateur radio antennas and structures.  The hearing date is November 4, 2008 beginning at 2:00 PM at Village Hall.  This meeting only came about as a result of the letter of concern the club submitted to the Village Manager back in January and the efforts of Harvey, WB5OMO to pursue these changes within the Planning and Zoning Department.

Attached is a document of the proposed changes to the ordinance.  The amended ordinance is vastly superior to the current law.  All local hams should support this amendment by attending the Commission meeting and voicing your opinion. 

73,
Wayne, W0ZW

[W0ZW]

I am very happy to report that as a result of a vote by the Village of Ruidoso Council at its regular meeting on Jan. 27, 2009 , the Village antenna ordinance has been amended to now be a Federally compliant, amateur-friendly ordinance. The vote was 5 to 1.

There was a last minute addition to the amendment language to require antenna structures blend into the predominant color of their surroundings.  This was somewhat unexpected, but due to the overall gains we achieved otherwise I think we can live with this requirement.

I wish to thank all of the members in attendance tonight; KD5SG, KE5VJB, K5LPS, N9VET, WG0B, and WB5OMO.  Also a special thanks to our ARRL Section Manager, Don, W5FHA who traveled down from Albuquerque to speak on our behalf.  Also, my sincere thanks to Ed Ricco, N5LI who offered his support as volunteer council, and Brian, N5ZGT for his technical documentation support.

Last but not least, a big thank you to Harvey, WB5OMO who was a tremendous help facilitating access to the Village staff and monitoring the progress of the ordinance rewrite as it made it way through the legislative process.  From beginning to end the process took about 13 months.

73,
Wayne, WØZW