Airport Land Use Compatibility Safety Zones

Government agencies, in order to establish effective land use planning and control measures around airports normally identify specific land use planning zones and boundaries. One such zone, often referred to as an Airport Land Use Compatibility Safety Zone, is a zone in which land use and development restrictions are established to protect the safety of the public.

The dimensions of Airport Land Use Compatibility Safety Zones are frequently based upon guidelines contained in the California Airport Land Use Handbook which are in turn based on patterns of aircraft accidents at and near general aviation airports.

The purpose of establishing Airport Land Use Compatibility Safety Zones is to create compatibility and safety standards which reduce potential safety hazards for persons living, working or recreating near airports. It is important that government officials, developers and planners understand the individual components of their local airport land use compatibility plans which incorporate federal and state airport design criteria such as Airport Land Use Compatibility Safety Zones. 

It is essential that developers understand that these zones may be modified based on local flight patterns and characteristics.  This, in turn could result in an otherwise denied project being approved and permitted.

Williams’ expertise enables us to assist developers navigate through the technical intricacies of land use compatibility in order to facilitate project approval and permitting, while continuing to ensure the protection and safety of the public.