Council targets unsightly satellite dishes

Philadelphians may have to relocate their satellite dishes under a bill expected to be considered next week by City Council.

Councilman Darrell Clarke introduced the legislation because he said he believes Philadelphians are tired of staring at ugly and cumbersome satellite equipment. His bill, which was approved Tuesday by the Rules Committee, seeks to remedy this.

The proposal presents landlords with a choice: relocate dishes to side or rear facades, or apply for official certification indicating that the front façade is the only location from which the building can receive a dish signal.

Additionally, the bill would mandate the removal of hundreds, by Clarke's estimation, of inactive dishes that satellite providers have neglected to remove despite discontinuation of service.

"Facades are inundated," Clarke said. "Having to have a dish on the front of the house when you're pointing to the sky — I don't understand that."

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