FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION

SOUTHWEST REGION

AIRPORTS DIVISION

Planning & Programming Branch

Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0610

Arkansas/Oklahoma Airport Development Office

Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0630

\(817\) 222-5630

Louisiana/New Mexico

Airport Development Office

Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0640

\(817\) 222-5640

Texas Airport Development Office

Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0650

\(817\) 222-5650

Cover design by:

Bernie Christian, ASW-651A

Texas ADO

Brochure prepared by:

Dean A. McMath, ASW-613

Planning and Programming Branch

August, 1999

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**[PREFACE]{.underline}**

Airports are facing increased pressure from the public to be more
sensitive of their impacts on the surrounding environs. Concerns for the
quality of life of nearby residences and related land uses is just one
of many issues which airports are having to resolve on a daily basis.
The resolution of this issue is becoming increasingly important in order
to protect current investments in the airport infrastructure as will as
to allow any future development of the facility.

This brochure is intended to briefly discuss this particular issue and
provide suggestions for the prevention and/or resolution to this valid
public concern.

**[THE PROBLEM: What is it?]{.underline}**

Compatible land uses versus noncompatible land uses is a subject of
great confusion. What are compatible and noncompatible land uses? When
is it the responsibility of the airport sponsor to try to maintain
compatible land uses around the airport? How does the sponsor go about
it?

**[COMPATIBLE LAND USE]{.underline}**

Compatible land uses are those which do not normally suffer as a result
of airport operations. Compatible land uses such as industrial or
commercial may actually flourish with an airport nearby, aiding in the
community\'s economic growth. With the growth of these businesses comes
more demand on air transportation, possibly necessitating airport
facility expansion. The relationship between the airport and these types
of land uses may be viewed as symbiotic in nature, each profiting from
the other\'s nearby existence.

**[NONCOMPATIBLE LAND USE]{.underline}**

Noncompatible land uses have historically led to problems of public
concern. Residents living near the airport are almost always unhappy
with noise, and often have concerns about approaching and departing
aircraft. Such a situation frequently strains relations between the
airport and its neighbors, and could result in legal action to force a
solution. It is in the best interest of everyone that land uses such as
residences, schools, hopitals, etc. not be located near an airport.

Waste disposal facilities and airports often appear to be logical
neighbors to many local governments. No one wants to live adjacent to
either an airport or a waste disposal facility. Why not put them
together in an isolated area?

Unfortunately, waste disposal sites are a notorious haven for birds and
therefore pose a potential hazard for aircraft. The FAA has developed
guidance on locating waste disposal sites as well as other wildlife
attractants in relation to airports. These criteria may be found in the
FAA Advisory Circular 150/5200-33, **Hazardous Wildlife Attractants On
Or Near Airports**.

**[THE SPONSOR\'S RESPONSIBILITY]{.underline}**

It is the responsibility of the airport sponsor to promote compatible
land uses around the airport. This could include promotion of zoning
laws that have been or will be taken to restrict the use of land
adjacent to or in the immediate vicinity of the airport to activities
and purposes that are compatible with normal airport/aircraft
operations. This includes the consideration of both existing and planned
land uses. The airport sponsor should encourage and support other
jurisdictions in the area in their efforts of land use planning. Not
only does this make good sense, it is a part of the airport sponsor\'s
Federal grant assurances.

**[PREVENTION AND/OR RESOLUTION]{.underline}**

Coordination with the planning agencies having jurisdiction over areas
surrounding an airport is a must in promoting compatible land uses.
Development of a Land Use Plan, zoning, and additional building code
requirements, are just a few of many options which are urged for
consideration and implementation. Proper planning will provide
alternative ideas for land owners considering development of their
property. Implementation of the plan will eliminate the potential of
complaints and it may pave the way for future economic growth.

**[FAA ASSISTANCE]{.underline}**

The FAA has information concerning land use planning in the forms of
advisory circulars and reports that are available to the airport sponsor
upon request. Inclusion of a compatible land use section in an Airport
Master Plan will go a long way in the prevention of noncompatible land
uses.

Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 150, Airport Noise Compatibility
Planning is a tool available to the airport sponsor to help him in his
prevention and/or resolution of compatibility problems. This Federally
assisted program looks at ways to reduce existing and future noise
impacts as well as preventing or reducing noncompatible land uses around
the airport.

FAA assistance is provided by your Airport Development Office (ADO).
Prevention and/or resolution of noncompatible land uses will protect the
present investment at the airport, result in a facility capable of
growth to meet future aviation demands, and ensure the airport is also a
\"good neighbor\" with its surroundings.