At one end of the tower spectrum are the communities (such as Westford, MA, my current QTH) , usually but not always located far from population centers , where you just walk into Town Hall, plunk down your Building Permit fee, and off you go. At the other end are those unenlightened towns that are still not aware of PRB-1 and the various state statutes which copy it, and who turn down valid tower permit applications in spite of it.

My previous QTH, Andover, Massachusetts, lies near the middle. Based on my investigations before purchasing my home there, Andover is similar to several other communities in Greater Boston in that tall antenna structures (towers) are a 'permitted accessory use of a residence', but a Special Permit is required. Andover hams are also fortunate in that the Town Bylaws specifically discuss the requirements for, and protect the establishment of, an "Amateur Radio Facility" - to distinguish it from cellular phone towers and the like.

I've assembled a short chronicle of my 75' tower installation in Andover in 1999, for you to enjoy and perhaps benefit from.
Click on a link below to see more.

I was a Special Contributor to the new book Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur by Fred, K1VR, published by the ARRL in May 2001. Fred used my tower permit as one of his case studies. I provided several of the documents, including a copy of my permit application itself, for the accompanying CD-ROM. 

My engineering services are available for many aspects of tower projects. See my consulting page for details.

This page last updated on 13 May 2001