Land Use Planning

What is the Land Use Compatibility noise bulletin?

The Land Use Compatibility noise bulletin is a guide that helps airport operators and land use planners achieve compatible land use near airports. This guide identifies land use control methods and who is responsible for land use planning. This guide also provides tools to assist in creating compatible land use near airports. A summary of the FAA Land Use Guidelines document is posted at http://listserv.wylelabs.com/read/messages?id=295. An overview of the topic is presented below.

What parties are involved with compatible land use near airports?

What land use issues need to be considered near airports?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has developed four issues to consider for compatible land use around airports.

  • Impact of aircraft noise
    • Noise contours are developed to keep incompatible land uses, such as residential areas and schools, from being built near airports.
    • Noise contours set baselines, which protect people from excessive noise and emissions.
    • Some states have avigation easements and disclosure agreements, which do the following:
      • Distribute information about airports and the impacts on residential areas
      • Require home construction to meet noise standards
      • Inform potential homeowners about aviation noise
  • Conflicts between aircraft and tall structures near the airport
    • Federal Aviation Regulation, Part 77, which does the following:
      • Defines the maximum height of buildings near airports
      • Makes airports aware of surrounding communities' new construction projects
      • Requires communication towers to be well lit
  • Electronic interference with aviation navigation aids
    • Federal Aviation Regulation, Part 77, which does the following:
    • Makes sure that communication towers near airports do not obstruct safe aircraft operations
      • Ensures that electromagnetic waves from communication towers do not interfere with aircraft navigation aids
  • Interaction between aircraft and wildlife
    • We avoid building airports near land that may attract wildlife.

What legislation relates to aircraft noise and compatible land use planning?

To address land use compatibility and aircraft noise issues, legislation has focused on:

  • Helping airport operators carry out noise compatibility programs
  • Funding noise compatibility programs
  • Ensuring compatible land use near airports
  • Establishing a National Noise Policy.
    • This policy replaces noisier aircraft with quieter aircraft.
  • Considering the environmental effects of proposed airport actions
  • Minimizing impacts to water, wetlands, and endangered species

Who funds compatible land use projects?

Compatible land use projects are funded by two federal sources:....

  • Airport Improvement Program
  • Passenger Facility Charge

At what level does airport and land use planning occur?

Airport and land use planning occurs at the national, state, regional and local levels.

What is Airport Master Planning?

An Airport Master Plan is a long-term development plan for an airport. The Airport Master Plan is approved through a public hearing process, so that multiple viewpoints can be heard.

FAA Noise Compatibility Program

The Federal Aviation Regulation Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program addresses aircraft noise issues. This program allows airport operators to submit noise exposure maps and noise compatibility programs to the Federal Aviation Administration for review and approval. A noise compatibility program outlines steps than an airport will take to reduce incompatible land use within areas exposed to excess aviation noise. Three common measures to reduce noise issues are:

  • Operational measures, such as changes in the runway
  • Preventive measures, such as compatible land use zoning
  • Remedial measures, such as sound insulation in nearby homes

For more information see What to Do About Noise section of NoiseQuest.

What is local land use planning?

Local land use planning should be part of the land use policy used by airports and local land use planners. The airport master planning and local land use planning must be coordinated to ensure land use compatibility.

What tools are used to achieve compatible land use?

Airport operators and local land use planners have several tools available to help them to achieve compatible land use near airports.

  • Comprehensive Plans
    • Comprehensive planning is an effective way of ensuring land use compatibility near airports.
  • Zoning and Subdivision Regulations
    • Zoning regulations can be used to control development near airports. Zoning can reduce incompatible land use.
    • The local legislative body and planning commission prepare subdivision regulations. These regulations determine how a proposed subdivision may add to the incompatibility of noise exposure.
  • Building and Housing Codes
    • Some building codes have special requirements for properties in high noise exposure areas.
    • Housing codes can be used to set minimum standards for residential housing. These codes also address noise impacts on local residents.
  • Capital Improvement Programming
    • This tool is used to help local government agencies in adopting a comprehensive plan.
    • Capital Improvement Programming can encourage or discourage certain types of land use near airports.
  • Official Map Regulations, Infrastructure Extensions, and Growth Policies
    • Official map regulations show the location of public facilities and needs.
    • Infrastructure elements, such as roadways and sewers, can impact airport development.
    • Some communities try to control growth in certain areas by using growth policies.
    • Official map regulations, infrastructure extensions, and growth policies are used to encourage compatible land use near airports.
  • Development Rights and State Airport Zoning Commission Regulations
    • Transferable Development Rights (TDR) and Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) provide relocation of development rights from one location to another.
    • Airports can use these rights to avoid incompatible land use.
    • Planners also need to be aware of aviation and airport laws in their state.
  • Public Education
    • Public education and awareness is essential for successful airport planning.
    • Airport operators can distribute information to the public through the use of brochures, newsletters, and Internet web pages.
    • Open dialogue with the public is also recommended.