[I-Hate-Hulse]

I was Board President of my condo for 3 years and dealt a lot with dishes.

As for sticking it on a ugly ass post in your backyard, it comes down to whether the backyard is defined as common property. If the Board is mowing it and has the authority to make it pretty, this idea won't fly either. You'll just be shot down again. Your trick is to setup your dish in a NON PERMANENT way. Hence why tripods on balconies are your best way. Any chance a dish will work aimed through a glass window? (I'm on Shaw for this very reason so I don't know the particulars on dishes)

Putting holes in the roof to mount stuff gives Boards heart attacks. Technically, you don't own the roof over your head; it's common property. So when you increase the possibility of water leakage and all the fun and joys of damage and mold growth - the Board has a responsibility to crack down on that and make sure nothing happens. Yeah, it sounds draconian, but you need to remember, you're living in a community.

Then there's the issue of unsightliness. I had a unit that decided to pickup a whole bunch of US grey market dishes and mount like 5 dishes on a 20 foot railing. Again, it may sound fine to you, but if everyone mounted a unit on their roof or balcony and it's going to make your condo look like it's got a bad case of acne / trailer park trash. Same reason most bylaws forbid the hanging of laundry.

So your best option is to carefully read you bylaws - what's defined as common property? Newer condos should definately have sat dishes spelled out - it's the sign of a good set of bylaws. If you know any of the Board, chat with them and see if it's an issue. Technically, the Board as a whole votes to proceed with enforcement action - it shouldn't be the vendetta of any one member. If you don't know - bring it up at the next AGM.

As much as people say that Boards and bylaws suck - they really are there to protect you. Just imagine if the guy next to you moves in with a set of drums and a desire to raise and slaughter chickens next to you. Was I happy being the guy that had to cite people for storing bikes and gear on balconies? No. But I and the others who sold and left the place were happy when prospective buyers came and didn't see a scene from Trailer Park Boys.

As jammies said - decisions are made by those that come out. Join the Board if you're not happy with decisions. I ended up on the Board as the previous ones were lead by incompetent fools who let the homeless cruise our halls as they didn't have the first clue on how the secure the building.