Size and Location Restrictions of Satellite Dishes
Codified Ordinances of Cleveland § 347.18
in effect§ 347.18 Size and Location Restrictions of Satellite Dishes
(a) Purpose. This section regulates the location and size of satellite dishes in order to protect the public health and safety and to protect the visual character of residential areas. This section is intended to comply with state and federal law, policies and guidelines and does not intend to impair the installation, maintenance, or use of satellite dishes.
(b) Definition. For purposes of this section, “satellite dish” means a round or oblong parabolic antenna designed to receive transmission signals from earth orbiting satellites.
(c) Location and Number.
(1) The preferred location of a roof-mounted satellite dish is as near to the rear property line as in practicable to not impose unreasonable limitations on reception.
(2) No satellite dish mounted in the ground or attached to a fence or tree shall be placed in a front yard or in a side yard if such side yard is located in a Residential District or adjacent to a Residential District.
(3) No free-standing satellite dish antenna shall be located closer than three (3) feet to any property line.
(4) For buildings containing one (1) or more dwelling units, there shall be no more than one (1) satellite dish antenna per dwelling unit and no more than four (4) for any building, which is less.
(d) Size.
(1) The maximum diameter of a satellite dish mounted to a one-family, two-family or three- family house shall be thirty-six (36) inches.
(2) The maximum length or diameter of any free-standing satellite dish mounted in the ground shall be ten (10) feet.
(e) Permits. A Building Permit shall be required for a satellite dish antenna only in the following instances:
(1) If the satellite dish antenna exceeds thirty-six (36) inches in diameter; or
(2) If the satellite dish antenna is mounted to a pole or other support structure that exceeds ten (10) feet in height.
(f) Applicability. The regulations of this section shall apply to all satellite dish antennas installed more than ninety (90) days after the effective date of this ordinance.
(g) Removal. Any satellite dish antenna that has been unused for reception for a continuous period of six (6) months or more shall be removed by the owner of the antenna.
(1) The maximum diameter of a satellite dish mounted to a one (1) family, two (2) family or three (3) family house shall be thirty-six (36) inches.
(2) The maximum length or diameter of any free-standing satellite dish mounted in the ground shall be ten (10) feet.
(h) Penalty. Whoever violates subsections (c) or (d) hereof is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.
(Ord. No. 675-09. Passed 11-29-10, eff. 11-30-10)
Source: City of Cleveland, Ohio, Codified Ordinances and City Charter (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/cleveland/latest/cleveland_oh/0-0-0-14770Fetched: 11/1/2026