No restrictive deed provision, restrictive covenant or agreement that affects satellite antennas with a diameter of 2 feet or less may be applied to any property on or after May 6, 1994, unless one of the following applies:
847.10.Antenna facilities.
Ch. 847: Miscellaneous Real Estate Actions · Last amended 1993 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceSection 847.10 keeps a restrictive deed provision, covenant, or agreement from being applied to block a satellite antenna 2 feet or less in diameter unless the restriction serves a defined safety or aesthetic purpose, does not unreasonably block reception, or does not impose excessive cost on the user.
Full Text of Section 847.10
(1) The restrictive deed provision, restrictive covenant or agreement has a reasonable and clearly defined aesthetic or public health or safety objective.
(2) The restrictive deed provision, restrictive covenant or agreement does not impose an unreasonable limitation on, or prevent, the reception of satellite-delivered signals by a satellite antenna with a diameter of 2 feet or less.
(3) The restrictive deed provision, restrictive covenant or agreement does not impose costs on a user of a satellite antenna with a diameter of 2 feet or less that exceed 10 percent of the purchase price and installation fee of the antenna and associated equipment.
Plain-English Summary
Section 847.10 limits how far restrictive deed provisions, covenants, or agreements can go in blocking small satellite dishes. Starting May 6, 1994, no such restriction affecting a satellite antenna with a diameter of 2 feet or less can be applied to any property unless it meets one of three conditions.
The restriction has to have a reasonable and clearly defined aesthetic, public health, or safety objective; or it has to avoid imposing an unreasonable limitation on, or preventing, reception of satellite-delivered signals by an antenna of that size; or it has to avoid imposing costs on the antenna’s user that exceed 10% of the purchase price and installation fee of the antenna and its associated equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a homeowners’ association or deed restriction ban small satellite dishes outright in Wisconsin?
Only if the restriction meets one of three tests, otherwise it cannot be applied to a satellite antenna 2 feet or less in diameter.
What size satellite dish does this Wisconsin protection cover?
Antennas with a diameter of 2 feet or less.
Can a restriction limit where I place my satellite dish for looks?
Yes, if the restriction has a reasonable and clearly defined aesthetic objective, it can still be enforced.
Can a restriction charge me extra fees for installing a satellite dish?
Only if those costs do not exceed 10% of the antenna and installation’s purchase price.
Does this protection apply to restrictions written before 1994?
The limit applies to application of the restriction on or after May 6, 1994, regardless of when the restriction itself was created.
Amendment History
History: 1993 a. 400.
Source & verification. Section text and official notes are
reproduced verbatim from the Wisconsin Statutes, published by the
Wisconsin Legislature (Legislative Reference Bureau). Last verified July 15, 2026.
· Official source
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