§ 15-516. Satellite dish antennas.

(a) General requirements.

(1) Satellite dish antennas must be permanently installed on a building, in the ground or on a foundation, and may not be mounted on a portable or movable structure.

(2) Subject to operational requirements, the dish must be of a neutral color, such as white or grey, to blend with the surroundings as best as possible. No signs are permitted on the satellite dish.

(3) Compliance with all federal, state and local regulations is required in the construction, installation, and operation of satellite dish antennas.

(4) All exposed surfaces of the antenna must be kept clean and all supports must be painted to maintain a well-kept appearance. Antennas no longer in use must be removed.

(b) Small satellite dish antennas.

(1) Satellite dish antennas that are1 meter or less in diameter ("small dish antennas") are subject to the general requirements of subsection (a) of this section.

(2) Satellite dishes are not permitted on any facade that adjoins a street unless a report is submitted to verify that this facade is the only location that receives an adequate signal.

(c) Large satellite dish antennas.

(1) In general.

Satellite dish antennas that are more than 1 meter in diameter ("large dish antennas") are subject to the general requirements of subsection (a) of this section.

(2) Residential districts.

(i) In residential districts, a large dish antennas is allowed only in the rear yard, and must be set back from all lot lines a distance that is at least equal to the height of the dish, but in no case less than 5 feet. Roof-mounting is prohibited.

(ii) The overall height of a large dish antenna cannot exceed 12 feet.

(iii) A large dish antenna must be screened from public view in accordance with the requirements of the Baltimore City Landscape Manual.

(3) Non-residential districts.

(i) In non-residential districts, a large dish antenna is allowed only in the rear or interior-side yard and must be set back from all lot lines a distance that is at least equal to the height of the dish, but in no case less than 5 feet.

(ii) Roof-mounting is allowed in non-residential districts only if the large dish antenna is in scale with the overall building mass and location and is screened by an architectural feature. The visible portion of the dish may not exceed 25% of the corresponding height or width of the screen.

(iii) A large dish antenna must be screened from public view in accordance with the requirements of the Baltimore City Landscape Manual.